Most drivers do not realize that their windshield is a vital part of their vehicle's structural safety system. It provides very specific roles in keeping the driver and passengers safe during an impact. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs should be done to protect the integrity of the windshield and to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Originally, windshield glass was created to protect the driver and passengers from wind and debris while travelling. Windshields did not become standard on vehicles until the 1920s when cars became faster and safety glass was created. Since then, auto glass has continued to improve and become a vital part of the structure of a vehicle. Now, it is considered one of the most important automotive safety devices available.
There are three specific roles that a windshield plays in the safety of a vehicle. First, it prevents the driver and passengers from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident or collision. Occupants who are ejected from a vehicle during an accident are at far greater risk of being fatally injured.
Second, the windshield is crucial in absorbing the impact of airbags as they deploy. Airbags release at an extremely high speed, and a compromised windshield with cracks or heavy chips may keep the windshield from properly absorbing the shock.
Finally, it provides structural support, most notably for the roof. The windshield contributes substantially to the overall structural integrity of any vehicle. During a high-speed collision or rollover, a damaged windshield may crumble and shatter on impact, or detach completely if it was poorly installed. This can mean the difference between life and death if the vehicle rolls or comes to rest upside down, because the roof will have much less support and a much higher chance of collapsing.
Because windshield glass plays such a large part in the overall safety of a vehicle, it is important to keep it repaired and working properly at all times. Unfortunately, rocks, hail, and road debris can hit, causing small chips in the glass. Even small chips in the glass can compromise the functionality of your windshield.
Many times, these chips are so small that they are difficult to see and may go unnoticed until they spread. Be sure to inspect your windshield for small chips and cracks each time you stop for gas. Most of these small chips are easily fixed, saving you from possible replacement in the future.
If not fixed early, those small chips can quickly turn into a large crack. Hot or cold temperatures, rough driving conditions, and slamming doors can cause a small chip to spread into a crack. Not only do these cracks weaken the structure of the glass and impede the driver's visibility, they can diminish the safety benefits of the windshield altogether.
It is important to use a professional auto glass installer when having your windshield replaced. The quality of adhesives used as well as the training of the installer can influence the performance of the windshield during a collision or rollover. Using the wrong materials and unqualified installers can compromise the safety of your vehicle.
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