Windshield & Auto Glass After an Accident: When a Chip Becomes a Safety Issue

If a passing motorist flicks a stone up at your windshield, or you’re involved in a minor fender bender, you might not think a windshield repair service is all that important. After all, if your windshield and auto glass look mostly fine, a small chip or hairline crack is no big deal, right? Wrong.

Even a small chip can quickly become a safety issue under the right circumstances. If you’re unsure whether to request expert help for your windshield, this information in this guide may help you make the right call:

Why Is Your Windshield So Important?

There’s more to the average modern windshield than meets the eye. While they traditionally block wind and debris, they also do so much more.

Modern windshields support the structural integrity of your roof and protect your vehicle’s occupants during a rollover event. They also help ensure the airbags deploy properly and maintain clear visibility during driving.

You may be shocked to learn that the windshield is a crucial safety component that provides up to 45% of a cabin’s structural strength and up to 60% in a rollover collision.

A Small Chip Can Become a Big Problem

When you only have a small chip in your windshield, organizing a windshield repair service may not seem like a priority. However, even the tiniest chip can:

• Transform into a large crack in a matter of days, due to everyday driving stress, temperature changes, and road vibrations.
• Weaken the structural protection of your windshield, reducing its ability to support the roof during a collision or rollover.
• Interfere with the deployment of your passenger-side airbags, as the windshield is often a backstop.
• Reduce visibility by distorting your field of vision, especially in bright sunlight or at night.

Repair vs. Replace: Does Windshield Chip Repair Work?

Windshield chip repair won’t work in all situations, but windshield replacement also won’t be required all the time.

You may be able to schedule a windshield repair service if:

• The chip is smaller than a quarter
• The crack is shorter than three inches
• The damage isn’t in the driver’s line of sight

Windshield replacement is required if:

• The crack is long and spreading
• The damage reaches the edge of the windshield
• The inner glass layer is weakened
• There are multiple cracks

In all situations, even if a crack or chip appears minor, you should request a professional inspection from your local automotive expert.

Worried About Possible Glass Damage?

If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s not just the body of your vehicle you should check. You should also inspect your windshield. Take these four actions:

1. Inspect the windshield in good lighting
2. Look for chips near the impact zone
3. Listen for wind noise to indicate possible seal damage
4. Request a professional inspection from a trusted professional

Navigating Windshield Repairs and Replacement with Modern Vehicles

For an older vehicle, windshield repair and replacement services typically involve repairing or replacing a chip or crack. However, the newer your vehicle is, the more intensive this service can be.

Many new vehicles have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. Such systems use cameras, which are often mounted behind the windshield.

When a windshield is replaced, these systems typically must be recalibrated to ensure the safety features function correctly.

What to Do When Your Windshield or Auto Glass is Compromised

After a collision or another event that chips or cracks your windshield or auto glass, don’t use high-pressure car washes, as the pressure can drive moisture into the chip, worsening it. You should also avoid extreme temperature changes, such as blasting the heater or air conditioning directly on the windshield.

While you wait for your windshield to be repaired or replaced, cover the chip with clear tape to prevent debris and moisture from entering it.

Request Windshield Repair Services from Mr. Car Shine Body Shop in Garland, TX

Do you have a chip or crack in your windshield that you’re concerned about? It’s time to request windshield repair services from Mr. Car Shine Body Shop in Garland, TX. Our windshield and auto-glass repair technicians can perform a damage assessment and provide complete restoration to give you peace of mind. Once your windshield is as good as new, we’ll even provide a written guarantee to protect our work. Schedule your auto glass repair service today!