A damaged windshield is dangerous, and oftentimes, illegal to drive with. Here’s everything you’ll want to know about mobile auto glass replacement for your car’s windshield.

When Damage Occurs While Driving

Damage to your windshield can happen at any moment. When you’re on the road, it’s especially jarring. Follow these steps to make sure you’re able to safely assess the damage, and if needed, prepare for mobile auto glass replacement.

1. Stop, Pull Over, and Turn On Your Hazard Lights

If damage to your windshield happens on a busy road, or you’re driving on the highway, be sure to practice safe driving while pulling over to the side of the road.

Check your rearview and side mirrors to make sure traffic is clear. After you’re parked in a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights as you’re inspecting your windshield. If your windshield was damaged due to a collision, make sure you and your passengers are okay.

2. Take Pictures of the Damage

Recording the damage with your phone is helpful for future reference, and insurance purposes. Carefully inspect your windshield and capture the entire extent of the damage. Also consider inspecting your car’s paint and exterior surrounding the windshield, like the hood of the car.

3. Assess the Damage

If the damage seems minor and is not obstructing your vision or doesn’t immediately require a total windshield replacement, you can safely drive to your destination.

As you’re driving, consider leaving on your hazard lights and driving under the speed limit to help keep your windshield’s damage from spreading any further.

4. Avoid DIY Repairs

Many DIY repairs online can actually make the damage to your windshield worse, especially if you’ve never repaired a windshield before. Refrain from touching the damage, applying adhesives, or using other items like packing tape, superglue, and nail polish.

Instead, drive the vehicle as little as possible, and schedule an appointment to have your mobile auto glass replaced at the earliest possibility.

Other Helpful Tips

Follow these extra tips for best practices when preventing or safely addressing your windshield damage.

• Continue to monitor the damage: Even small cracks in a windshield can spread quite quickly. And the further the cracks spread, the more likely it is that you’ll need to replace your entire windshield. Small dings and cracks can usually be fixed if they’re immediately addressed. But when the crack extends across your entire windshield, or is larger than 6 inches, you’ll need to replace the glass to maintain safety. Additionally, if the crack is near the edges or corners of your windshield frame, expect the crack to grow fast.
  
• Beware of storms: Here in Michigan, we’re prone to thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, and blizzards. Hail and wind damage are common causes of broken windshields. Pay attention to the weather when storms are predicted so you can take steps to be prepared. For hail, try buying a hail cover or even using thick blankets to pull over your windshield. For high-winds, try to park your car away from where tree branches might fall, or trees collapse entirely. Trees typically fall in the direction they’re leaning. If your parking space is in that line, try parking sideways with your driver or passenger door facing your house instead of parking vertically. Your best option is to park your car in a garage.

Simbol Mobile Auto-Glass Replacement & Repairs: Reliable Service, Affordable Prices

A cracked windshield is not only illegal to drive with in many cases, but also a safety hazard. At Simbol Auto Glass, we can get your windshield replaced quickly, with high-quality service you can trust.

Get in touch with us now at any of our four Michigan locations for all your windshield replacement or repair needs.