If you drive with a broken windshield and have a car accident, the results can be devastating. An impact can cause the glass to break completely, crash into the car, and cause cuts and bruises. The short answer is yes, a broken windshield can shatter. But there are several factors involved, and keep in mind that using the word “break up” may not be entirely accurate. The windshield glass is laminated, meaning it consists of two layers of glass with a thin plastic film between the layers.
You may have heard that they call it “safety glass”, since its construction prevents the glass from breaking into more dangerous fragments. It usually breaks into smaller pieces. But can your vehicle's windshield shatter if you don't fix a small crack? In specific circumstances, yes, the windshield could break if it has a crack that compromises its integrity. However, it won't break or spray small fragments of glass all over the interior of the vehicle because the windshields are made of laminated glass. This type of glass consists of three layers, two of which are glass and one of them is a transparent and flexible material called polyvinyl butyral (PVB).
It's a little scary, isn't it? Well, don't let it get the best of you. While the windshield can break, the chance of that happening is very low, and if you're proactive and make sure your windows are repaired when they're damaged, you won't have to worry about it again. People often ask: “How dangerous is a broken windshield? First, know that a damaged windshield is unlikely to break and cause injury. While it's true that a windshield can suffer from generalized cracks, the PVB layer sandwiched between the layers of glass is designed to hold the glass together even if it technically breaks. When choosing a place to repair windshields, be sure to choose a company that is certified by the Automotive Glass Safety Council and that offers a warranty for repairs.
At Auto Glass Fitters, you'll never have to worry about driving a vehicle with a damaged window or windshield. Now that I know how important windshield repair is, I'll be sure to look for an expert in glass repair. We have a team of glass professionals who can help you with your windshield, shower door, and home glass needs. Your windshield is a glass assembly made up of two pieces of glass with a plastic layer in the middle, meaning there's room for moisture to enter. And when that happens, you'll need a complete windshield replacement, which is considerably more expensive than minor auto glass repairs. Let's take a look at what can happen to a broken windshield if it isn't repaired and how driving around with damaged glass can put your safety at risk.
If you have a small chip or crack in your windshield, repairing your car windows as soon as possible can help keep you and your passengers safe. Sometimes it's possible to repair small cracks in the windshield, although your car's glass technician will recommend whether you should replace the windshield completely or not. When a crack occurs, it's best to start looking for a reputable auto glass company as soon as possible.
