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4 FAQs About Your Damaged Windshield

10 November 2017

James Riley

It's always frustrating to get in your car, and suddenly spot a crack or ding on your windshield. If you have a damaged windshield, you may be wondering if it's really necessary to fix the window. If you aren't sure what a damaged windshield really means, check out these four frequently asked questions:

Is a Crack Dangerous?

Damaged to your windshield can be a major safety hazard. For starters, if the crack or ding affects your vision, you may not spot a pedestrian or animal crossing the street. However, more importantly, a cracked windshield affects the structural integrity of your car. Your windshield is made of tempered glass and resin, which makes it strong. However, a crack or ding that damages the resin weakens the windshield. It may crush if the car flips, or it may allow passengers to be thrown through the windshield in an accident.

Does it Need to Be Replaced?

A damaged windshield doesn't always need to be replaced. Sometimes, the damage can be repaired. Both small dings and small cracks can be heated and cooled to reform into one solid piece. This returns the structural integrity. However, this only works on small dings and cracks. Larger ones will need a total windshield replacement. Also, if the damage is right in your line of vision, you may want to replace instead of repair. The repair process often leaves the window slightly warped, which can affect your vision.

Is it Illegal to Ignore a Crack?

Depending on where you live, ignoring that crack or ding could be against the law. Different cities and states have different laws. However, if it is illegal in your area, it typically only relates to cracks and dings in the viewing area. The viewing area is usually considered where the wipers touch. This is because it can affect your vision.

Who Pays for the Replacement?

Luckily, your auto insurance will likely cover the cost of the windshield replacement. Unfortunately, if you haven't paid your deductible for the year yet, you may still have to pay for the entire windshield out of pocket. This is because auto insurance deductibles are often close to the price of a new windshield. Check with your state laws, however. In some states, the deductible can be waived for windshield replacement.

Don't let that damaged window cause an accident or get you a ticket. Windshield replacement and repair is a great way to regain your cars structural strength. For more information, contact local auto glass services in your area today.

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About Me

I have very small rooms in my house and I have spent many hours looking into ways to create a larger feel in the small spaces. My bathroom is especially small and I had to find a way to make it appear a lot larger than it really is. I decided that the best way for me to create the open feel that I wanted in the bathroom was to install a glass shower surround. I had my contractor remove the bathtub and install a walk-in shower that was completely enclosed with glass. This is just one way that I have used glass in my small home. Go to my site to find out other ways that you can use glass to make smaller homes appear bigger.