Glass is unpredictable—you may have one rock chip that will not spread for 10 years, while another chip will become a two-foot crack in 30 minutes. If your windshield is severely cracked, rest assured that it will not shatter or cave in on you randomly. The only situations in which your windshield would cave in or completely shatter are an extreme impact (e.g., a brick or very large rock) or a wreck.

We do not recommend driving your vehicle if there is a crack in the driver’s line of view. Even if the damage is repairable (minor rock chip), if the damage is in the driver’s direct line of view, insurance companies require replacement. If the crack is on the passenger’s side of the windshield, it is important to be aware of the safety functionality your windshield provides to the passenger. There are safety concerns when driving with a cracked windshield—read the next answer to find out why.

The windshield does more than just block wind and debris from hitting the driver or passenger. In fact, many front windshields are used as a backstop for the passenger’s airbag to deploy correctly. If the windshield is weakened by a crack or chip in that area, the force of airbag deployment could break the windshield and deploy upward (instead of outward). In this scenario, the airbag does the passenger no service and causes more damage to the windshield. That being said, not all vehicles use the windshield as a backstop for the airbag. Some deploy outward on the passenger’s side, just like the driver’s side, while others deploy up then out using the windshield as a backstop. In most cases, your airbag is going to deploy in the direction that its panel (indicated by the letters “SRS”) is facing.

The windshield also helps protect passengers during rollover accidents. Numbers vary based on design, but some vehicle manufacturers report that up to 60 percent of your roof’s structural integrity relies on your windshield during a rollover. If your windshield is already cracked, your windshield could potentially lose its effectiveness during what is already a bad situation.

It really depends on the extent of the damage. Generally speaking, if the damage is in the driver’s line of sight or the damage is greater than three inches wide, a replacement is in order. If the damage is less than that, our repair techniques can fill the crack or chip making it almost invisible and restoring your windshield to appear as good as new.

DIY repair kits vary in both materials and quality. The problem is that most drivers don’t know the difference between good and bad or have the necessary experience when it comes to proper repairs. Auto glass specialists have the experience and expertise to do the best job. A chip or crack that appears to be repairable to the untrained eye could actually lead to danger on the road if you try to repair it yourself.

Plus, if you try to repair the damage yourself and don’t do it properly, you could quickly end up with even more damage, necessitating a full windshield replacement later on.

If you have any problems, please call us toll-free right away at (520) 217-8050. Your satisfaction is our primary concern, and we will work quickly to find a resolution to any issues that arise.