For most Pendleton, Oregon drivers, cracked and chipped windshields are a fact of life as kicked-up rocks from the arid, mountainous terrain frequently assault drivers on their daily commutes.
While most people may not notice a small crack in their windshield, letting the damage persist will only exacerbate the problem, eventually requiring total windshield replacement in Pendleton.
In financial terms, letting a windshield crack persist is not wise. If you carry comprehensive car insurance, you can get a crack filled or a windshield replaced while paying little out-of-pocket.
Cracked windshields can also result in failed inspections in Oregon and possible fines.
Finally, in extreme cases, driving with a cracked windshield can imperil your safety, especially in an accident.
For anyone with a cracked windshield in Pendleton who is hesitant to get it filled or repaired, read this guide about the dangers of driving with a cracked windshield in Oregon.
Will My Windshield Shatter If I Drive with a Crack?
A question many drivers ask us when taking in their auto glass for repair in Pendleton is whether or not their windshield would have shattered if they let the crack persist.
While it is possible in the event of a crack or additional impact to the surface, your windshield is not very likely to shatter on its own accord, even if a severe enough crack persists.
Since windshield glass is made of multiple layers of laminate glass sandwiched together, a single crack will not cause the entire structure to give way, unlike a single pane of glass found in your rear windshield or side windows.
However, driving with a cracked windshield can still be dangerous and threaten your safety, even without fully shattering.
Can I Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
Your windshield is a crucial safety component of your vehicle. It protects you from wind, rain, and debris and helps maintain your car’s structural stability during a collision.
A crack in the windshield may seem harmless at first, but it can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Reduced Structural Integrity: The windshield provides up to 45% of a vehicle’s structural integrity in a front-end collision and up to 60% in a rollover accident. A compromised windshield can increase the risk of roof collapse in the event of a crash, making it more likely for your windshield to shatter.
- Obstructed Vision: Cracks and chips can distort your view of the road, making it more difficult to see objects ahead of you, especially at night. Even small cracks can refract light and create a glare, making it difficult to see clearly.
- Compromised Airbag Deployment: In many vehicles, the windshield helps direct the force of a deploying airbag. A weakened windshield may not hold up under pressure, preventing your airbag from properly deploying in the event of a crash.
- Miscalibrated ADAS Settings: Your vehicle’s safety features, including brake assist and lane departure warnings, rely on tiny sensors placed in specific locations on your windshield. Even the slightest misalignment caused by a cracked or impacted windshield can result in miscalibration, which can render your vehicle inoperable in extreme cases.
- Legal and Financial Consequences: While Oregon does not provide specific thresholds for the size and location of cracks and chips that could obstruct the driver’s vision, ORS 815.020 does allow officers to pull over and cite vehicles they deem unsafe to operate. Furthermore, a cracked windshield could result in a failed inspection, making your vehicle illegal to operate on the road.
The size and location of the obstruction will determine whether you can repair or replace your windshield.
How to Assess a Crack in Your Windshield
Not all windshield cracks are created equal. Depending on the damage’s size, location, and depth, some cracks can be repaired and filled. Here are some factors that will determine the best course of action.
1. Size Matters
Smaller cracks can often be repaired using a special resin fill. Here are some things we consider when repairing or replacing a windshield crack.
- Cracks smaller than a dollar bill (about 6 inches) are repairable.
- Cracks larger than this often require a full windshield replacement in Pendleton, as it will be difficult to prevent further debris from entering the crack.
2. Location of the Crack
The location of the crack is essential when deciding on repair options. Not only do we look for cracks that may obstruct the driver’s vision, but ones that also impact the bond of the windshield to the frame of the vehicle. Here are some things we consider:
- Cracks in the windshield that obscure the driver’s view often require replacement, as resin fills may not be sufficient to prevent glares or obstructions.
- Edge cracks (near the frame) are more likely to spread and weaken the windshield’s bond, requiring replacement.
- Multiple cracks or a “spider web” pattern indicate significant damage. Replacing auto glass in Pendleton will be more affordable and safer.
3. Depth of the Crack
Due to the construction of the windshield glass, cracks that penetrate the bottom layers will require replacement, as the laminate cannot be filled.
How Long Can You Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
We don’t advocate driving for any time with a cracked windshield, as you risk allowing the damage to spread and penetrate deeper layers of the glass.
Over the course of a couple of weeks or months, you will notice cracks taking greater shape and spiderweb, especially if you frequent rough roads or temperatures fluctuate.
While some people are willing to take this risk, we recommend inspecting your windshield to determine whether repair is available.
A professional auto glass repair technician in Pendleton can assess the damage and determine the best action. At Island City Glass, we work directly with your insurance company to save you money out of pocket. Plus, we back all repairs with our 100% satisfaction guarantee, giving you peace of mind.
FAQs
Can I Fix a Windshield Crack Myself?
DIY windshield repair kits are not as effective as professional repairs, especially for cracks. A trained technician uses a specialized resin to ensure a stronger, long-lasting fix.
Will Insurance Cover a Cracked Windshield?
Comprehensive auto policies cover the cost of windshield repair or replacement, while you may have to pay a deductible. However, limited insurance policies may not cover the cost of repair unless you can prove that another driver caused the damage.
Does Cold or Hot Weather Affect a Windshield Crack?
Yes, extreme temperatures can cause cracks to expand. Heat causes the glass to expand, while cold weather makes it contract, both of which can worsen existing damage.