How Long Can I Drive with a Cracked Windshield?

A chipped or cracked windshield is an eventuality every car owner has to deal with at some point in their driving lifespan. From ice and collisions to flying debris and unaccounted baseballs, all can cause your car windshield to crack or chip. And we all know that we need to get that crack repaired or, worse, replace the windshield. Ignoring the damage can cause the crack to grow, resulting in expensive windshield replacement rather than a simple repair.

However, before you get to an auto glass showroom, you may wonder if and for how long can you wait to get that crack fixed. Yes, the short answer is you can drive with a cracked windshield, but it is not advisable for safety reasons. The sooner you get the crack repaired, the better it is for your safety, convenience and wallet! How long you can drive with a cracked windshield depends on the severity of the crack and few other factors, so read on!

#Structural Integrity

Safety is a primary factor to consider in any windshield damage. The windshield plays a significant role in providing structural integrity to your vehicle. A small crack at the top or bottom of the windshield will not really impact your car’s structural integrity, so you can probably drive it for sometime before you get it repaired. However, if the crack is large or starts spreading, you should immediately stop driving and have it towed to a trustworthy windshield replacement and repair shop like General Auto Glass. 

#Size of the Crack

The severity of damage and size of the crack determines whether you can drive with a cracked windshield. If the gap is small, you can probably drive around locally, but getting your windshield repaired at the earliest is highly recommended. However, if the crack is large, it is not only unsafe to drive, it is also probably illegal in most states. You should immediately get it inspected by a windshield expert who will recommend whether you need to repair or replace the windshield.

Windshield cracks come in all shapes and sizes, from a bullseye crack to a starburst or a combination of both. A small starburst crack can spiderweb out and spread to an unrepairable crack within a few days.

With extremes of weather, the glass can contract and expand, causing the crack to spread and necessitate windshield replacement.

#Crack Location

The location of the crack is also crucial while determining driveability. If the crack hinders the driver’s field of vision, or you see through the crack while driving, you will need immediate windshield replacement. In case the crack is on the passenger side and small in size, you can probably drive for a few hundred miles without any serious consequences. However, as mentioned earlier, it is highly advisable to get the crack repaired or replace the windshield as soon as possible. Not only is it safer, but a small crack is also cheaper to repair. The longer you take to get it repaired, the higher are the chances of it spreading and ending up as an unavoidable windshield replacement.

#Depth of the Crack

If the crack is confined to the upper surface of your windshield, it is a minor crack, and you can drive it around for a while before you find time to get it fixed. Major cracks that are deep and can be felt on both sides of your windshield are not safe. It is best to replace the windshield at the earliest as they are unsafe and might collapse at the slightest impact. 

#Final Thoughts

While one can drive with a small crack in the windshield, the fact remains that it is never really safe to drive around with a cracked windshield. Even the tiniest crack can grow into a significant safety hazard, impairing the structural integrity of your car and the safety of its occupants. A trained and experienced auto glass expert can diagnose the type of crack and recommend the best approach for safe repair or windshield replacement. 

Looking for the Best Windshield Replacement & Repair in the GTA? 

Well, look no further than General Auto Glass, your go-to experts for all your auto glass requirements. If you have a cracked or damaged windshield, ensure your safety by trusting the experts at General Auto Glass. Our trained technicians provide the finest and safest auto glass repair and replacement across Toronto, Markham, North York and the GTA! Premium workmanship, OEM Glass at the most affordable prices you’ll love! We even take care of your insurance claim and deductible for you! Dial 905-604-0433 or mail us at  info@gereralsutoglass.ca for a hassle-free auto glass repair experience today!