Is a Crack in the Windshield Serious?
3 Answers
A crack in the windshield is serious. The front windshield of a car bears varying pressures depending on the vehicle speed and wind speed. The faster the speed and wind, the greater the pressure on the glass. If not addressed promptly, the crack can extend under increasing pressure until it splits the entire glass in half, causing damage. The functions of car glass include: 1. Sheltering from wind and rain, and reducing noise; 2. Minimizing wind resistance and directing airflow; 3. Protecting the safety of passengers. Methods for maintaining car glass are: 1. Use specialized or suitable wiper blades and replace them in time; 2. Keep the windshield clean; 3. Use automotive-specific glass cleaner.
A cracked windshield is indeed quite serious. From my 20 years of driving experience, it's especially dangerous on highways because it reflects light and affects visibility. Particularly in glaring sunlight or rainy weather, the crack acts like a magnifying glass, making it hard to see the road conditions clearly. In case of an emergency, you might not react in time. What's even scarier is that the crack can gradually expand as the car bumps along. If not repaired promptly, even a minor collision could cause the entire glass to shatter, with flying fragments potentially injuring people. That's why I always take my car to a professional shop for inspection and replacement as soon as I notice a crack—safety comes first. It's not worth saving a few bucks at the risk of something major. The cost of windshield repair isn't that high either; replacing one with a domestic brand only costs a few hundred yuan, which is much more economical than dealing with an accident.
When my family first bought a new car, we encountered a cracked windshield. As a budget-conscious person, I considered whether to repair it or not. The repair costs vary—small cracks can be fixed with resin filling for just a few dozen yuan, but it must be done quickly. Otherwise, if the crack spreads, the entire windshield would need replacement, costing thousands. Insurance might cover part of the cost, but filing a claim would leave a repair record, potentially depreciating the car's value. More importantly, driving with an unrepaired crack is nerve-wracking, and distorted visibility might even increase fuel consumption, making it costlier in the long run. So, I recommend getting small cracks evaluated at a shop as soon as possible—don’t wait until they grow and cost you big.
