Why Replacing a Damaged Windshield is Important

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• No matter how carefully you drive, all it takes
  to damage your windshield is one stray pebble or
  another small, hard object. However it happens,
  youre suddenly left with an ugly crack on your
  windshieldso what should you do now? Well, the
  last thing you should do is ignore it, because a
  damaged windshield, for reasons well explain
  later on, generally must be fixed or replaced
  altogether.

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• How do you know whether a windshield can be
  patched up or requires a complete replacement?
  Heres one rule of thumb If the site of the
  break and the cracks stemming from it can be
  completely covered by a dollar bill, then usually
  you can have it repaired.
• Keep in mind, though, that the repair process
  frequently does not return the windshield to its
  original condition. If thats an issue for you,
  then it may be best to replace the windshield.

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• Replacing a windshield is more costly than
  repairing it, but both procedures are reasonably
  inexpensive.
• In many cases, the cost of a windshield
  replacement is covered by auto insurance. A lot
  of carriers will even waive the deductible for
  you.
• But what if you dont want to be bothered with
  this hassle? Whats wrong with driving around
  with a damaged windshield? Quite a lot, as we
  will see.

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• A small crack on your windshield might seem like
  nothing more than a nuisance that can be easily
  ignored, but this isnt true at all if the
  damaged area is in your line of sight while you
  drive.
• This creates a hazard because it hinders your
  view of the area outside your vehicle. Driving
  like this just isnt safe.

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• A small crack on your windshield wont
  necessarily stay small. Over time, it can easily
  begin to spread, and the process might happen
  faster than you realize.
• If this occurs, then you might be forced to
  replace your entire windshield when you could
  have simply repaired that tiny crack.

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• Todays windshields are designed to stay in place
  during a road collision, but this capability is
  compromised if the surface has preexisting
  damage. This can result in the windshield
  shattering or popping free during impact, which
  could cause serious injury to occupants.
• Furthermore, the windshield is also part of the
  automobiles structural support system. If it is
  damaged, this increases the likelihood that the
  roof will cave in during a rollover accident.

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• Depending on where you live, you could be
  breaking the law by driving with a cracked
  windshield. If a police officer sees you rolling
  down the street with your lovely dinged-up
  windshield, you could be in for a fine.
• Many states enforce this law because police
  officers recognize the traffic dangers posed by
  cracked windshields.

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• Dirt is another factor that can turn a little
  crack into a big headache. Foreign matter of this
  nature will eventually get into the cracks of
  your windshield, making its repair much more
  difficult, if not impossible.
• This is an additional reason why its important
  to act quickly if you plan to repair your cracked
  windshield.

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• Established in 1949 as an auto glass shop located
  in Minneapolis, MN, Harmon AutoGlass has since
  grown into a nationwide family of service centers
  specializing in replacing and repairing
  automotive windshields, as well as glass services
  for home and business. The company is a
  subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc.
• For more information, please visit
  www.harmonautoglass.com.