When most people think about their car’s safety, they tend to focus on features like airbags, tires, and brakes. However, one of the most critical safety components that often gets overlooked is the windshield. Your windshield isn’t just a pane of glass; it plays a significant role in your vehicle’s overall safety. Its condition—whether it’s free of cracks and chips, properly installed, and made of the right materials—directly impacts your car’s structural integrity, airbag function, and visibility. Let’s take a closer look at how a damaged windshield can affect your safety on the road.
What does a compromised windshield say about safety?
Damage reduces structural integrity
Even a small chip or crack in your windshield can seriously compromise your car’s structure. In a front-end collision, your windshield contributes up to 45% of the car’s cabin structural strength. In the case of a rollover, this number jumps to 60%. If your windshield is damaged, it is more likely to fail, which could lead to roof collapse and serious injury. Over time, cracks can expand due to vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and moisture, making the situation even worse.
It’s crucial to repair any windshield damage immediately to prevent these safety risks from becoming more severe. If you notice any chips or cracks, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for windshield repair in Toronto.
Airbags may not deploy correctly
Your windshield also plays a crucial role in ensuring that your airbags work as they should. In the event of a collision, the airbag inflates and bounces off the windshield to help protect the passenger. If the windshield is compromised—whether by a crack or chip—the airbag’s deployment can be disrupted. The force of the airbag could even push the windshield out of the frame or shatter it, rendering the airbag ineffective and putting the passenger at risk.
This is why we always emphasize timely windshield repairs. Call us at (416) 666-7345 to discuss how we can help maintain your car’s safety features.
Driver visibility is impaired
Any kind of damage to your windshield, especially in the driver’s line of sight, can impair visibility and make driving dangerous. Even small chips and cracks can scatter light in different directions, causing glare when hit by sunlight or oncoming headlights. This can create dangerous distractions and delay your reaction time, making it harder to react quickly to changing road conditions or obstacles.
It’s not just about your ability to see clearly—it’s about being able to make quick decisions in an emergency. If you have damaged glass, whether it’s in your direct line of sight or not, we highly recommend addressing the issue to keep your vision as clear as possible.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can malfunction
Modern cars are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking. These systems often rely on cameras and sensors mounted on the windshield. A cracked or damaged windshield can misalign these sensors, causing the systems to malfunction or provide inaccurate readings. This can seriously affect the functionality of features that are designed to prevent accidents.
To make sure your ADAS features continue to protect you, ensure that any windshield damage is repaired as soon as possible. At National Auto Glass, we also provide recalibration services to ensure your ADAS cameras and sensors work perfectly after windshield repairs.
What does a quality windshield say about safety?
It’s a structural component
Windshields are made of laminated safety glass, which is far stronger than ordinary glass. Laminated glass consists of a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) plastic sandwiched between two layers of glass. This construction prevents the windshield from shattering into sharp pieces on impact, keeping occupants safe from glass shards. It also helps to contain the windshield inside the vehicle during a crash, minimizing the risk of injury from flying debris.
Installation matters
The safety of your windshield isn’t just about the materials—it’s also about how well it’s installed. Proper installation ensures that the windshield remains securely in place during an accident, allowing it to fulfill its role in the vehicle’s structural integrity and airbag function. This includes using the correct adhesives, following the manufacturer’s installation guidelines, and ensuring a rust-free frame with a tight seal.
A poor installation job can result in the windshield popping out during a crash, reducing its effectiveness. At National Auto Glass, we pride ourselves on expert installation techniques to ensure your windshield stays secure and functional.
Recalibration of sensors
If you have a vehicle equipped with ADAS, it’s important to remember that the cameras and sensors integrated into your windshield must be recalibrated after a new windshield is installed. Windshield recalibration ensures that your car’s safety systems are working correctly and providing you with the protection they were designed for.
Take the next step toward safer driving
Your windshield is an essential part of your car’s overall safety system. Whether it’s maintaining the structural integrity of your vehicle, ensuring proper airbag deployment, keeping your vision clear, or protecting the function of ADAS features, a compromised windshield is more than just a cosmetic issue—it’s a safety issue.
If you notice any damage to your windshield, don’t wait. It’s easy to let a small crack slide, but it can quickly turn into a major safety concern. At National Auto Glass, we specialize in windshield repair in Toronto and offer high-quality services to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Reach out to us today at (416) 666-7345 or schedule your windshield repair or replacement. Your safety is our top priority.
