A small crack on your windshield might look innocent enough at a glance. While it may seem that a minor fissure can’t do too much damage to your vehicle, the exact opposite is true. It’s imperative to seek the assistance of an auto glass repair professional if your windshield suffers damage. Here are three reasons you shouldn’t ignore this problem.

Why You Should Repair a Cracked Windshield Promptly

1. It Can Spread Quickly

A small crack only remains small for a moment. With regular exposure to the elements, shifts in temperature, or any other type of force applied to the windshield, the crack can quickly grow and affect other areas of the glass. While windshields are crafted with at least two layers of auto glass, they aren’t immune to significant damage. If you notice that the crack has grown larger, it’s important to have an auto glass repair expert handle it right away—especially if it interferes with your ability to drive home safely. But, it’s best to hire a professional immediately to avoid dealing with extensive damage.

2. It Inhibits Airbag Functionality

When airbags deploy during a car accident, they’re designed to provide a cushion and protect you from injury. But, the only way it can work is if the windshield’s integrity is intact and it can successfully bounce back from the glass and move in your direction. If the airbag doesn’t have anything to contact when it deploys, it will simply continue to push upward instead of returning back to you or a passenger. This safety threat alone is reason enough to hire a body shop to fix the problem for you.

3. It Reduces Structural Integrity

In the event of a collision, the windshield generally absorbs some of the force, which in turn can serve as a protective mechanism for people in the car and even for the vehicle itself. But, if the auto glass is compromised in any way, it’s far more likely to shatter if an accident occurs. That will prevent it from accepting shock and transferring some of the impact to other parts of the car. The less integral the windshield is to your vehicle, the less effective it is at protecting you.

Don’t let a cracked windshield pose a threat to your safety. Turn to the auto glass repair experts at OHS’ Body Shop in Kalispell, MT. The body shop professionals offer over 40 years of industry experience, and they’re equipped to handle everything from broken auto glass to collision repairs. Visit them online to learn more, or give them a call at (406) 752-8202.