Your windscreen isn't just a piece of glass. It's actually an incredibly important component of your vehicle and if it's chipped or cracked you could be compromising your safety.
We've been in the auto glass repair and replacement business for more than 20 years, and we're often asked why it's important to fix--what many would consider--a small windscreen chip. Well, it may be a small chip, but it could cause some big safety and financial issues later if you don't repair a chipped windscreen.
The increased pressure on the glass can turn the chip into a crack at any time. Depending on how large the crack is, it may not be repairable and you may need to have your entire windscreen replaced--which would drive the costs up significantly if you don't have insurance coverage.
This is a no-brainer, but it should be mentioned anyway. Experts say that drivers driving with a damaged windscreen are more susceptible to accidents. ??
A windscreen chip degrades your vehicle's structural integrity. This is one thing that many people don't know. Your windscreen actually contributes to the structural strength of your vehicle. In a crash or roll-over accident the windscreen helps support the roof, prevents you from being thrown from the vehicle and can also help airbags deploy properly.
When you hire a professional auto glass company to do your windscreen chip repair, they will come with all the experience and tools to get the job done correctly and quickly. Generally, it takes about 10-15 minutes to repair a chip. And, as mentioned above, if you have glass coverage on your insurance policy you may not have to pay one penny out of pocket.
If that chip has turned into a large crack you could be ticketed. Most states prohibit the obstruction of the windscreen by having anything other than sun visors, rear-view mirrors and toll collecting devices attached. In addition, if there is a pit, chip or crack larger than one inch anywhere on the windscreen, you could be cited.
The bottom line is that your windscreen is important to your vehicle. It provides structural strength and is meant to protect you in the event of an accident. Repairing chipped windscreens is simple, fast and cost-effective.