Almost 6.6 million passenger cars were involved in traffic crashes in 2019 alone. Aside from responsible driving and regular maintenance, having proper car knowledge is also crucial to road safety. Relying on popular myths can be dangerous, especially those that encourage you to ignore any car issue.
Of all the components that make up a car, the importance of your windshield is often overlooked or understated. This lack of understanding often leads many car owners to believe in several misconceptions about windshields easily.
In this article, our windshield replacement experts in Greenwood, Indiana, discuss four of the most common windshield myths and explain why they are not worth believing in.
Myth: Car Windshields are Designed to be Unbreakable
Modern car windshields are made of laminated glass that’s often referred to as safety glass. Unfortunately, many car owners believe that safety glass has been specially designed to be unbreakable. This is not true.
While safety is indeed highly durable, they are not unbreakable. High impact damage, debris, vandalism, and extreme temperature can easily shatter your car’s windshield. What makes safety glass unique is that, unlike regular glass, it breaks into small but completely harmless pieces.
There are various shatterproof and bulletproof windshields available in the market that can resist severe damage. However, they still need to be replaced or repaired once damaged.
Myth: Small Chips and Cracks can be Safely Ignored
One popular misconception is that small chips and cracks on your windshield can be safely ignored. Not only is this untrue, but it’s also dangerous. When it comes to your vehicle, any damage or issue should never be overlooked. Chips and cracks included.
Small chips don’t necessarily mean you should replace the windshield. However, ignoring it can cause these small chips can expand and often leads to dangerous cracks. This type of damage can weaken the integrity of the windshield, causing it to shatter easily.
At the first sign of chips on your windshield, it is best to have it inspected by a professional. Most minor chips can easily be mended, but even the smallest cracks require a complete windshield replacement.
Myth: De-icing the Windshield with Warm Water is Harmless
Improper de-icing methods can severely harm your car’s windshield. For example, pouring hot water to clear the windshield of ice is a popular but dangerous method. Pouring warm water causes a sudden and extreme temperature shift.
The shift in temperature causes the glass to expand and compress quickly. As a result, cracks and chips can form on the windshield. If the integrity of the windshield has already been compromised before, it can shatter on the spot.
Instead of using hot water, use a de-icing solution instead. It can be poured or sprayed on your windshield to weaken and melt the ice. Avoid using pointed items to scrape off the ice and snow because they can also cause damage. A regular ice-scraper should suffice.
Myth: Driving with a Damaged Windshield is Fine
Another dangerous myth says that a damaged windshield can be safely ignored as long you can still drive. This is not true.
Even the most minor crack or chip can obscure your line of sight, especially during sunny weather. As light hits the chip or crack, it scatters, causing glares that can be dangerous for you and other drivers.
Your windshield does more than protect you from wind and other elements. It’s also a critical safety component during a car crash. Your windshield is designed to resist dangerous forces during a rollover accident and helps make sure the airbags are deployed at the right time. A damaged windshield can lower your chances of surviving life-threatening circumstances.
When it comes to car safety, being able to distinguish between fact and fiction can save you and your passenger’s life. Never underestimate any problem or issues with your car’s windshield.
When you notice even the most minor problem, it is wise to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Sentry Glass offers reliable full-service auto glass repair and replacement services. If you notice any signs of windshield damage, contact us today so our technicians can help you look into your problem.