A car is a valuable possession for everyone, which is why people keep them safe and take proper care of them. However, no matter how hard you try to keep your car safe, it may still end up getting damaged in one way or the other. One thing that gets damaged quite often is the car windows and the windshield. This is because they are the most sensitive parts of a vehicle’s body as they are made up of glass. If by any unfortunate event your car window cracks on the road, then what should you do? Here are a few things you can try to manage the situation smoothly and efficiently.
Initial Steps to Take
1- Stop at a Side
When you see your car window or windshield getting cracked while you are on the road, it is better to turn on the parking signals and stop at the corner of the road. If you have a warning sign inside your trunk, place it on the side of your car from where the traffic is coming. Once your vehicle is parked securely, move towards the damage assessment. Provide your auto car dealer with all the information regarding the damage and, if possible, send them clear pictures.
2- Leave the Repairs for an Expert
When you see small cracks in the windows, don’t repair them yourself. A car window glass is made up of several layers to protect you. Hence, fixing the cracks on your own might not be effective. Therefore, for the best results, you must call a professional company for car window repair in San Jose.
3- Plan your Next Move
Like any other accident, you need a plan for cracked windshields and windows. Therefore, you must have the contact information of car dealers or companies that provide car window repair. Always try to keep yourself safe. Call emergency services if you cannot get off safely after stopping due to a cracked window. Life is valuable; hence you must not put yourself and your family at risk and get your cracked window repaired as soon as possible.
How Long Can You Drive with a Cracked Window?
It can be difficult to determine if a broken window needs to be replaced or repaired. It might take several days to repair or replace your windshield if the damage is big. A small chip crack on your car’s glass may not be dangerous at first, but it will eventually grow if you keep ignoring it. Road bumps can also make small chips or cracks in your windshield a big problem.
Decide If You Want Repair or Replacement
Most of the time, it becomes very clear that window replacement is required. While on the road, if a huge rock hits your car window and it penetrates the window, repairs won’t help. But it’s not always clear as in the example above. In some cases, even small cracks might require a complete window replacement. Generally, you should repair or replace a car window by following these steps:
1- Check the Extent of Damages
With the growth in technology, bigger cracks or chips in a window can be repaired easily by hiring a professional repairman. If the cracks are up to 14 inches wide, they must be repaired. However, the cracks bigger than 14 inches may lead to replacing the car windows. Larger cracks can be repaired but leave a question mark on the structure’s integrity. Therefore, any professional repairman for car window repair will suggest replacement.
2- Location of the Damage
If the window gets cracked from the middle and the crack spreads, it must be replaced. Repairs are not effective at this point, and the window will get cracked any time again when it is subjected to a heavy impact. In addition, chips and cracks that block the driver’s field of vision cannot be repaired. Other damages that can’t be repaired involve cracks affecting car sensors.
3- Deeper Cracks
If the impact that causes cracks in your window is big, the cracks appear deep. Normally, car windows cracks and windshields are made up of three layers. One is the outer layer of glass that is mainly exposed to all the debris and dust on roads. Then is the simple plastic layer, which divides the outer layer from the inner layer. At last, there is the inner layer made of glass that protects the driver and passengers. The window must be replaced if the cracks have passed through all of these layers.
Now you must be well prepared on what to do if your car window cracks on the road. One can get very frustrated and worried in such a situation, so keep a cool head and follow the tips shared above. One of the best things to do is to call a professional car window repair company and let them handle things in their own way.
