If your car, truck, or van has suffered a cracked windshield, the experts at Car Crafters can get you back on the road quickly
You may be familiar with that feeling of dread when you hear something hard impact your windshield while driving. You look quickly to see if it was a rock or debris flying off the truck in front of you and anxiously inspect the glass for damage when you spot a dreaded divot or crack in the glass.
Even a small ding, the size of a pencil tip, can be the beginning of an unsightly—and potentially dangerous—crack. Sometimes, it’s a small crack; other times, it can stretch across the windshield instantaneously.
The reality is that a damaged windshield can significantly impact your visibility when parking, backing out, or driving on the long, winding roads in Blue Ridge, often making even a minor crack a major safety concern.
Whether you need minor repairs or a full replacement of your front or back windshield, you can count on the skilled Blue Ridge auto body technicians at Car Crafters for fast, reliable service to get you back on the road safely.
Concerned about driving to our shop with a broken windshield?
No problem! We also offer 24-hour roadside assistance and towing, so feel free to give us a call anytime—day or night.
Common causes of windshield damage in Blue Ridge
Windshield damage is a common issue for drivers in the Blue Ridge area due to various environmental and road conditions. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
- Road debris. A rock falling from the back of a truck or coming off a mountain can smash into your front windshield, chipping or cracking it. Even a small rock, the size of a pea, can get kicked up into your windshield by anything with a tire, as can pieces of a vehicle from a previous accident.
- Animals. White-tailed deer and mule deer are common in Blue Ridge, and unfortunately, so are deer collisions. Hitting one of these animals can easily lead to a broken windshield and other significant damage to your car. Mockingbirds live in Blue Ridge, too, and they’ve been known to fly into reflective surfaces like windows and mirrors, sometimes leaving damage in their wake.
- Poor installation or faulty windshield. A poorly installed windshield has an uneven distribution of weight and pressure, which can cause stress cracks to suddenly appear out of nowhere. Likewise, a defective windshield can crack without warning for no apparent reason.
- Accidents. The impact of a crash with another vehicle or even a stationary object like a tree can cause significant auto body damage, including a cracked windshield.
- Weather conditions. It’s not just hail that can damage or break windshields. Sudden temperature changes can also cause existing chips to expand into larger cracks. Despite Blue Ridge receiving only about 4 inches of snowfall annually, cold weather can negatively impact glass over time and make it more susceptible to damage.
- Vandalism. Unfortunately, vandalism can happen in Blue Ridge, just like anywhere else. If you find yourself in a situation where your windshield or a side window has been damaged due to vandalism, make sure you first secure your vehicle and document the damage. Then, contact your insurance company to report the incident before seeking repair or replacement.
Taking preventative measures, such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, avoiding driving in severe weather, and being cautious in areas with poor road conditions or high wildlife activity, can help you avoid windshield damage.
If damage does occur, prompt repair or replacement is crucial to maintaining your visibility and safety behind the wheel.
How do you tell if you should replace your windshield?
While it might be okay to hold off on windshield repairs for a little while if the damage is minor, the reality is that windshield damage tends to worsen over time.
Below are some signs that your windshield has gone beyond needing a simple repair and that it might be time for a front windshield replacement:
- Large cracks. If the crack in your windshield is longer than six inches, it typically requires a replacement. Large cracks can compromise the structural integrity of the windshield and pose a significant safety risk.
- Spider-web cracks. If the damage has a spider-web pattern with multiple branching cracks, it’s a strong indicator that the windshield needs to be replaced. These cracks can spread quickly and are difficult to repair effectively.
- Cracks in the driver’s line of sight. Any damage that obstructs the driver’s view is a serious safety concern and often requires a replacement. Even small repairs can leave distortions that affect visibility.
- Damage near the edges. Cracks or chips near the edges of the windshield can weaken the structural integrity and make the windshield more prone to shattering, often necessitating a replacement.
- Multiple chips and cracks. If your windshield has multiple chips and cracks, it’s more vulnerable to further damage and less likely to be effectively repaired. In such cases, replacing the windshield is usually the best option.
- Penetrating damage. If the damage penetrates both the outer and inner layers of the glass or affects the internal plastic layer, it typically requires a replacement, as it compromises the windshield’s strength and safety.
If you notice any of these, it’s time to seek the advice of a local automotive professional who can assess the damage and recommend the appropriate action.
If you can’t get to your local repair shop right away, here are some tips that can prevent your windshield damage from getting worse:
- Don’t slam your car doors or travel on rough and rutted roads.
- Don’t pressure wash your vehicle or run it through a car wash, as you don’t want excess water being forced into the crack.
- Don’t run your AC or defrost your windscreen. You should generally avoid anything that can cause a sudden change in temperature inside the vehicle.
For your safety and the safety of others, always get your windshield fixed sooner rather than later if the crack or chip obscures your vision.
FAQs
Is it legal to have a crack in your windshield in Georgia?
In Georgia, it is illegal to drive with a cracked windshield if the damage obstructs the driver’s clear view of the road.
According to Georgia Code § 40-8-73, a vehicle cannot be operated if the windshield or rear window has a crack or damage that creates a “starburst or spider webbing effect” larger than 3 inches by 3 inches.
Is windshield replacement free in GA?
Windshield replacement in Georgia is not automatically free, but if you have comprehensive auto insurance, your policy will likely cover the cost. Comprehensive coverage generally includes damage from falling objects, vandalism, or animal collisions that cause windshield damage.
Why choose Car Crafters for your windshield repair in Blue Ridge?
When it comes to repairing or replacing a broken windshield, you deserve first-rate service using the highest-quality materials. Car Crafters stands out as the only local OEM-certified repairer for top manufacturers in the area, ensuring your vehicle receives the best care available.
Here are some more reasons to choose Car Crafters for your windshield repair or replacement:
- 24/7 availability. Always available and on time, ready to assist you whenever you need us.
- Insurance assistance. We work with all major insurance companies to make the process seamless and stress-free.
- Affordable and fast. We provide high-quality, affordable services with quick turnaround times.
- Comprehensive services. We provide repair and replacement for front windshields, back windshields, and many other collision-related damages.
- Excellent customer service. Friendly, professional service that keeps you updated on your car’s repair progress every step of the way.
Choose Car Crafters for dependable auto repairs done right the first time to ensure your vehicle is safe and road-ready.
So, where can I find a top-notch body shop near me in Blue Ridge for a broken windshield?
Look no further! You’ve found us.
Contact Car Crafters today for all your auto body repair and replacement needs.
