Windshields are one of the most important parts of your car, but they’re often overlooked. They’re kind of like that weird uncle that lives in the attic: you know he’s there, but you don’t really know much about him. But unlike that uncle, windshields are essential to your car’s structural integrity and safety. In fact, windshields may be even more important than you think: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 31% of all passenger vehicle crashes occur when there is no front-end collision at all—this means that if your windshield doesn’t stay intact during an accident with another vehicle or object, it could potentially cause serious injuries or even death for yourself or others involved in the crash. So how do you know if you need windshield replacement? Below we’ve listed some common signs that signal when it’s time to get a new one installed or repaired!
Cracks On Your Windshield
You may have heard that cracks on your windshield can be dangerous, and that’s true. Cracks are one of the biggest signs that you need to replace your windshield. They can spread quickly, causing more damage than you might think. Plus, if left untreated for too long, the glass could break completely and cause you to lose visibility or even get hit by other vehicles in traffic!
Chips Or Cracks That Spread From The Impact Point
If a chip or crack spreads from the impact point, it’s a sign that your windshield may not be able to withstand the force of an impact. If this happens, your windshield could break apart if hit by another object.
Visible Chips
The first sign that you need to have your windshield replaced is the presence of chips. A chip is not just a small scratch; it’s also a crack that has formed in the outer layer of your windshield. When this happens, it can lead to other problems such as cracks spreading from the impact point or cracks outside of your line of sight.
Chips That Are Outside Of The Line Of Sight
- The windshield is designed to protect you from the elements. When a rock or other object hits your windshield, it can chip away at the glass and create cracks that go beyond what’s visible to the naked eye. The deeper these chips go into your windshield, the more likely they are to cause further damage in the future–and even lead to full replacement if left untreated.
- The windshield is designed to protect you from other cars. When another driver’s front bumper makes contact with yours, their impact alone may not cause any noticeable damage on its own; however, if this contact causes one of your chipped areas (or even just one small chip) then there’s an increased risk for further damage as well as potential injury due to flying debris hitting passengers inside your vehicle after impact occurs..
Cracks That Are Larger Than A Quarter Inch
If your windshield has cracks that are larger than a quarter inch, it could be time for you to get a replacement. Large cracks can be caused by small chips in the glass or rocks hitting your windshield at high speeds. If these chips aren’t fixed, they can turn into larger fractures on the surface of the glass which may cause further damage to your car’s cabin and safety features.
If Your Windshield Has Any Of These Issues, It May Not Last Through A Crash.
If your windshield has any of these issues, it may not last through a crash.
- Cracks that spread from the impact point. If you have chips or cracks that spread from the impact point, it’s likely that your windshield will not hold up if you’re in an accident. The stress placed on the glass during an accident can cause those fractures to spread much further than they were when they were first formed.
- Your windshield is old and worn out. Windshields are designed to be replaced every five years–but if yours is older than that, consider having it replaced sooner rather than later! The older your windshield gets (especially if it’s been repaired multiple times), the less sturdy it becomes and more prone to cracking during normal driving conditions as well as during collisions with other vehicles or objects like trees or guardrails along highways.
Conclusion
If you’re not sure if you need windshield replacement, the best thing to do is take it to a shop and have them look at it. They can tell you if there are any cracks or chips that could cause problems in an accident.
