You may notice cars on the street with cracked windshields. You may even drive around with a cracked windshield yourself. However, it's never a good idea to operate a motor vehicle with a cracked windshield. If you do drive with a crack in your windshield, you will make the problem worse by continuing to do so. Here's why.

Your Windshield Is Already Compromised

Once you notice a crack in your windshield, it means your auto glass was already suffering from trauma. That's for cracks that appear over time. If something like debris or other something else damages your windshield, then you should seek immediate repairs.

When there's a crack, even a tiny one, it will only grow. As it grows, it increases the chances of a complete windshield failure.

How Do Windshield Cracks Grow?

Everything you do in your vehicle stresses your windshield glass.

• Vibrations generated by the car
• Temperature fluctuations
• Extreme temperature differences between outside and inside the car
• Constant bombardment from small debris on the road
• Speed bumps and potholes

All of these things can turn a microscopic crack in your windshield into a visible one. They can turn a visible crack into an outright hazard. Once you see the crack in the windshield, any one of these stresses can become the last one your windshield can take.

Consider also the dangers represented by a crack in your windshield. It can distract you while driving or obstruct your view. Even if you don't consider how a crack compromises your windshield, you should certainly not want to drive with one that can contribute to an accident.

What You Should Do about Windshield Cracks

You don't have to fully replace your windshield when there's a small crack or ding. You can repair small damage yourself, or have a professional do it for you. There's various products out there for this purpose. Make sure you follow the instructions very closely.

You should also do some research online or check out videos of others doing small windshield repairs. It's possible to further ruin the integrity of your windshield if you don't repair it properly. If in doubt, have a professional do it. In all cases, you shouldn't wait. Make the repairs as soon as you possibly can.

If you have multiple spots of damage or one large crack, then you should have the windshield replaced. Also, if the windshield crack affects your ability to drive safely in any way, then go with a replacement.

Auto glass replacement is a quick and painless process. Contact a company like Glass Pro Inc for more help.