What to Do If Your Windshield Cracks on the Road

What should you do if your windshield cracks or chips while you're driving? A stray rock, wild weather, or roadside debris can damage your car's glass. Take a look at the do's and don'ts to follow if this happens while you're behind the wheel.

Do Pull Over As Soon As Possible



More specifically, do pull over as soon as it's safe. Even though it's easy to panic when your windshield cracks or chips while you're on the road, never swerve off the road or pull over without looking. This could cause an accident and put yourself, the passengers in your car, or anyone else on the road in danger.

Find a safe spot to pull over. Make sure your impromptu parking space is away from traffic and (if it is the evening or nighttime) in a well-lit area. If possible, avoid the shoulder of the road. This may make it necessary to drive for a few minutes until you can exit a highway or find a parking lot/side street to pull into. 

After you locate a safe space, pull over immediately. The longer you are on the road, the greater the chance that the damage will spread. A large network of cracks can make it almost impossible to see out of a windshield. This can cause a serious hazard while you're on the road. Likewise, a windshield that suddenly shatters while driving can also pose a significant safety risk. These issues can cause an injury to the driver or passenger or result in an accident. 

Don't Touch the Windshield

It's tempting to inspect the damage yourself. Instead of touching the crack or chip, visually assess the problem. What may seem like a minor pit or hairline crack could have sharp edges. These could cut your hand. Not only could touching a damaged windshield result in an injury, but the force of your fingers on the fragile glass could also cause it to shatter. 

Do Take the Weather and Environmental Conditions Into Account

Some weather conditions could cause a cracked or chipped windshield to shatter quickly or increase the damage. Cold weather causes materials, such as glass, to contract. Cold-related contraction puts extra pressure on the windshield and can increase the likelihood that it will shatter. Like the cold, direct sunlight can also add to the damage a crack or chip can cause. 

If the weather is extremely cold or your car is in full sun on a warm day, you may need to do more than just move it off the road. If you don't need to drive the car far to get it to a safe spot, find a sheltered parking space (such as a garage).

Don't Attempt to Repair or Replace the Windshield Yourself

Windshield repairs and replacements are not DIY jobs. Failure to correctly assess the damage, repair a chip, or replace auto glass could damage your windshield, pose a safety risk, or allow rainwater, snow, and other elements into your car.

Do Choose the Right Repair Contractor

If you shouldn't repair or replace the windshield, who should? Auto glass repairs and replacement are complex jobs that require a skilled technician who has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to safely address a crack or chip. 

The contractor you choose should have extensive experience and a track record to prove it. While you might not have time to read dozens of reviews or ask several friends, family members, or co-workers for a referral, you can ask the company/technician for information about their experience. Look for a company with the right required insurance and references.

Do you need a professional to repair or replace your car's glass? Contact All State Auto Glass for more information.