Windshield 101: Why You Should Always Repair or Replace a Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Car Windshield

A chipped or cracked car
windshield may not seem like a big deal in the short term, especially if the car has no other issues. However, those minor chips and cracks can
worsen over time, leading to more costly repairs and potentially putting you
and your passengers in danger.

If your car windshield is
cracked or chipped due to flying debris or a minor accident, you may be tempted
to put off making repairs. After all, you can still see through the windshield,
and it still blocks the wind. Why spend the money? But you may not have
considered some crucial details. For a start, in its now-weakened state, your
windshield may not be able to protect you and your passengers from additional accidents. Plus, by delaying small repairs, you're opening your car up to
greater damage—and more costly repairs—further down the line.

Safety Considerations

You may think you can see
clearly out of that chipped windshield, but what happens when a car, person, or
other obstacle appears right in the broken spot? Your risk for automobile

accidents is automatically higher when your windshield's visibility is at all
compromised. Additionally, a damaged windshield is weaker than a solid
windshield and can shatter during a subsequent accident or if the car in front
of you kicks up a rock into the glass. Protect yourself and your passengers
from injury by calling in an auto
glass repair
specialist. This professional will be able to give you an idea of how serious
the damage actually is, as well as an estimate for windshield repair costs.

Financial Considerations

Small cracks and chips in a
windshield often worsen over time, due to the stress of continued car use and
exposure to the elements. This means that what might start out as a small
issue, inexpensive to repair, could quickly become a major and costly problem.
If the damage is serious enough, windshield repair might no longer be an option; instead, you'll
have to replace the entire windshield. In addition to repair and replacement
costs, keep in mind that, in some states, police officers can issue tickets for

driving with a damaged windshield, because of the safety hazard. Avoid hefty
fines by dealing with a broken windshield in a timely fashion.

Repair vs. Replace

Windshield repair
specialists can fill small cracks and chips in the glass with an epoxy resin that is
cured using ultra-violet light or sunlight. This resin should keep cracks and
chips from growing over time as well as invisibly repair them. However, deep cracks and large broken areas
cannot be fixed in this manner, which means that your best bet is windshield replacement.
Unless you have extensive car maintenance experience, you should call a
professional to complete this task. A properly installed, intact windshield is
key to protecting you and your precious cargo from the elements, from flying
debris, and in case of accident.

The money you'll spend
repairing minor windshield damage is nothing compared to the knowledge that
you're lengthening the life of your windshield glass, saving money in the long term, and
ensuring passenger safety. The next time you're tempted to put off making
windshield repairs, think twice--and consider the real cost.

Maria Allen works on his Ford Mustang in his free time and is an Internet marketing strategist with Prospect Genius, providing
affordable online advertising
for local businesses.