It perhaps goes without saying that you shouldn’t drive if you can’t see where you’re going. Therefore, if your car’s windshield gets shattered or significantly damaged, you will therefore not be able to drive your vehicle. Even if it only has a small crack, you would not be advised to get behind the wheel since cracks can lead to shatters. This is because the glass expands and contracts due to changes in temperature or pressure and this can make the crack worse. The windshield will also be more likely to break if any object strikes the glass, dirt gets into the crack or even if you drop into a pothole.
There are also legal issues involved. Some countries have laws about whether or not you can drive with a cracked windshield. It often depends on the location of the crack and its severity. Driving with a cracked windshield is therefore not only dangerous, but it can earn you a ticket.
If your windshield glass is broken, you should seek out an auto glass repair professional as soon as you can. If you’re in Canada, consult professionals like http://www.autoglasspro.ca/.
Repairs don’t have to be time-consuming
Broken glass doesn’t mean you’ll be without your vehicle for long. Some chips may take as little as ten minutes to repair while others may take about an hour depending on the complexity. President of the National Windshield Repair Association Jeff Reddell says the average repair time is fifteen minutes.
Breaks with lots of jagged edges may take more time to repair. Temperature can also affect the repair time. The resin used to fill the crack may flow more easily when it is warm and more slowly during colder times of the year. This will help to determine how long the repair technician takes. Cleaning the glass may also take some time.
When you take your vehicle to an auto glass repair professional, he or she will assess the damage and give you an idea of how long the process should take. Generally, the technician will drill the area and fill the crack or chip with a resin, then use an ultraviolet light to harden it.
Replacements can vary
When it comes to windshield replacement, there are more variables involved including condition of your vehicle. Some cars may take more time to be prepared for the installation while newer vehicles may have sensors that need to be changed, reconnected or adjusted to accommodate a new pane of glass. Temperature and humidity will also affect the time it takes for the urethane adhesive to fully bond the windshield to the body of the car. As is the case with repairs, the technician will be able to advise you about how long it should take for the replacement process to be completed. The windshield needs to be securely in place before you can drive away.
It can be dangerous and even illegal to drive around with a cracked windshield. However, you need not dread the length of time it will take to get your damaged glass repaired or replaced. Auto glass repair technicians can quickly assess the damage and inform you of how long you will have to wait. Some businesses may even offer you a courtesy car or pick up and drop off your vehicle to spare you the trouble.