Windshields of the car are designed specially to make sure the safety of passengers and drivers even if severe impact causes them to crack, chip, or shatter. They have two glass layers laminated together. If a layer of glass breaks, the coat and the within glass layer grasp the windshield jointly, keeping pieces of glass from harming passengers of the car or plunging on the road.
This does not indicate that you must pay no attention to a cracked windshield, however. A little crack even signifies that the glass’s structural integrity has been compromised. A damaged windshield no longer offers the level of protection intended. Though not an instant danger, if the crack is huge, close to or touching the edge of the windshield, the glass might have to be replaced from windshield replacement Tulsa and driving the car is not suggested.
Common Risks of driving with a cracked windshield
While it may not seem like a big thing, driving with a damaged windshield can prove to be a severe risk for you, your vehicle, your passengers, and other drivers. Following are the risks that come with not having a damaged windshield repaired fast:
Compromised Structural Integrity
The main function of the windshield is to lend structural integrity to the vehicle. It forms a framework that supports the roof. This indicates that a car glass stops the roof from caving in a rollover accident. A cracked or chipped windshield might not be able to carry out that function. The laminated glass stops the windscreen from shattering, which may not be the case if it is already cracked or chipped. In case of any issues with the windshield contact auto glass repair Tulsa.
Decreased Visibility
A well-maintained car windshield provides maximum visibility. When the car glass gets cracks or chips, it obstructs the vision of the driver, particularly in low light or during bad weather conditions. This increases the risk of a collision or an accident. For that matter, an uneven windshield also causes flashes or glares of blinding light that can briefly blind the driver, putting the passengers in deadly danger.
Water Leaks
Cracked or chipped windshields often result in water leaks. Dew or rainwater may drip in and cause moist interiors resulting in mildew and mold development. It may even harm the electrical constituents and the upholstery. The windshield replacement cost must not discourage you from getting it replaced as these hazards will gradually but surely enforce added expenses.
Airbag Malfunction
The windshield is crucial in the airbag deployment process. The airbags guard the passenger from getting injured by hitting the car dashboard or steering wheel in case of an impact or collision. The windscreen is meant as a backstop for the airbag and in turn protects you in case of an accident. A chipped, cracked, or wrongly installed windshield will cause airbag deployment malfunction.
Risk of Ejection
A windshield decreases the risk of ejection that typically follows a collision. In simpler terms, it keeps a person within the car instead of being thrown out of it with so much strength. But, a windshield can only carry out that function if it is chip and crack-free. Keep in mind, it will most likely still sustain severe damage following a collision. If it is damaged before the crash already, it takes very little to make it collapse or shatter. Get in touch with auto glass Tulsa once you see any crack.
The Chances of Shattering Glass
The good news is windshields today are designed specifically to grasp shattered glass together. They use special adhesives that keep broken glass pieces glued together. The special lamination these windshields have stopped the glass from flying all over. So, even if the windshield smashes, the wrecked pieces should not shower on the passengers and driver in the car.
But that is only factual for windshields with no previous damage. Earlier cracks can decrease the effectiveness of adhesives usually. This then makes flying shards and shattering after a collision a chance. Hence, it is not recommended you allow too much time to pass before you get your windshield replaced or fixed. The longer you wait to have that crack or chip fixed, the less efficient the laminate will become. Contact windshield repair Tulsa to get the issue resolved fast.
Laws Regarding Cracked Windshields
Depending on where you reside, operating a vehicle with a cracked windshield may be against the law. In most the places, it is illegal that you cannot drive a car that has a cracked windshield of more than six inches. In case your windshield only has an inch fracture, it is illegal to drive if it blocks your view of the road. The same goes true for any other kind of windshield damage. In a few places, drivers cannot drive a car that has a long crack on the windshield. But if part of the damage is within the windshield wipers clearing area, it is already against the law to drive your car.
The fact is that state laws make it against the law to drive with a cracked windshield. They may differ, such as in the case of size or length of damage, but they all share a common thing. That is to keep the roads safe from the prospective hazards cracked windshields bring.
Call Auto glass replacement Tulsa OK
If your windshield is damaged with a small crack, chip, bull’s eye, or spider crack. Call Auto glass replacement Tulsa OK to have the windshield repaired. Average repairs are affordable which means you can save a significant amount when compared to the price of replacing a windshield. If you have any queries about the damage type to your windshield, be sure to call them or fill out the online quote request. Tulsa windshields will help find out if it is possible to repair or if, based on your description; it would be safer to restore the windshield.
