Why It’s Important to Fix the Crack on Your Windshield

The most obvious reason behind your windshield’s presence on your car is to deflect bugs, rain, debris and winds. However, as automotive safety technology advances, so do the uses of auto glass.

So exactly, how important is it to fix a cracked windshield? It’s extremely important. In fact, the windshield acts as a deflector of debris, a ‘backstop’ for airbags, and it even protects the structural integrity in the event of an accident. Read on to learn about the important functions of windshields.

Windshields as Deflectors

The windshield in your car protects you and your occupants from dust, bugs, rocks and other debris as well as UV-A and UV-B Rays. But, that wasn’t always the case. In early automobiles, windshields were constructed of simple window glass similar to your home’s windows. Of course, this relatively thin material was prone to breakage, causing the glass to shatter into sharp little pieces.

The windshield, like much of our automotive manufacturing process, was improved by the work of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. Mr. Ford observed an up-and-coming technology referred to as glass lamination in which a windshield assembly consists of a layer of cellulose (which constitutes the majority of plant cell walls) sandwiched between two pieces of glass. When the glass was fractured by debris, the adhesive middle layer helped to maintain the shape of the windshield and prevent shattering.

Windshields as Information Screens

More and more vehicles are being manufactured with Heads-Up Displays, or HUDs, which reflect an image against your windshield to display information like speed, the time, or about upcoming obstacles or dangers. The benefit of positioning the display as such is to allow the operator of the vehicle to read this information without diverting their eyes away from the road.

It is still under debate whether the Heads Up Display model is safer than traditional displays; but what is not up for debate is the role windshield play in the safe operation of a vehicle.

How Auto Glass Protects You in an Accident

Aside from the lamination process making the glass safer in the event of an accident, there are other considerations for the windshield to be designed the way it is. One of the lesser-known reasons why it’s important for us to have windshields is that often they are designed to be a ‘backstop’ for the airbags, directing them to the proper position to prevent head damage.

Additionally, properly installed windshields contribute to the overall rigidity and structural integrity of the car, especially in the event of a rollover accident. Automotive-grade, industry-leading materials are used to create a bond between the car and the windshield at a molecular level. This helps prevent the roof of the car from caving in if the vehicle were to roll over.

Given these reasons, it’s obvious why Max Auto Glass is so passionate about windshield repair and replacement done the right way. Although the day-to-day uses may be taken for granted, we need our auto glass to be there for us in the event of an emergency.

FAQ

What Happens During a Windshield Chip Repair?

Professional windshield repair by our technicians is usually a quick process that won’t take more than 30 to 40 minutes. The process follows these steps:

A tiny hole will be drilled through the top layer of glass within the damaged area to release any air trapped within. Any loose glass particles will be scraped out as well.
The technician will tightly secure the glass resin injector tool around the damaged area.
The tool will cycle between vacuum and pressure to carefully inject a clear, curable resin into the damaged outer glass layer, restoring the structural integrity and appearance of the glass.
The injector tool is removed, and any excess glass resin is eliminated from the repair area.
A UV light is used to cure the resin, changing it from a liquid to a clear solid.
The area is cleaned and polished as needed, making the repaired area nearly invisible and restoring the strength of the glass.

Does Max Auto Glass Offer Financing?

We understand that necessary repairs on your vehicle can pop up unexpectedly. That’s why Max Auto Glass is proud to partner with trusted financial providers to help our customers secure the money they need for auto repairs, including auto glass replacements and repairs. We offer several financing options, including the Max Auto Glass credit card.

With the exclusive Max Auto Glass VIP CFNA credit card, you’ll have a quick and easy application process and get a dedicated line of credit just for your vehicle. You’ll enjoy stress-free financing, low monthly payments, and no annual fee.

Will the Damage Still Be Visible After the Repair?

With auto glass repair, your main focus should be on restoring safety and not aesthetics. While the repair is being done, small amounts of clear resin will be injected into the damaged spot(s), which can be slightly visible once the resin sets.

The goal of the glass repair is to restore the structural integrity of the windshield and your vehicle; however, if aesthetics are very important to you, replacing the entire windshield (even when a repair would suffice) is probably the best option.

What’s the Advantage of Using the Vacuum Pressure Repair Method for Windshield Repair?

The technicians at Max Auto Glass work to provide the most affordable, yet still most effective, method of repairing your windshield while also maintaining strict quality standards. Both customers and insurance companies appreciate this.

This is one of the major reasons we use the vacuum pressure glass repair method. The overall benefits of this method include the following:

It prevents chips and cracks from spreading.
It returns the damaged glass to its original strength and integrity.
It restores the glass to a clean, smooth surface.
It doesn’t allow for the haze and light scatter that often comes after glass damage.
It saves money.

What’s The Difference Between OEM and OEE Windshields?

An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield is made by the same manufacturer that made the glass originally installed in your vehicle when it came off the manufacturer’s assembly line. An original equipment equivalent (OEE) windshield is one that matches the standards of the OEM windshield but is made by a different auto glass manufacturer.

Usually, the biggest difference between the two types of windshields is the cost. The price of OEM glass can be between 40 percent and 60 percent more than OEE glass.

It’s important to note that some auto insurance companies won’t cover the cost of a replacement OEM windshield due to its high cost. Others will only pay for an OEM glass replacement for newer cars (most often for vehicles that are no more than one or two years old).

Deciding between OEM glass and OEE glass for a windshield replacement often comes down to what is covered by your insurance or what fits your budget. Our technicians can lay out the pros and cons between the two types and help determine which windshield will work for you.

Could the Crack in My Windshield Grow?

Glass is unpredictable—you may have one rock chip that will not spread for 10 years, while another chip will become a two-foot crack in 30 minutes. If your windshield is severely cracked, rest assured that it will not shatter or cave in on you randomly. The only situations in which your windshield would cave in or completely shatter are an extreme impact (e.g., a brick or very large rock) or a wreck.

We do not recommend driving your vehicle if there is a crack in the driver’s line of view. Even if the damage is repairable (minor rock chip), if the damage is in the driver’s direct line of view, insurance companies require replacement. If the crack is on the passenger’s side of the windshield, it is important to be aware of the safety functionality your windshield provides to the passenger. There are safety concerns when driving with a cracked windshield—read the next answer to find out why.

Should I Have My Auto Glass Repaired or Replaced?

It really depends on the extent of the damage. Generally speaking, if the damage is in the driver’s line of sight or the damage is greater than three inches wide, a replacement is in order. If the damage is less than that, our repair techniques can fill the crack or chip making it almost invisible and restoring your windshield to appear as good as new.

Why Shouldn’t I Use a DIY Windshield Repair Kit?

DIY repair kits vary in both materials and quality. The problem is that most drivers don’t know the difference between good and bad or have the necessary experience when it comes to proper repairs. Auto glass specialists have the experience and expertise to do the best job. A chip or crack that appears to be repairable to the untrained eye could actually lead to danger on the road if you try to repair it yourself.

Plus, if you try to repair the damage yourself and don’t do it properly, you could quickly end up with even more damage, necessitating a full windshield replacement later on.

Windshield Replacement & Repair

Back Glass, Door Glass, Sunroof/Panoramic Roofs

Windshield Calibration (ADAS)