Many things can damage your vehicle in unexpected ways, even if the car itself seems like it still runs fine. Small dents or cracks can make things more hazardous when you’re on the road and lead to larger problems. If you notice cracks or chips in your front windshield, you may want to fix those as soon as possible. Here are some of the dangers of driving with a cracked windshield that you should be aware of.
Decreased Visibility
One of the most obvious risks of driving with a large crack in the windshield is that it can hinder your visibility. If the cracks spread across your eyeline from the driver’s seat, it may be difficult to see around it. Another common visibility issue with large cracks on the windshield is that sunlight can cause a glare that makes it difficult to see. So even if the crack isn’t directly in your line of sight, the glare can cause visibility issues and make it more dangerous for you and other people on the road.
Difficult Insurance Claims
Nobody ever wants to get into a car accident. Even minor fender benders can require a lot of paperwork, and you need to get some bodywork done on your vehicle. If you do get into a wreck, you want to be able to submit a stress-free collision claim with your insurance company. Unfortunately, having existing body damage on your vehicle, such as a cracked windshield, may make it harder to file a claim with your insurance. Some companies may view preexisting damage as a sign of you being a negligent driver and make it so that you have to pay more out of pocket when it’s time to fix your vehicle.
Airbag Complications
One of the biggest dangers of driving with a cracked windshield is that it can make accidents more dangerous when the airbag deploys. Manufacturers create airbags to bounce off the windshield to cushion those in the crash. But with a cracked windshield, the airbag may break through it and not offer as much support to the driver or passenger as expected. Keeping a clear windshield free of cracks not only looks a lot nicer but can keep those inside the car free from dangers and hassles.