December 16, 2020
What? A cracked windshield? And you asking if it is safe to drive with it? The answer is simply no. Not that a broken windshield poses immediate; however, the idea is unsafe on all levels. Whether damaged by an accident, rock, hail, or something else, a broken windshield is a serious issue and may render a car unsafe to drive. To put it correctly, a small hole or crack in the windshield is not very dangerous, but the damaged glass should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
If you have a damaged windshield, you should know that:
a) A damaged windshield provides less protection and safety
b) It affects visibility.
Windshields, as the name suggests are meant to provide safety and protection to the passengers. In case the windshield cracks or gets chipped due to extreme weather conditions, the lamination is designed to hold everything in place for a while. Windshields are made up of tempered laminated glass, which means that two layers of glass panes are stuck together with lamination in between them. This promises double protection and some more. The immediate damage is done to one of the layers of the windshield. The amination and the second glass layers hold things together until the damage is fixed. Until then, the windshield is safe from
injuring the passengers or falling on the road.
Now, do not take it as an easy way out. Even a small crack or hole implies that the safety level of the windshield has been compromised. Also, the crack or hole of the windshield can spread.
This means it is highly likely that the vision of the driver will be affected too; that is quite unsafe.
Impala glass holds a reputable position as one of the leading automobile glass manufacturers in Kenya. We keep our client’s safety and requirements on top of everything. So now you know
where to come for your windshield needs.
Let us talk about some cracked windshield queries.
1. What to do about a cracked or damaged windshield?
In all honesty, the best and safest solution is to get it replaced as soon as possible. However, we offer smart solutions to
repair small chips in the glass and from stopping the cracks from spreading, which happens to be one of the most common problems with the glass. Moisture, flex from the body of the vehicle as it goes over bumps and dips in the road, changes in temperature that cause the glass to expand and contract all put stress on the glass. This additional stress causes
the glass to shatter and the condition of the windshield will continue to get worse the longer you wait to get it fixed.
It’s important to avoid pressing on a broken windshield from the interior of the car. Because of its concave shape, a crack can severely weaken the structural integrity of the
windshield and the glass is likely to continue cracking if pressure is placed on it from the
inside.
2. Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield?
The answer to this one depends the rules of the place you live at. A broken windshield is usually not the driver’s fault. It is the result of extreme weather conditions like a hailstorm or an object hitting from the outside. However to keep things simple let us take a look at this Kenyan law which states that: -> Section 55 (1) Unmaintained motor vehicles e.g cracked windshield, worn-out tires e.t.c. Fine Ksh.10,000 Ksh.20,000
We at IMPALAGLASS believe in providing our customers with the best of everything; solutions and products. Please take a look at https://www.impalaglass.com/products/automotive/windscreens/