Can a Cracked Windshield Break While Driving? Safety Insights
Manufacturers build windshields with sturdy materials to protect drivers and other vehicle occupants, but they aren’t impervious to damage. Collisions, debris, and even weather events can cause chips and cracks in the glass.
If these minor damages happen, can a cracked windshield break while driving? Yes, cracks can expand over time and eventually cause a windshield to break. According to Insurance Journal, 53% of cracks are considered long, which are the most susceptible to breaking.
Learn more about the dangers of windshield cracks and how to prevent them in this safety guide.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
You should always be careful when driving with damaged glass. A cracked windshield can cause safety issues in two ways.
First, cracks obstruct driver visibility. A long crack (typically over ten inches) or a crack on the driver’s side obstructs visibility the most. However, other crack locations, such as rear windshield cracks, can also decrease visibility. You shouldn’t drive if you can’t properly see the road.
Second, cracks are prone to further damage over time. If you continue to drive with a cracked windshield, the crack can expand and even cause the windshield to break. If the windshield has significant damage or the damage spreads, you shouldn’t drive.
Many places have laws about windshield cracks because of these increased safety concerns. Check your state laws for legal regulations. It's still unsafe—even if you feel confident in your ability to see through the cracks.
Learn more about the safety concerns of driving with a windshield crack.
What Causes a Windshield to Break?
Windshields break due to severe damage to the glass. In some circumstances, this happens all at once during a collision or other accident. In other cases, it occurs after time as minor chips and cracks spread across the glass panel.
Air pressure and movement put some stress on your windshield while you drive. Cracks are more vulnerable to this stress. Normal vibrations, bumps, and pressure that occur on the road can cause these cracks to worsen.
Long cracks and cracks at weak points—such as where the windshield meets the car frame—are the most likely to break. However, under the right conditions, any imperfections can cause breakage.
Cracks are also vulnerable to dirt and moisture that would typically not affect glass. If debris like this gets into cracks, it can push the glass apart. This is particularly true in fluctuating weather, such as extremely cold or warm days when water expands and contracts.
What Happens If Your Windshield Breaks While Driving?
Can a cracked windshield shatter while you’re driving? Not in the action-movie-worthy way you’re thinking. Thankfully, windshields are made with layers of glass and a protective layer of flexible polyvinyl butyral (PVB) so that they don’t shatter and deposit shards of glass inside the car’s cabin. Instead, the layers of glass will stick to the flexible PVB or be directed outside the vehicle’s cabin. Even if glass pieces enter the cabin, windshields are made from tempered glass, so the broken edges aren’t as sharp.
While shards of auto glass inside the cabin are unlikely to significantly harm you, a broken windshield is still very serious. Someone may be hurt, or the debris is likely to cause problems for other drivers on the road. If so, you’ll likely need to call emergency services for help.
Once everyone is safe, you should contact a technician for a replacement. Many places, like Auto Glass Now, can replace your windshield that same day so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
How Can You Protect Your Windshield?
You can practice thoughtful, assertive driving techniques to prevent your windshield from breaking while you’re on the road. You should:
Avoid driving on gravel roads and over debris when possible.
Take caution when driving in inclement weather, such as a hail storm.
Keep a reasonable distance between other vehicles.
Drive the speed limit.
Park in covered parking or away from potential falling hazards when possible.
You should also take care of your car with other preventative measures. To protect your windshield, you can:
Clean your windshield regularly.
Replace your windshield wipers as appropriate.
Properly remove snow.
Be mindful of temperature changes.
All of these steps will protect your windshield. Of course, you should always repair minor windshield imperfections as soon as you notice them. Chips and cracks are likely to worsen over time. The bigger the chip or crack, the more likely it is to break the windshield. You can consult a technician if you’re unsure whether your windshield needs to be repaired.
Where Can You Get Replacements for a Broken Windshield?
If your windshield breaks while driving, get it replaced immediately. Trust the experts at Auto Glass Now for quality windshield repair and replacement services.
Find a location near you or contact us today for more information.