Damaged Windshield? You May Be Breaking
The Law And Risking Your Safety
If
you're driving with a damaged windshield, you could be breaking the law in your
state and risking the safety of you and your passengers. Auto glass experts say
car owners should check windshields regularly, and replace them if required.
"The windshield is a critical component of the car's safety system," said Russ
Corsi, technical services manager of PPG Industries, North America's largest supplier
of automotive replacement glass. "The passenger side airbag utilizes the glass
to deploy properly. If the windshield becomes dislodged in an accident, the passenger
may not be protected."
Corsi says car owners should inspect their windshields regularly, and offers these
tips:
1) Examine the entire windshield - inside and out - for chips or cracks. Chips
smaller than the size of a quarter can often be repaired, saving your original
windshield and some money.
2) Check the wipers to make sure they are soft and pliable. Worn wipers can damage
the glass.
3) Check around the glass edge for damage to the frame, including rust. Damage
in this area could weaken the windshield's structural integrity.
Corsi said some states prohibit driving vehicles with windshields that are cracked
or have chips in the critical vision area. "This is the area in the driver's line
of sight just above the steering wheel, typically about 8 1/2 inches high by 11
inches wide."
If you need to replace your windshield, Corsi advises selecting a professional
auto glass installer certified by the National Glass Association. "A qualified
professional knows the best techniques, and will do it right the first time."
One source for quality auto glass repair and replacement is your local PPG PROSTARS
auto glass shop. PPG PROSTARS is a nationwide alliance of independently-owned,
certified auto glass professionals who back their work with a national warranty.
For the PPG PROSTARS shop nearest you, call 1-866-2-THEPROS, or visit www.ppgprostars.com.
Many states prohibit driving cars with windshields that have damage in the driver's
line of sight. (Illustration courtesy of PPG PROSTARS Certified Auto Glass Technicians.)
