You are driving down the road and the car in front of you kicks up a rock that smacks your windshield and takes out a chip of glass. It seems like no big deal, but over time that tiny chip could become a decent-sized crack. What do you do now?
A1 Windshield Repair will explain why a chip in your windshield is nothing to be ignored, and how you can get it fixed.
Windshields are Important for Protection
The windshield of the car has an important role. In an accident, the windshield is part of the top of the car and protects passengers in case of a rollover, or something landing on top of the car. It can hold quite a bit of weight.
Any sort of chip or crack creates a weak spot in the glass, however, and so there is no guarantee a cracked windshield will hold up in an accident. Most windshields are laminated, meaning each side of the glass is coated, so the windshield will not likely shatter inward on the passengers, but it will likely be destroyed.
A Chip in Your Windshield Should Not Be Ignored
If you get a chip in your windshield, no matter how small, the worst thing you could do is put off repairing it. It may seem like a small inconvenience, but a tiny chip usually doesn’t just remain tiny.
The chip creates a tiny weak spot in the glass and, depending how deep into the glass it goes, will start to spread. Any major jolt like a speed bump, sharp turn, or door slam, could be enough force to cause it to spread.
Weather is another danger to a chipped windshield. The glass of the windshield will expand or contract with heat or cold. Cold causes the glass to contract, so for a windshield this is often when a chip will turn into a decent-sized crack.
How to Get Your Windshield Crack Repaired
A crack is typically repaired with resin. Resin is injected into the chip or crack, then is heated, which causes it to harden and seal the area. The hardened resin makes the weak spot stronger, and can prevent it from cracking or spreading further.
It is helpful to have this done by a professional to ensure you have a tight seal, and that the repair is performed correctly.
A1 Windshield Can Repair Your Windshield
If you have a chip in your windshield and you are in the Springfield, MO area, A1 Windshield can help. For questions about the services we provide, contact us or call us today at 417-831-6910.