Driving around with a damaged windshield is never safe, especially when driving in poor conditions brought on by winter weather. If you notice damage starting or have had a chip or crack for a while and have been putting it off, bring your vehicle into our professional auto glass repair shop to get it fixed.
Why is driving with a damaged windshield bad in the winter?
Besides reduced visibility, 30% of your vehicle’s structural strength is from the windshield. Your windshield helps with airbag deployment, protects you from wind and the elements outside, and prevents you from being thrown out of your car in an accident. Chips may also create a distracting glare for the driver, or even lead to a leak, causing damage to the interior.
How does winter weather affect a damaged windshield?
A chip is far more likely to crack further and spread at freezing temperatures than at above freezing temperatures. This is because colder weather puts more stress on the windshield. When you go to defrost, the extreme and sudden shift in temperatures can severely damage the windshield or even cause it to shatter. Similarly, scraping ice and snow off the glass can cause an existing crack to spread.
Will my windshield need to be repaired or replaced?
Depending on the severity of the damage and where it is located, a windshield crack may be possible to repair in a short amount of time, but other times the entire windshield will need to be replaced. Technicians will need to assess the crack in order to determine what service will be most beneficial. Stop by Frank’s Auto Glass and we will do what we can to make sure you are as safe as possible driving this winter.
