You may think a rock chip or crack in your car’s windshield is nothing to worry about, but nothing could be further from the truth. Your windshield’s integrity is essential to the car’s overall safety, and tiny chips and cracks can become big problems if not fixed right away. Here’s why it’s crucial to repair or replace a damaged windshield.
Windshields and Vehicle Safety
It may be made of glass, but your car’s windshield is essential to the structural integrity of your vehicle. In fact, the windshield is designed to absorb 45 per cent of the force of a head-on collision and up to 60 per cent in a rollover. And that’s just one of the many safety roles your windshield performs.
When there’s damage like cracks and chips in a windshield, the amount of force the glass can withstand in a crash is greatly reduced, compromising the safety of everyone inside the cabin. That’s why at the first sign of damage, you should visit a reputable, professional auto glass centre, where a technician can assess whether the auto glass can be repaired or should be replaced.
Moreover, the windshield works in tandem with your vehicle’s airbag system. The airbags are designed to deploy off the windshield before cushioning the blow for seated passengers. If the windshield is compromised, the airbag may not inflate properly, further increasing the risk to people inside.
Windshield Repair and Replacement
Small rock chips and cracks can be quickly and inexpensively repaired if you act quickly. An auto glass technician can use special tools to fill the chip or crack with a transparent resin. When dry, you hardly notice that the chip was ever there. The repair prevents cracks from spreading and prolongs the lifespan of your windshield.
If a rock chip is too big or a crack too long, you may need to get a windshield replacement. Replacement services involve removing the damaged windshield and installing a new one using high-performance adhesives. The service can often be done the same day you take the car in.
Benefits of Professional Installation
If you have an improperly installed windshield, there’s an increased risk that the glass will crumple or pop out of the car during a crash and won’t prevent passengers from being ejected out of the vehicle. Ensure you take your car to a trusted and reputable auto glass centre that specializes in windshield repair and replacement and guarantees its work.
Windshield Replacement and Repair in Edmonton and Northwestern Canada
At All-West Glass, we specialize in repairing and replacing damaged auto glass. We can perform a windshield replacement while you wait, and we can fill small chips and cracks before they worsen. We have 18 locations in Northwestern Canada to serve you, including in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Prince George, Whitehorse and Yellowknife. Contact us to schedule an appointment at a location near you.