The old mantra of “ride it til it dies” may have worked 15 years ago in Northeastern Pa., but in an overpriced used car market, you simply can’t afford to avoid common repairs.
Windshield cracks often qualify as one of these “superficial problems” that drivers tend to ignore, either because they’re worried about the cost or ignorant of the consequences.
Like most other problems in life, ignoring auto glass damage will only compound the problem and make it more expensive to fix in the long run.
But is it really that unsafe to drive a cracked or chipped windshield if you can still see out the front?
This article will answer the common question that most drivers will research at one point in their lives, “is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield?”
Why Windshields Are More Important than You Think
Maybe you’re wondering about driving with a cracked windshield because you don’t want to risk an accident on the way to a repair shop, or maybe you don’t have the money to make the necessary repairs.
However, windshields serve a bigger role in your vehicle than just being a giant transparent glass pane that fends off bugs.
In addition to visibility, your windshield provides several important functions for your vehicle, including:
- Structural support: Your windshield provides up to 60% of your vehicle’s roof support during a rollover.
- Airbag performance: Front airbags bounce off the windshield during deployment. A compromised windshield can affect how the airbag protects you.
- Crash protection: A properly installed windshield helps keep passengers inside the vehicle during a collision.
In addition, a compromised windshield can also alter your advanced driver-assistance system
(ADAS), threatening your safety and even making your car inoperable.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
Maybe you don’t care about the importance of your windshield and just want to know if you can get away with ignoring that crack or chip in the center of your windshield.
Generally, driving with a cracked or chipped windshield is not considered safe, but this depends on several factors.
- Location, Location, Location: If a crack or chip impacts your vision, especially on the driver’s side, your vehicle will be unsafe to drive and may even warrant a ticket.
- A Ticking Time Bomb: While chips are considered more minor forms of damage, any damage to your windshield’s surface will automatically invite in moisture and debris that can exacerbate the damage over time. In some cases, it can take as little as a few days to a month for a windshield crack to spread and render your vehicle unsafe.
- Structural Integrity: While a cracked windshield may not impact your safety now, if you get into a car accident, you could be sacrificing valuable structural integrity that could protect you in the event of a rollover.
Pennsylvania Laws Surrounding Cracked Windshields
In addition to safety issues, drivers must also determine whether the risk of potential fines and failing inspection are worth the trouble.
Cracked windshields will not pass an inspection, and Pennsylvania law allows officers to ticket drivers with cracks that obstruct the driver’s side vision. In addition, cracks or chips with exposed glass edges will also fail inspection and warranty financial penalties.
Will My Windshield Shatter While Driving?
No, thankfully, modern windshields are composed of multiple layers of laminate flexible polyvinyl butyral (PVB) that prevent the glass from shattering and eject most broken glass out the front of the windshield.
Only in extreme cases where substantial damage has occurred or a manufacturer defects, such as the Honda HRV, will you risk your windshield shattering entirely without some sort of blunt force being applied to the glass.
How to Diagnose the Severity of Windshield Damage
When dealing with a damaged windshield, it’s important to understand the damage you are dealing with and your repair options. Generally, the two most common forms of damage are:
- Windshield Chips: Superficial scrapes that take out a small chunk of the outermost layer of glass. These are generally not considered unsafe to drive with, though they should be repaired ASAP to prevent chips from spreading.
- Long Cracks: Deep cracks that are longer than six inches long will require complete glass replacement. Unfortunately, these cracks cannot be fully filled without compromising the integrity of the glass or causing the crack to spread further.
- Edge Cracks: While edge cracks may not seem like a big deal–they don’t impact your vision–they actually weaken the adhesive bond of the windshield, making it unsafe to drive in the event of an accident.
In any case, we don’t recommend driving with a damaged windshield as it is most likely unsafe, and you risk causing the damage to spread further, necessitating complete replacement of the glass.
Where Can I Get My Windshield Repaired?
The best place to get your windshield replaced and save money is to visit an auto glass shop that specializes in auto glass repairs.
Most mechanics are not properly equipped to handle full windshield replacements, and dealerships often have long lines and long wait times.
An auto glass shop like Northeast Auto Glass can handle all forms of windshield repair, works with your insurance company to file claims, and backs all services with a lifetime warranty, so you don’t have to worry about paying for future repairs.
For the best service and price on all auto glass repairs, contact Northeast Auto Glass today.
FAQs
How long can I wait to fix a windshield crack?
Time is not on your side. Cracks tend to spread quickly due to vibration, temperature swings (especially in PA winters), and moisture. A small chip can often be repaired—but once it spreads, a full replacement may be necessary.
Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in Pennsylvania?
Not necessarily—but it depends on the location and severity of the crack. If the damage obstructs the driver’s view or is in the windshield wiper path, your vehicle may fail PA’s annual safety inspection or even get pulled over for unsafe visibility.
Does car insurance in PA cover windshield repair or replacement?
If you carry comprehensive coverage, many PA policies cover windshield repairs—and some even waive the deductible. Some insurers offer full glass coverage as an add-on. Check with your provider for specific details.
