If a rock has damaged your windshield kicked up from the rock surface, you may be trying to figure out if you need to have the windshield replaced or if the damaged windshield can be repaired. The windshield protects the occupants of your vehicle from the effects of the weather and also adds structural strength to your car. If a windshield fails when you are driving, it could result in broken pieces of glass being projected into your car or a road traffic accident. Below is a guide to 3 occasions when you should always replace the windshield on your car with a new piece of glass.

Large chips and cracks

While a very small crack or chip in your windshield should pose no serious threat to you or the occupants of your car, it is important that you keep an eye any damage. Over time, vibrations generated by the road surface can cause chips and cracks in your windshield to grow in size. Larger chips and cracks could undermine the structural integrity of your windshield and increase the chance that it will fail completely. If you notice that a chip or crack is growing in size, you should take your car to an auto glass replacement company.

Cracks across your line of sight

If a crack occurs which passes across your line of sight, you will need to have the windshield replaced by a qualified auto glass technician. While it may be tempting to continue to drive with a cracked windshield, the fact that the crack runs across your line of sight means that you may find it difficult to drive safely. Cracks can make it hard to see the road ahead and any obstructions that may be in your way. They can also act as distractions which cause you to keep taking your eyes off the road.

Damage which has broken through the glass

The windows on your car are fitted with laminated glass, which consists of a section of vinyl which is placed between two sheets of auto glass. This helps to limit the amount of loose glass which is generated when the window breaks which reduce the chance that you or a passenger are injured by flying glass in the event of window failure or a road traffic accident. However, this protection also means that a rock can break cleanly through the glass without causing complete failure of the window. If this occurs, you may be tempted to continue driving with the small hole in your windshield. However, you should never do this as it is highly dangerous.

If you would like further advice, you should contact an auto glass repair company.