Windshield Safety
Your vehicle's windshield is important in keeping you safe in the event of an accident and it must be maintained. The windshield provides support and strength to the design of the car, and should be replaced by a certified professional.
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Function
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The windshield shields you from the weather and debris that are common during driving. It also serves an important safety function by supporting the roof if the car rolls over, reducing the chance of the roof caving in. During car design, special attention is devoted to the windshield and its integration with the roof because of the combined protection they offer.
Decals and Stickers
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If you place a decal or sticker on your windshield, make it does not block your line of vision. Transparent stickers are less obtrusive. Legal stickers are usually placed in the upper or lower corner of the driver's side of the windshield, and for safety should be the only ones on it.
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Replacement
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If your windshield needs to be replaced, make sure the job is done by a certified professional. If adhesive is not correctly applied or shortcuts are taken, the windshield can be weakened and fail in the event of a crash. Having a professional handle the replacement is worth it for your safety.
Cracks, Knicks or other Damage
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A small nick or a crack can seem minor at first, but in the right conditions can easily spread across the windshield. Cold weather or pressure on the windshield can cause spreading, and if a crack crosses through your line of sight it becomes an instant hazard. It is best to repair these early, but if spreading has already occurred the glass should be immediately replaced.
Considerations
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The windshield can also prevent you from being thrown from a rolling vehicle.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Paul Sapiano
