Your windshield blocks sleet, rain and snow while offering you clear visibility as you drive. However, since it is glass, its fragile nature makes it prone to breakage and damage.
While windshield cracks are an annoyance, they can also become a significant safety hazard. While some drivers get a cracked windshield taken care of right away, others drive with one for as a long as possible because of the cost of the repair or the inconvenience of getting it done.
Is it safe to drive with a crack in my windshield?
If you have a windshield crack, you are probably wondering how long you can drive with it in that condition. Technically, you can continue to drive with a crack in your windshield, but you’ll need to consider two key factors first.
Size and location
The size of your windshield chip or crack matters when it comes to safe driving. When you have a long, spread-out crack, you’ll likely have to get it repaired or replaced right away to stay in compliance with your state or local laws. However, for smaller cracks, you might be able to drive for a longer period with it without risking tickets or accidents.
You can typically drive with a small windshield crack positioned on the passenger’s side of the windshield until you get it taken care of. Cracks on the driver’s side are trickier—if it’s interfering with your view, it can become impossible to drive safely.
Keep in mind that some cracks start out small and spread because of how glass expands and contracts with temperature changes. When cracks are smaller, you might be able to get them repaired. If you wait, the crack could grow, leaving you needing a new windshield. In some extreme cases, the windshield could shatter entirely.
How long should I drive with a cracked windshield?
It’s not advisable to drive with your windshield cracked for a long period of time, particularly if it is significant or obstructing your view of the road. You could wind up with a ticket or, even worse, cause an accident. Even a small crack implies the structural integrity of the windshield has been compromised, making it a safety hazard to you and others on the road.
Regardless of how long you think you may be able to drive with a cracked windshield, you should get it checked out as soon as you can. For this, you’ll need to reach out to a professional, experienced auto glass company or a glass technician. A professional service will help you determine whether the glass is repairable or if you need to have the windshield replaced.If you need emergency windshield repairs or replacement, contact us for a service today. Our experienced technicians will help you get your windshield repaired or replaced, and our service team is here to help you and answer all your questions. Don’t wait until you get a ticket or your windshield cracks even more—let us provide you with quality windshield repair services today.