You’ll encounter a lot on the drive from Bloomington to Indianapolis. Whether you’ve been on the road for a while or you’re just running errands around the suburbs, like Fishers and Plainfield, your windshield has protected you.
However, what about when the unexpected happens? Some debris on the road gets kicked up, flies straight towards your windshield, and causes it to crack. Is it safe to drive with a crack in the windshield?
Andy Mohr Collision Center looks at that for you and how we can help get you back on the road again.
Crack in Windshield Safe to Drive?
To put it simply, no. It is not safe to drive with a crack in your windshield. Even if it doesn’t look like a big deal, it is not safe to continue driving with a cracked windshield.
A crack presents several risks, such as your visibility. If it warps the field of vision from the driver’s seat, it’s a serious danger.
There’s also a structural problem. With enough cracks or a big enough crack, any bump could cause your windshield to crack more or even shatter.
If you’re dealing with a serious crack, or several of them, you should get your car towed to the nearest service center to get a windshield replacement right away.
If you have a crack that doesn’t seem like a big deal yet or isn’t blocking your field of vision while driving, you can safely drive yourself to a service center. A technician will be able to determine whether your windshield can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Size & Location
Repairing or replacing your windshield is determined by how damaged it is. This has everything to do with how big the crack is and where it’s located.
If you’re dealing with a large crack or series of cracks in the middle of your windshield, you should pull over immediately and call for a tow to get your windshield replaced. Cracks along the edges are also concerning because that can mean the windshield is starting to break around the frame.
The only time it’s acceptable to drive with a crack is when it’s a single small one that’s not in your way. If a crack that’s less than six inches is located on the passengers’ side, you can continue driving but should head straight to a service center before it gets bigger.
Don’t Ignore Chips
Just like small cracks can turn into big ones, chips in your windshield can turn into cracks. A chip may look small and harmless, especially if it’s not in your line of sight, but it’s not something you should ignore.
A series of small chips around the edges of your windshield can be as bad for its structural integrity as cracks around the edges. The safe thing to do is get chips looked at before they develop into cracks.
Auto Glass Repair & Service Center
If your windshield gets cracked or chipped, you may be wondering, “is a crack in the windshield safe to drive with?” Remember, no, it’s not safe. Come to Andy Mohr Collision Center for all your windshield repairs and replacement needs. We’re proud to provide service, routine maintenance, and autobody work for drivers from Indianapolis and Fishers to Plainfield and Bloomington.
Feel free to schedule an appointment with our service center online. Our expertly trained technicians will be able to take care of all your car’s needs.