Maybe the 18-wheeler in front of you kicked up a rock that struck your windshield. Maybe you were in a fender-bender. Either way, you now have a small crack or chip in your car's windshield, side window, or rear window. It doesn't affect visibility and the window as a whole seems stable, which means you can put off repairs right? Wrong. Auto glass repair is more urgent than you may realize, even in cases where the crack or chip is extremely small. Consider the risks of waiting to repair the windshield or window, and then book an appointment at your local auto glass repair and replacement shop.
Avoid Further Damage and Cost
Even a small crack or chip can grow and it's impossible to know when that will happen, how much worse it will get, and how quickly. Weather changes can affect cracked glass. You might drive over a large speed bump or back into another vehicle, causing the crack to grow suddenly. Or, of course, you might be in another accident and discover that glass that seemed stable shatters immediately. In many cases, auto glass repair is much less costly than complete replacement of a cracked or shattered window. By repairing small issues before they become major ones, you're caring for your vehicle and saving money in the long run.
Protect Yourself and Your Passengers
Your windshield is all that stands between you and oncoming flying debris. If it's weakened with cracks or chips, the next rock that comes skipping toward your windshield could go straight through, hitting you or a passenger. Similarly, intact windows protect you better in a crash than windows that are ready to shatter, sending shards of glass at you. Window repair can also improve visibility, especially if the crack or chip is in your line of vision. Why would you risk your own and your passengers' safety by waiting to repair broken windows until it's too late?
Avoid Tickets and Fines
If the crack or chip in your vehicle's window is severe enough, you might actually be breaking the law by not fixing it. A broken windshield or window can endanger other drivers, due to decreased visibility and the increased likelihood that the window could break or crack while you're driving, causing you to drive erratically or hit another vehicle. In some areas, a police officer can pull you over and issue a ticket for driving with a damaged windshield; you'll have to pay a fine in addition to resolving the issue within a certain time period. Save yourself the hassle and the money by looking into windshield repair as soon as the damage occurs.
By repairing a chipped or cracked car or van window, you're saving yourself time and money in the long run and helping ensure the safety of everyone inside the vehicle. You're also being a good citizen of the road. So the next time you see an imperfection in your auto glass, even a small chip, it's worth making an appointment to get the window checked out by a professional.
