Auto Glass Services in Mississauga
Is It Illegal to Drive With a Damaged Windshield?
Most of you may know that driving around with a dreadful crack through your windshield is not the best thing to do but when should you spend money for an auto glass repair? Were you the lucky person that received a surprise after a recent storm with a hefty tree branch sticking out of your windshield in the busy Mississauga streets? Or, has a temperature change turned that initial chip into a spider’s web that grows every time you get back home? Is it a legal concern where a policeman can add to your misery with a fine? Well the law is unclear about windshields. Lets look at section 74 (1) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act: “No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon a highway (a) unless the windshield and the windows on either side of the compartment containing the steering wheel are in such a condition as to afford the driver a clear view to the front and side of the motor vehicle.” How does one define “Clear view” because if one I can see through it is it any different that a dirty windshield? If you were in Alberta or Quebec, any blemish greater than 12 millimeters that falls inside the reach of the wiper blades will get you a ticket. Now I assume that a” chip” would not draw much attention from the police. Windshields are a safety feature however and a cracked windshield by itself will not likely get the unwanted attention from the police but if you are pulled over it can certainly become part of the offense list that will pile on the dollars for your impending fine Is It Dangerous to Drive With a Chipped or Cracked Windshield? Yes! While your windshield provides protection against the elements and bugs; it serves as a containment system when your airbag is deployed. Now imagine this, let say you were involved in a accident in which your airbags deployed — a damaged windshield may not be strong enough to resist the sudden force from the bag deployment so your airbags could deploy away from you, through the windshield, instead of towards you for your protection. Even though a 100% intact windshield is not a guarantee against inadequate airbag operation, it does help in providing extra protection. Nowadays car windshields are an important part of your vehicles structure. They are designed to resist and transfer that impact to other parts of the car’s body. The glass itself is part of your car’s safety system, so small weakness can make the difference between the windshield functioning as it should in combination with all the other safety systems or turn out to be part of a larger problem. Will the Damage Worsen If I Continue Driving? Very Likely!! In most instances, cracks and chips in your auto glass do worsen without timely attention If you might think a small stone chip is no big deal. Environmental conditions: water can get in and expand, and result in the chip spreading, as can heat, cold. If it’s winter and you’re thinking of chipping away at that pesky ice on your windshield, well, do I need to say more? Your driving habits and even hitting a pothole, can all promote more damage, and that is why swift auto glass repair is so important. Many times, the fix is as easy as a suction cup, some acrylic adhesive or epoxy and you will not believe your eyes! Insurance Costs for damaged Windshields From the insurance company point of view, windshields are covered under the comprehensive portion of your policy. Windshield repairs are normally covered by the insurer at no deductible. However, replacements are covered under comprehensive, but a deductible applies, which is usually $500. If it is an expensive vehicle or if the individual has prior claims, the amount of the deductible may not be negotiable. You frequently see signs on auto glass repair shops promoting “no cost” but check your insurance policy to check whether it pertains to you. Question: Will my rates go up if I claim the replacement windshield? because it is a comprehensive claim, your rates will not go up. Nevertheless, three or more related claims in six years could result in the insurance company denying physical damage coverage or increasing the deductible, Assistance with Insurance Claims It is already a big hassle to get your auto glass repaired as it is without the headache of dealing with your insurance company to receive the coverage you pay for. That’s why it’s beneficial to find an auto glass repair shop that offers to work directly with your insurance company so that you can get the repair done. Flexible Scheduling A trustworthy auto glass repair business like Auto Glass Mississauga will do whatever needs to be done so that your repair or replacement happens. They understand that the customer comes first, which means they will be more than happy to help with your scheduling needs. In addition to the above, a reputable company will also offer mobile repairs. This goes even further to help with a customer scheduling needs when a customer may not be able to bring their vehicles in during normal business hours. The mobile windshield repairs solution works like this: you get the same quality of work but the technicians come to your home, office, or wherever else, as long as you’re within our service area. As a note our most popular services for all cars and trucks include:
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