Were you driving down the freeway when a rock flew into your windshield? The damage that it caused my seem insignificant, but it is something that you need to be concerned about. Here are a few reasons why you should have a crack in your windshield repaired as soon as possible, no matter how big it is.

Cracks Can Expand

Damage may start small, but it will eventually expand to a much bigger crack over time. This happens due to several factors due to driving every single day on the road.

For example, the vibrations of driving over uneven surfaces can cause the crack to expand as the glass vibrates as well. In the winter, water can get into the crack, freeze, and expand to cause the crack to increase. The sun can even cause your windshield to heat up, which causes the glass to slightly expand and cause the crack to get worse.

The crack will not get any smaller than it is at first, but it can become much bigger due to no fault of your own.

Large Cracks May Be Against The Law

Every state has their own laws regarding windshield cracks. For the most part, the laws state that you are not allowed to drive with a windshield crack if it impairs your vision while you drive. Some states have laws that are more strict than the federal limits, while other states are more relaxed.

For example, Michigan does not have any restrictions on cracked windshields, but they do have more lenient rules. You could be pulled over by a police officer if the crack is big enough to cause your vision while driving to be impaired. Other states have very specific rules, such as Hawaii, that does not allow cracks between the top of your steering wheel and the top of your windshield, making a passenger side crack okay.

If you do find yourself pulled over for a cracked windshield, you can expect to receive a ticket and be required to fix the damage as soon as possible.

Cracks Are Easy To Fix When Small

A crack in a windshield is going to be cheaper and easier to repair when it is small. You will be able to save your windshield from needing to be completely replaced, and you can be back on the road again in a matter of hours rather than days to get windshield replacement.

Contact an auto glass repair service for further help.