Can a car with a cracked windshield drive on the highway?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to drive on the highway with a cracked windshield. Due to the high speeds on highways, the pressure from flying sand or other hard objects hitting the windshield increases, which raises the risk of the glass shattering and directly endangers driving safety. For personal safety, it is recommended to repair or replace the windshield before driving on the highway. Most car windshields are made of laminated glass, which can develop cracks when hit by hard objects. Air can enter the inner layer of the glass through these cracks, especially during high-speed driving when the windshield is subjected to greater pressure. This continuous pressure can cause the cracks to expand, and in severe cases, the glass may shatter completely.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered windshield cracks. On highways, the fast wind speed and strong vibrations can quickly cause cracks to spread and enlarge, potentially even obscuring the entire view in an instant. Emergency braking might not be enough to prevent a collision or rollover. Temperature changes, such as the low temperatures in winter, can make the glass more brittle, doubling the risk. A friend of mine drove on the highway with a small crack, which ended up shattering during the trip, nearly causing an accident and costing nearly ten thousand yuan in repairs. Therefore, I don't recommend driving on highways with a cracked windshield—safety comes first. Getting it checked and repaired at a shop promptly can fix a small crack for a few hundred yuan, saving you from bigger troubles. Also, avoid parking in places with extreme sun exposure or large temperature differences to prevent the crack from worsening.
As someone who cares about traffic regulations, I must remind you: most regional laws explicitly state that driving on highways with windshield cracks that impair visibility is prohibited. Otherwise, you may face fines, vehicle impoundment, or penalty points if caught by traffic police. The high-pressure environment on highways increases the risk of cracks expanding, raising the chance of accidents and endangering yourself and others. For example, a medium-sized crack can spread into a spiderweb under high-speed wind pressure, completely obstructing your view. It's best to immediately check local regulations and adhere to safety standards like I do. If you must drive, opt for national highways or low-speed roads instead of gambling with luck. I recommend visiting a professional shop to assess the crack size—repairing is much cheaper than replacement and can prevent additional losses.
