{"id":23,"date":"2017-01-16T18:02:00","date_gmt":"2017-01-16T18:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.glass.com\/can-a-cracked-windshield-shatter\/"},"modified":"2024-04-03T21:18:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T01:18:46","slug":"can-a-cracked-windshield-shatter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/can-a-cracked-windshield-shatter\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Cracked Windshield Shatter?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The short answer is yes, a cracked windshield can shatter. But there are several factors involved, and realize that using the word \u201cshatter\u201d may not be entirely accurate. Windshield glass is laminated, meaning it consists of two layers of glass with a thin plastic film between the layers. You may have heard it called \u201csafety\u201d glass, as its construction prevents the glass from breaking into more dangerous shards. It usually breaks into smaller pieces.<\/p>

A cracked window screen has the potential to grow as the glass expands and contracts due to temperature fluctuations, pressure applied to the glass, an object striking the glass, or dirt introduced to the crack. Any of these factors could worsen the crack \u2013 which has already weakened the glass \u2013 and cause it to \u201cshatter.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet an Instant Windshield Replacement Quote For Your Vehicle Now!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"broken-windshield\"<\/p>\n

But even if the glass does shatter, the likelihood of it collapsing into your vehicle or onto your hood, is unlikely. Windshields are held in place with strong urethane adhesives, which prevent leaks, noise and movement of the glass. Also, because the glass is laminated, the entire windshield generally won’t separate from the frame.<\/p>\n

This doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive with a cracked windshield. Even a small crack on glass means your windshield’s<\/a> structural integrity has been compromised, which means it is now a safety hazard to you and your passengers. Even if the crack or chip is small, it’s important to have it checked out. You’ll need a qualified auto glass<\/a> technician to help you determine if the glass can be repaired or if it should be replaced.<\/p>\n

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Is It Safe To Drive With a Cracked Windshield?<\/h2>\n
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Driving around with a cracked windshield is never a good idea be it for a long, or even short, period of time. When a crack happens it is best to start seeking out a reputable<\/a> auto glass company sooner rather than later. You want to ensure the safety of you and those riding in your vehicle, and the windshield is an integral part of that safety system.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet an Instant Windshield Replacement Quote For Your Vehicle Now!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chip or a Crack?<\/span><\/p>

A windshield\u00a0crack<\/a> is different than a chip which can often be repaired. There are many forms of windshield damage though you\u2019ll most often hear \u201cchip\u201d or \u201ccrack.\u201d A chip is a general term that refers to small damage on a windshield, whereas a crack of damage is a distinct line that runs across the windshield. Check out\u00a0more information<\/a>\u00a0on how to determine if a repair or replacement is necessary. Can a crack be repaired? Sometimes if it\u2019s 14 inches or less and not in the driver\u2019s field of vision. A trained repair technician will be able to judge if a repair will affect the vehicle\u2019s operation. In that case, he or she will recommend a replacement.<\/p>

Don\u2019t Wait to Replace<\/h2>

If you have determined there is a crack that must be replaced, don\u2019t wait around wondering how long you can drive with your cracked windshield. One of the most common problems with small cracks is that they tend to grow. Temperature plays a role here also, as changes can cause the glass to expand and contract. The crack creates a weak point in the glass, so why wait to get your windshield replaced?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet an Instant Windshield Replacement Quote For Your Vehicle Now!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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How Long Does it Take for a Windshield Crack to Spread?<\/h2>

\"\"<\/p>

Moisture and Temperature<\/h3>

Your windshield is a glass sandwich\u2014two pieces of glass with a layer of plastic in between\u2014which means there\u2019s room for moisture to get inside. When water gets through the crack it can weaken the entire windshield. If it\u2019s cold enough, that water could also freeze, which could lead to even more cracks. Likewise, extreme temperature can also impact how quickly the crack spreads. Can your windshield crack from cold? It’s possible. Cold temperatures cause contraction\u2014even in glass\u2014and if it\u2019s cracked or chipped the added pressure can cause further damage. The sun can also make the crack or chip worse, as it can increase the temperature of the windshield, causing the crack or chip to expand.<\/p>

Dirt<\/h3>

Dirt can get inside the glass sandwich, which again can weaken the windshield. A temporary solution is placing clear tape over the crack until it is fixed. This doesn\u2019t obstruct the view and can help keep dirt out.<\/p>

Bumps in the Road<\/h3>

As much as you try to avoid bumps and dips in the road while driving, sometimes they can\u2019t be missed. Unfortunately, this, too, can stress the windshield and cause cracks to spread. There may not be a specific length of time it takes for a crack to spread across the windshield, but the longer it\u2019s there the more likely it will grow.<\/p>

As soon as you notice the crack or chip, the best plan of action is to take it into an expert right away. You\u2019ll find qualified technicians near you through\u00a0Glass.com<\/a>\u00a0who can handle your windshield repair or replacement.<\/u><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet an Instant Windshield Replacement Quote For Your Vehicle Now!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A cracked windshield can shatter, but there are several factors involved — and “shatter” may not be entirely accurate. Here’s what you need to know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":59481,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,1352],"tags":[12],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70375,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23\/revisions\/70375"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59481"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}