Learning About Auto Services

Has your vehicle's windshield developed a crack in it, and now you have questions about getting it repaired or replaced? If so, you likely have a few questions about this unique problem related to your vehicle.  

Can You Drive A Vehicle With A Cracked Windshield? 

When it comes to driving with a cracked windshield, it all depends on the size and location of the crack. A police officer could give you a ticket if they feel the crack is obstructing your vision while driving, such as if it is large and on the driver's side of the vehicle. However, a small crack that is on the opposite side of the vehicle may not be a legal concern. 

There is also the matter of whether you should drive a vehicle with a crack in the windshield. Know that small cracks are only going to become larger over time, which will make them difficult to repair. This is due to all of the vibrations that your vehicle experiences from driving normally, which slowly increases the size of the crack over time. This could be a good reason to fix the crack sooner than later when all you need is a simple repair. 

What Kind Of Glass Is Used For Windshields? 

Windshields use a special laminated safety glass, which actually uses two layers of glass with an adhesive layer of plastic between them. The purpose is to prevent the glass from shattering if you were to get into an accident, which would be a risk to the safety of those in the vehicle. The laminated layer also acts as a safety measure to keep people in the vehicle during an accident when they are not wearing their seatbelts.

Thankfully, there are laws in place that help guarantee that the glass used for a replacement windshield meets the proper safety standards. This ensures that the glass will break safely if you were to get into an accident at some point. 

Will Windshield Replacement Impact A Vehicle's Warranty? 

It is uncommon for the replacement of a windshield to void a vehicle's warranty simply by having the job done. However, the improper installation of a windshield could void the warranty. That is why it is always worth having the job done by a professional that specializes in this type of car repair. You'll want to hold onto the receipt from the windshield replacement so that you can prove that it was professionally replaced.

Contact a local auto glass repair service to learn more.