A windshield isn’t just a piece of glass. It’s an important component of your vehicle and if it’s chipped or cracked, your safety could be compromised.

A windshield not only protects occupants from outside elements but also acts as a protective layer, keeping occupants safe from injury in the event of an accident. The windshield provides structural integrity to your car. If your windshield is chipped, it should be fixed right away. Even small chips can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Chips can quickly turn to cracks

Small damage can spread quickly due to increased pressure on the windshield. Pressure can come from something as minor as going through a car wash or changes in temperature. 

Chips that are less than a few inches wide are repairable. But, if a chip expands into a crack, you may have to get the entire windshield replaced, which is much more costly than a simple repair. 

Keep in mind that small damage can spread quickly, reduce visibility, and lead to unsafe driving conditions. It’s best to address small breaks before they become larger issues.

Chips degrade a vehicle’s structural integrity

Delaying windshield repair will increase the likelihood of additional damage. Not only are cracks likely to spread, but a cracked windshield compromises the structural integrity of the windshield.

A windshield contributes to the structural strength of a vehicle. In a crash or rollover accident, the windshield supports the roof, prevents passengers from being thrown from the vehicle and helps airbags deploy properly. If you end up in a collision with a damaged windshield, it will shatter easier and won’t provide the same structural support.

Fixing windshield chips is inexpensive and fast

Professional auto glass technicians have the experience and tools to fix a windshield chip in  about 10-15 minutes.

Repair estimates can vary greatly but it is often completely covered by auto insurance. For example, a repair may be $75 for one vehicle, but can be well over $200 for a new luxury vehicle to repair the same sized windshield chip.

Comprehensive coverage covers losses that aren’t the result of a collision, such as fire, theft, falling objects, or accidents involving deer. Windshield damage falls under comprehensive coverage. Some insurers may offer full glass coverage under a comprehensive provision.

Any policy of automobile insurance, as defined in section 65B.14, subdivision 2, providing comprehensive coverage, whether designated as such or included in a policy providing broader coverage, must provide complete coverage for repair or replacement of all damaged safety glass without regard to any deductible or minimum amount.

If you carry comprehensive insurance, your windshield repair will be covered. However, you may have to pay a deductible if you don’t carry a zero-deductible policy. Not every insurance company offers zero-deductible plans, so comparison shopping would be the best way to find no, low or high deductibles.

Auto Glass companies will gladly provide a quote for their services and the good ones work directly with your insurance carriers to help take care of the claim process.

Debris can complicate repairs

If a windshield chip isn’t repaired right away, dirt can infiltrate the chip and cause additional problems. 

When dirt gets into a windshield chip or crack, it becomes stuck in the glass and there’s no way to remove it. If you wait too long to fix the chip, the dirt inside the glass can cause the resin to not hold as effectively as it should. The resin is designed to adhere to glass, not dirt. If the resin doesn’t hold, the chip can begin to crack. In this case, the windshield will need to be replaced.

If you can’t schedule a repair right away, cover the chip with a piece of clear packing tape to keep dirt out of the glass. Also, don’t use your windshield wipers. The wipers can spread dirt directly over the chip.

You could be cited for a traffic violation

Driving with a chipped windshield is illegal and may result in a ticket. Minnesota law specifically states no one can “drive or operate any motor vehicle with a windshield cracked or discolored” to the point that the driver’s vision is obstructed.

Most states prohibit the obstruction of the windshield by having anything other than sun visors, rear-view mirrors and toll collecting devices attached. If there is a chip larger than one inch on the windshield, you could be cited. 

If you have a chipped or cracked windshield, contact Auto Glass Express. We are a local Twin Cities company that is committed to customer satisfaction. We offer a lifetime warranty and will handle all of the insurance paperwork for you, making your experience simple and convenient.