A chipped windshield is the same as a cracked smartphone, right? Annoying, sure, but not really vital. If you can stand it, why replace it? Even the name makes it sound unnecessary: wind-shield. If push came to shove, you could just drive with those old-timey goggles, like a 19th century Thomas Edison.
But really think about that for a second. Think about what it would be like driving without a windshield. Bugs squirshing into your face. Rocks crashing into your neck. And if you got into a crash? Well, here’s hoping you can raise your arms—those organic limbs that can get scraped by reaching too fast for another plate of nachos—fast enough to ward off a two-ton vehicle sailing toward your face.
You see where we’re going with this. A windshield does a lot more than turn away the wind politely. Its primary purpose doesn’t have anything to do with wind at all: it’s actually the most crucial structural support you have.
“The thing I wish that drivers knew was that the windshield is the No. 1 safety restraint in your vehicle.”
That’s David Beck, a windshield installer of 18 years in Salt Lake City, Utah. An expert installer will tell you that the windshield reinforces the roof pillars, and therefore the roof. If the windshield’s structural integrity is weakened, that compromises the strength of the entire passenger compartment. In the event of a collision, that difference could literally have life or death implications.
Simply put, your windshield keeps the roof from crumpling and crushing the passengers.
In addition, airbags deploy with such explosive force that they could blow out or shatter a compromised windshield. And obviously, flying shattered glass could negatively impact a bag that is filled with air. It’s best to think of a windshield as a wall that supports the roof and protects your passengers. It’s just a wall that you can see through.
When you need a repair or a replacement
The conventional wisdom says that any chip bigger than a quarter or longer than 12 inches means you need an entirely new windshield. Anything smaller can be repaired. But—and this is crucial—repair is only possible if you act immediately after the chip happens.
The reason is that dirt, water and other foreign matter will quickly infiltrate that hole. Think of it like a cavity in your tooth. Nip it in the bud and you’ll be fine. But let it sit for a while and a simple filling will no longer be possible. You’ll move onto less pleasant procedures like root canals and even—gulp—extraction, and you don’t want that.
Fortunately, insurance companies will often pay for your repair free of charge. They’d rather do that than pay for a replacement. And even if you don’t have insurance, a repair typically won’t exceed $75.
The most important factor in repair or replacement, however, is the installer. Check online for a shop with impeccable certification. Make sure they let your car sit for at least an hour (some cars might require as many as 12 hours) before driving. A shop that says the glue sets in any less time is not one you want handling your vehicle.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve impressed upon you that a damaged windshield is a vital part of your vehicle’s safety system, and should not be ignored, under any circumstances. To avoid death and serious injury, for you and your passengers, get it taken care of immediately.