Seeing a rock chip staring back at you as you drive is never a good sign. Rock chips may seem innocent; however, windshield chip repair is far more essential than most divers realize. The time and money required for repair are worth preserving your windshield’s functionality and life. Keep reading to understand why windshield chip repair is so necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Prevent Further Damage and Save Time and Money
For safety and saving money in the long term, fixing small chips in windshield is essential. Leaving a damaged area unrepaired can allow dirt and debris to penetrate the crack or chip over time. Once dirt or particles are embedded inside glass damage, removing them becomes complicated.
Small chips worsen over time. Temperature fluctuations and road vibrations can cause cracks to propagate. Replacing the whole windshield is much more costly than a simple chip repair. Some insurance policies will pay for chip repairs, but replacing cracked glass may not be covered, making repairs the more cost-effective option. Windshield chip repairs are quicker than a complete replacement, as small chips or cracks only require filling in or sealing the damaged area.
2. Vision Obstruction
Clear sightlines are necessary for safe driving. The windshield primarily provides visibility for the driver. Even minor defects, such as chips or cracks, obstruct the view. Poor visibility from a cracked windshield is especially dangerous under low light or bad weather conditions. Environmentally compromised visibility and additional obstruction from a cracked windscreen further reduce what the driver can see and increase car accident risks.
3. Structural Integrity and Safety
The windshield is not just a piece of glass but an essential part of the vehicle’s structure. It provides support for the car’s roof. The windshield prevents the roof from collapsing in a rollover accident. Small chips and cracks can compromise the car’s structural integrity and the strength of the glass. This puts occupants at higher risk of severe injury or death in an accident. Weakened glass is also more likely to shatter in an accident.
Shards of broken glass flying inside a vehicle during a collision pose a severe safety risk of lacerations, cuts, and more for drivers and passengers. Maintain the windshield’s protective qualities through prompt repair.
4. Compliance With Law
Chip repairs are necessary not just for safety and money savings but also to conform to laws. According to regulations, the windshield must allow the driver a full view of the road ahead. There are specific allowed sizes of cracks or damage in windshields. The windscreen is divided into two zones: zone A refers to what is directly in front of the driver, while zone B covers the rest.
In zone A, any single damaged area or sticker must be within 10 mm in diameter or length, and multiple small items should not significantly restrict vision. Zone B affords more space, requiring a single damaged area or sticker to be within 40mm. Driving with an unsafe windshield condition could break these regulations. By promptly fixing chips, you can avoid potential legal troubles.
End note
Now that you know just how important getting that windshield chip fixed is, don’t let a minor flaw become a major headache down the road – both for your safety and your wallet. Protect your view of the open road and your vehicle’s structural integrity with a quick repair. One small step pays you back in reliable, worry-free driving for miles to come.
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