It's easy to get a small chip or crack in your windshield. Driving down the road, it is common for pebbles to fly up and hit your windshield. For the safety of your vehicle and anyone inside, it is important to identify when to get your windshield repaired or replaced. Very small chips can often be ignored, as long as they are out of the line of sight of the driver. If you are concerned about your windshield because you have noticed some damage, bring your vehicle in for service to have the windshield inspected. A technician will look over your windshield and make sure that your vehicle is safe for driving.

Chips Close Together on Your Windshield

One small chip usually isn't a big deal. If you have a number of chips that are close together, this is likely to weaken the structural integrity of your windshield. It is usually necessary to replace a windshield that has chips close together because repairing the area will distort the view through the glass.

When You Have a Cracked Windshield

Probably the biggest issue with a cracked windshield is that cracks often tend to spread. If the crack is small and doesn't make it through the depth of the windshield, it can probably be repaired. Once the crack starts to spread across your windshield, you will need to have the windshield replaced. If the windshield already contains a large crack, don't drive it and contact a windshield replacement specialist for further instructions.

Driving With a Damaged Windshield

If you have cracks spreading across your windshield, or chips obstructing your vision, it is not safe to drive your vehicle. If you get into an accident with an already cracked windshield, it is more likely to shatter upon impact. When you can't see clearly because of cracks or chips, this is an obvious driving hazard. You can be cited for driving with a damaged windshield, and will end up with expenses because you drove with a damaged windshield.

Protect the safety of yourself and any passengers by having your windshield inspected when you notice any damage. Small repairs can be made to chips, but it is common for your windshield to need a replacement when there is a problem. The integrity of your windshield is vital to your safety, and you don't want to get injured by a windshield that shatters because it was already damaged and weak.