There’s always that stinging moment after you get a crack in your windshield. It happens like this: You’re rolling down the highway, blaring some 80’s classics, the windows are open, the sun is shining, the wind is whipping in and out of your hair (which looks great by the way), and as you pass a semi, a rock finds its way from the pavement, around one of the eighteen-wheeler’s eighteen wheels, and right smack dab in the center of your perfectly good windshield. Dangit. You can’t believe it. You were having a perfectly good day, and now your windshield is cracked. Fortunately, it’s just a small crack, and it’s low against the passenger side of your windshield. You ask yourself, should you replace your windshield? Do you have to replace your windshield? Well, hopefully we can enlighten you with an answer.

When Should You Replace Your Windshield?

Well, at the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether or not your should have your windshield replaced. If you find that a crack or chip in your windshield obstructs your view, if it’s simply ruining the beauty of your vehicle, or if it makes you feel unsafe, get that windshield swapped out. Take note that, unless your windshield is severely shattered (which means that it’s illegal to drive your vehicle anyways), your windshield probably won’t fail. Modern windshields are coated with a safety glaze which maintains the integrity of the windshield, while reducing the likeliness that the windshield will shatter into smaller pieces should the windshield break during an accident.

Here’s our two cents: If you have a crack or chip in your windshield, and if you have the insurance to cover a replacement, you might as well take advantage of the chance to get a brand new, clean windshield.

When Do You Have To Replace Your Windshield (Legally Speaking)?

Here in Colorado, there are no state laws that restrict driving with a cracked windshield. However, Colorado drivers are still subject to federal laws surrounding motor transportation. The Code of Federal Regulations tells us that vehicles can’t be driven if the windshield has a crack that intersects with another crack. In addition, any cracks or chips must be less than ¾-inch in diameter, and any crack or chip cannot be within 3 inches of another crack. Also, cracks and chips cannot exist on the windshield space higher than the wheel of the vehicle and lower than 2 inches below the top of the windshield. If your windshield doesn’t fulfill all of the aforementioned requirements, you can be ticketed for driving your vehicle.

Come to Avalon

Regardless of whether you should or must replace your windshield, we’re the shop that you can trust. Plus, you can take advantage of our all-inclusive maintenance and repair services while your vehicle is in the shop. Take note, we specialize in providing German auto repair here at our Denver-based mechanic shop, and we provide service for BMW, Audi, VW, Porsche, and Mini vehicles. Schedule service for your vehicle today!