When the windshield of your vehicle gets chipped by a rock, it's common for the chip to spread until it's a jagged crack that spreads across the glass. When you reach this point, it's important to book a visit to your local auto glass shop to have the windshield replaced. Doing so will give you greater visibility while also ensuring that the glass is as strong as possible. Windshield replacement is a quick process that the shop staff can typically perform while you sit in the waiting area, which should encourage you from booking an appointment before the crack expands enough to compromise your ability to see the road in front of you. Here are three reasons to deal with the problem promptly.

A Cracked Windshield Doesn't Offer Optimal Protection

The crack in your windshield might seem minor to you, but the reality is that the damage has affected the integrity of the windshield. If you were to find yourself in an accident with your cracked windshield, there's a greater likelihood that the glass would break, which could cause a serious injury to your or one of your passengers. In a rollover accident, especially, the windshield is designed to provide strength the prevent the roof from caving in on the passenger area. A cracked windshield does not guarantee that it will hold up to this pressure.

You Could Get A Ticket

Driving your vehicle when the windshield is severely cracked could affect your wallet. Many police departments will pull you over and issue you a ticket if the crack in your windshield is severe enough that it's compromising your ability to see the road in front of you. Minor cracks won't likely result in a ticket, but you're apt to get a warning to have the problem repaired within a specific number of days. If the crack is directly in your line of sight or is especially large in nature, you could find yourself having to pay a ticket.

Leaving It Reduces The Chance Of A Repair

For chips and small cracks, your local auto glass shop can often repair the damage instead of have to replace your windshield entirely. The former option is quicker and more cost-effective and, in many cases, will leave very little sign of the original damage. The longer you put off dealing with your windshield issue, the greater chance the damage will spread until it's large enough that a total replacement is necessary. For more information, contact a business such as A.O.K Auto Body & Glass.