Windshields protect us more than by stopping bugs from hitting our teeth
There are a lot of things that protect us while we’re driving our vehicle, including airbags, seatbelts, anti-lock brakes and many more. But what many people may not realize the windshield is also on that list of things which protect us. Oh, and it protects us more than stopping the bugs from hitting our teeth while we’re driving.
When many drivers think about the strength of their vehicles, they may only think about the vehicle’s frame. A properly installed windshield in good condition adds to the strength of a vehicle. If a windshield has been weakened due to damage of a chip, or worse a crack, it may not provide the best protection. A small chip, under the size of a quarter can generally be repaired, but larger cracks usually mean the windshield needs to be replaced.
In many jurisdictions, if the crack is in the sightline of the driver, they may also receive a ticket and fine. Once you notice a chip in the windshield, get it repair immediately. Waiting weeks or months can cause that chip to grow into a crack. Dirt from cleaning the windshield may also get inside the chip and when it does get repaired, there could be some discolouring in that area of the windshield. Once dirt gets into that chip or crack, it would look dirty, rather than a nice clean, consistent look once it gets repaired.
Although stone chips may seem minor when they first happen, they can quickly develop into more of a costly repair job than most people realize. Stone chips can grow larger when pressure is placed on the windshield. Pressure can come from different sources, such as taking your vehicle though the car wash or even when the temperature changes.
If a windshield has to be replaced, here’s what every vehicle owner should know. A windshield consists of two pieces of glass held together by a thin layer of strong vinyl, which is between the pieces of glass. If at any time the glass breaks, the vinyl will hold the glass in place so any occupants of the vehicle won’t be injured, or at least have lesser injuries. If the windshield was incorrectly installed, it could actually pop out during a collision.
When windshield glass is replaced, it’s welded to the window frames using a urethane adhesive, which has massive strength. A properly installed windshield will help to hold up the roof of the vehicle during a collision or during a vehicle rollover. Drivers and vehicle owners should also know that if the airbag deploys, which can be at speeds over 300 km/h (or close to 200 mph), a windshield may blow out from the vehicle if it’s not installed correctly. In order to have air bags work effectively they need to bounce off the windshield.
So there you have it. See what that little stone chip can turn into if you put things off? So if you have a stone chip, let’s get cracking on those repairs…so to speak.