Is It Dangerous to Drive With A Chip in My Windshield?

While you can physically drive with a cracked windshield, we don't recommend it! Driving around with a damaged windshield can put your life, as well as that of others at risk. Even the smallest crack or chip in your windshield will eventually get bigger and compromise the safety of a vehicle’s passengers. So it’s not a question of if it is dangerous, but how dangerous it is to drive with a chipped windshield. A damaged windshield is unsafe, and you should contact a reputable windshield chip repair shop at the earliest. Here’s a lowdown on why driving with a chipped windshield can be hazardous:

Compromises Safety

A damaged windshield will not provide the required level of passenger protection in case of collisions. Designed to ensure passenger safety, modern windshields are made of two layers of glass with a laminated core. Even if the outer layer is damaged, the laminate and the inside layer hold the windshield together. This protects the passengers from pieces of glass that could fall on them otherwise. It also impairs airbag deployment, so get your chipped windshield repaired by a windshield chip repair specialist like General Auto Glass immediately.  

Decreases Visibility

A chipped or cracked windshield can impair the visibility of the driver if it is in the driving field. Moisture and dirt can also seep into the sandwiched layers of the glass, further decreasing visibility.

Destroys Structural Integrity 

Windshields provide vital structural stability and minimize crushing impact during a frontal collision or a rollover. However, even a small crack or chip can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle. As your car’s structural stability is dependent on the windshield, don’t be lazy about getting a windshield crack repair as soon as possible.

Legal Implications 

Driving around with a chipped windshield may be illegal in your county. If you’re caught driving a chipped windshield in Ontario, you can be issued a ticket. Your vehicle can even be ordered off the road if the damage significantly impairs driver visibility. 

Your Windshield Glass Can Shatter

While windshields are designed to hold together, the same does not hold true for cracked or chipped windshields. Chips and cracks weaken the glass and reduce the effectiveness of adhesives. Moisture, extreme temperatures and the additional stress of a collision can cause the glass to shatter on impact. 

The Verdict? Don’t drive with a chip or crack your windshield. If you have a damaged windshield, avoid driving as much as possible and seek a reputable windshield chip repair company immediately.     

Chipped Your Windshield? Don’t Stress! 

Contact General Auto Glass for quick, professional and reliable windshield chip repair.  The undisputed leaders in windshield crack repair and replacement across the GTA, we guarantee to get your ride back on the road safely! Small chips and cracks can quickly snowball in extreme conditions; stay safe this winter with premium windshield chip repair by our certified glass technicians. Dial 905-604-0433 for a free pricing quote today! Or email:info@generalautoglass.ca for more tips and advice on a windshield chip repair and replacement.