7 Things To Avoid With Car Windshield Damage

A stray pebble or sudden change in air pressure can be all it takes for your windshield to crack. And while repairing or replacing broken auto glass might not top your list of favorite things to do, it doesn't have to be a difficult process. With Safelite, America's largest vehicle glass specialist, scheduling an appointment, coordinating insurance claims and getting high-quality service is a breeze.

If you have auto glass damage, Safelite’s experts can provide recommendations and make necessary repairs, so you can get back to driving safely. In the meantime, here are seven things to avoid when your windshield is damaged.

1. Operating Your Vehicle If It's Unsafe

Operating a vehicle with a broken windshield can be dangerous for you and for others on the road around you. Any auto glass damage that restricts visibility puts a driver at an increased risk of collision or injury. Even a small crack can affect the integrity of the glass, making it more susceptible to further damage over time.

Because of this potential danger, you may get ticketed by police for driving with auto glass damage. While exact regulations vary by state, it’s safest to avoid driving with a broken windshield altogether, even if the crack or chip seems minor. And in some states with vehicle inspections, a damaged windshield may cause a failed inspection.

If it’s unsafe for you to drive your vehicle to the repair shop, you can make an appointment with Safelite to come straight to your home or work to fix your windshield.

2. Letting The Damage Worsen

You might think a small chip in your windshield isn’t a big deal. However, these small chips can turn into large cracks, which can lead to needing the windshield replaced.

Remember: repairing the windshield while the damage is small is easier, safer and less expensive for you than waiting to see large cracks and needing a full windshield replacement.

3. Stressing

If your windshield is significantly damaged and in need of replacement, you may be concerned about the logistics of scheduling and payment. Fortunately, Safelite's convenient online scheduling makes it easy to make an appointment.

When it comes to payment, you can pay out of pocket or let Safelite start an insurance claim for you. Depending on your insurance provider, the work may be partially or fully covered.

4. Putting Pressure On The Windshield

Even if you have only a tiny hairline fracture in your windshield, it’s crucial to stay away from situations that would place pressure on the windshield. Slamming your car doors, driving on rough terrain, going through a carwash or simply washing your windshield with a high-power hose all have the potential to create an even larger crack which then may require a full windshield replacement.

Your best option for a tiny windshield crack is to make an appointment at your nearest Safelite repair shop or let a Safelite MobileGlassShop™ come to you.

5. Exposing Your Vehicle To Extreme Heat Or Cold

Variations in temperature are one of the main factors that can cause windshield damage to spread. Extreme cold, for example, contracts the glass, which can shrink the windshield and cause the crack to spread horizontally. Extreme heat, on the other hand, expands the glass, and can even cause the metal around your windshield to warp, creating stress cracks and fractures along the windshield’s edges.

While you can’t control the temperature where you live, if your windshield is cracked, try to keep your vehicle in a garage or sheltered area where it’s protected from extreme temperatures and don’t blast your defroster or AC immediately after getting in the vehicle.

6. Overlooking Windshield Camera Recalibration

When damage occurs and you need a windshield replacement, most vehicle manufacturers require a recalibration of the forward-facing camera connected to your windshield. At Safelite, if your vehicle has advanced safety systems, your service is not complete until the recalibration has been performed. Recalibration ensures your advanced safety features continue to work properly. Examples of these safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more. Safelite can usually complete the windshield replacement and safety system recalibration in a single appointment.

7. Choosing A Glass Service Provider Without A National Lifetime Warranty

It’s risky to choose an auto glass company that doesn’t offer any kind of warranty to ensure you’re 100 percent satisfied with your service. Safelite is the only auto glass brand to offer a Nationwide Lifetime Warranty that covers automotive glass against defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the customer remains the owner of the vehicle.

With Safelite, windshield repair or replacement is a seamless process. Safelite technicians are also trained to offer a range of services, including back glass repair, side window replacement, power window repair and more. They offer convenient service options, easy online scheduling, choice of payment and top-quality service for all your vehicle glass needs.

Get your free quote today with Safelite.