It takes a split second for a piece of gravel or other flying debris to hit your windshield, resulting in a serious crack or chip. Cracks and chips wider and longer than credit cards and dollar bills are serious hazards requiring a full windshield replacement by a reputable auto body repair shop. Replacements typically take under an hour and provide several essential benefits.

Why You Should Get a Damaged Windshield Replaced Immediately

1. Professional Results

Home repair kits can worsen cracks and chips because the materials are low-quality and applied by an untrained hand. Rather than spending money on a home kit followed by a professional replacement, save money by working with a local auto body repair expert from the start.

2. Avoid Traffic Tickets

While windshield laws differ by state, severe cracks and chips are universally considered vision issues that impair the driver’s abilities. In Ohio, for example, the size of cracks and chips in terms of vision impairment is not specified; however, large damage in front of the driver is considered unsafe. Driving with a large crack or chip in your line of vision can subsequently get you pulled over and ticketed.

3. Prevent Visibility Problems & Safety Issues

Even if you manage to avoid tickets while driving around with a compromised windshield, you’re still putting yourself, passengers, and fellow drivers in danger. Not only is your vision impaired — meaning you may not be able to react in time to another driver’s actions — your windshield is weaker. Any crack or chip instantly weakens a windshield, which is especially dangerous if your car features tempered rather than laminated glass, or glass between plastic panes. Any collision or flying debris can shatter the glass and potentially result in injury. Windshield replacement services help your vehicle stay as safe as possible.

If you need your windshield or any other auto glass replaced, rely on Engel’s Auto Service & Towing to provide timely solutions. The auto body repair shop has served drivers throughout Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas since 1966, offering 24-hour emergency towing in addition to comprehensive collision services. Call (513) 385-8246 today to make an appointment, or learn more about their auto body repair services online.