Can You Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
2 Answers
A cracked windshield can still be driven with, but only at low speeds. Driving at high speeds poses significant risks. If there are cracks on the windshield surface, it is recommended that the owner replace it with a new one. During regular use, the front and rear windshields are more prone to damage. When driving at high speeds, flying stones can easily crack the front windshield. Tempered glass is another type of safety glass, widely used in modern vehicles for side and rear windows. Compared to laminated glass, tempered glass gains increased strength through heating and pressurization. When damaged, it shatters into smooth, small crumbs-like particles, reducing the risk of injury from glass fragments.
Last time I noticed a crack in my windshield, my heart was pounding: Can I still drive with this? I think it's best not to take the risk, because driving vibrations can make the crack grow larger, especially at high speeds or when hitting potholes. Glass fragments may fly off, obstructing your view is the least concern – in severe cases, the roof support weakens, increasing the risk of rollover. I've experienced it myself: what started as a small star-shaped crack turned into a long streak after just a few kilometers of driving, nearly causing an accident. Safety first! I recommend parking the car in a safe spot immediately and contacting a repair shop. If the crack is directly in the driver's line of sight or exceeds 30 cm in length, it absolutely must be replaced right away. Small cracks might be repairable with resin filling, which takes just tens of minutes, but don't delay. Remember, this isn't child's play – it's a matter of life and death. Addressing it promptly can also save you money by preventing greater damage.
