When a windshield chip appears, taking action as soon as possible is important. If ignored, the chip can easily develop into a cracked windshield, leaving you in need of a costly and inconvenient windshield repair kit. This blog post will explore the hidden dangers of ignoring a windshield chip and why taking the necessary steps to repair it is so important.
5 Hidden Dangers Of Ignoring Windshield Chips
A Chip Can Turn Into A Crack
It may seem like a minor inconvenience when you notice a small chip in your windshield. However, ignoring it can lead to much bigger problems down the road. One of the most significant risks of not repairing a chip in your windshield is that it can quickly turn into a crack.
Several factors can cause a chip to become a crack, including cold weather and changes in temperature. Additionally, if you continue to drive with a chipped windshield, the vibrations from the road can cause the chip to spread and turn into a larger crack.
Ignoring a chipped windshield can lead to even more damage, eventually requiring a windshield replacement. Rather than risking further windshield damage, it’s crucial to address the problem as soon as possible. Thankfully, repairing a chip is relatively straightforward and inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing an entire windshield.
Professional repair involves filling the chip with liquid resin or epoxy resin to bond the windshield glass together and prevent further damage. First, the windshield is cleaned using rubbing alcohol or a spray glass cleaner directly on the chip. Then, a curing strip is placed on top of the resin to push out any air bubbles before the resin is cured using UV light.By repairing a chipped windshield, you can avoid the dangers of windshield cracks and save money in the long run. So, if you notice a chip in your windshield, don’t delay – get it repaired as soon as possible.
A Crack Can Obstruct Your View
When a windshield chip is left untreated, it can turn into a crack, and a crack can obstruct your view while driving. This is extremely dangerous and can cause an accident. The obstruction of your view is similar to having a razor blade cutting across your line of sight, making it nearly impossible to see the road ahead clearly. Additionally, if the crack is in the driver’s line of sight, it can lead to distraction and even anxiety.It’s important to take care of the windshield chip as soon as possible before it becomes a bigger problem. Cracks can get worse quickly, and the cost to repair them increases with size and severity. Don’t take the risk and ensure your windshield is clear for a safe driving experience.
A Crack Can Cause You To Get Pulled Over
Why is a crack such a big deal? Well, for starters, it can cause you to get pulled over by law enforcement.
Many states have strict laws when it comes to driving with a cracked windshield. Depending on the severity and location of the crack, you may be breaking the law by driving with it. In some cases, you could be subject to a ticket and a fine. Not only that, but driving with a cracked windshield could also be considered a safety hazard, putting you and your passengers at risk.
Even if your state doesn’t have specific laws regarding windshield cracks, police officers still have the discretion to pull you over if they believe your windshield is obstructing your view or poses a danger to you and others on the road.
Avoid the hassle of getting pulled over and ticketed by repairing a windshield chip as soon as possible. Not only will it keep you out of legal trouble, but it will also keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Don’t let a small chip turn into a big problem. Get it fixed today.
A Crack Can Decrease The Value Of Your Car
In addition to being a safety hazard, ignoring a windshield chip can also impact the resale value of your car. When you’re ready to sell your vehicle, any noticeable damage to the windshield, such as a crack, can lower its value in the eyes of potential buyers.
A crack in your windshield can indicate neglect to a potential buyer. If the crack is particularly large, it can give the impression that the car has not been well maintained. It may lead the buyer to question whether other aspects of the car have been neglected as well.
Even if the damage isn’t large enough to lower the car’s value significantly, it can still impact your negotiating power. Buyers will use any excuse to haggle down the price, and visible damage to the windshield provides a perfect opportunity for them to do so.
So, if you want to maintain the value of your car and increase your negotiating power when selling, it’s essential to take care of any chips or cracks in your windshield as soon as possible.
It’s Cheaper To Fix A Chip Than A Crack
If you’re debating whether to get that small chip in your windshield repaired, keep in mind that it’s much cheaper to fix a chip than it is to repair a full-on crack. A small chip can be filled in with resin for a relatively low cost, but if that chip is left to grow into a crack, you’re looking at a much more expensive repair or even a complete windshield replacement.
The cost of repairing a chip will vary depending on the size and location of the damage, but it’s generally a simple and quick procedure that can be done by a professional auto-glass technician. If you’re worried about the cost, remember that repairing a chip is often covered by your insurance, so check with your provider to see if you’re eligible for coverage.
On the other hand, if you wait until a crack forms, the cost of the repair will increase significantly. A crack can quickly grow in size and become more difficult to repair, which means that the technician may have to replace the entire windshield. This process can take longer and cost you hundreds of dollars, so it’s better to be proactive and fix the chip before it becomes a crack.
In addition to saving you money, repairing a chip can also help you avoid other issues down the line. For example, a crack can obstruct your view of the road and lead to an accident, or even cause you to get pulled over by the police. It can also decrease the value of your car if you’re trying to sell it, as buyers will often use the condition of the windshield as a bargaining chip.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen, ignoring a windshield chip can lead to many dangerous situations, such as obstructed view, decreased value of your car, and even being pulled over by the police. Not only that, but a chip can quickly turn into a crack, making it more expensive and difficult to fix.
The best course of action is to repair a windshield chip as soon as possible to avoid these problems. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of trouble and expense down the line. Don’t put yourself and others at risk – take care of your windshield and get any chips repaired promptly.
