A windshield does so much more than just keep the wind out of your face while driving. A windshield provides a number of safety features that you might not even think about. For this reason, it is so important to have a windshield that is completely fixed and in perfect condition. This might mean having rock chips repaired or it may mean having the whole windshield replaced. In order to understand why you will want to repair or replace your windshield so that it is strong, it is necessary to understand the safety features that it provides.

Safety Features of a Properly Installed Windshield

1. Clear Visibility. The first important feature of a strong and properly installed windshield is that it provides a way to clearly see the road in front of you as you are driving. A windshield that is cracked or chipped can make it harder to see and make it more likely that you will be involved in an auto accident. This is especially true in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow storms.

2. Structural Integrity. You may not be aware just how important a windshield is to the structural integrity of your whole vehicle. If you were in a rollover accident, a strong windshield can provide up to 60% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle. This means that instead of the cabin collapsing in on you, the strong windshield will take a brunt of the force. For a front end collision the windshield accounts for 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin. If the windshield is cracked, chipped or not installed correctly, the structural integrity can be greatly reduced and could cause more harm to you in the case of an accident.

In order to make sure that your windshield is strong, it should be repaired or replaced by a professional windshield repair company. Rock chips can be repaired by injecting a strong resin into the chip. This resin can bring the structural integrity of the windshield back up to safe levels. When there are too many chips or cracks, replacing the windshield may be the only option. A professional company will make sure that it is installed properly so that you can get all of the safety features that the windshield should provide. If you have questions or concerns about the condition of your windshield, contact a business like Boyd Autobody & Glass to schedule a time to bring your vehicle in.