When the windshield on an older vehicle is damaged, drivers wonder whether the windshield repair or replacement is worth it, typically because they’re considering buying a new vehicle soon. This question is challenging to answer because what people consider an ‘older vehicle’ is relative.
For example, a 5-year-old vehicle with more than average mileage and hasn’t been properly maintained can feel older than a 15-year-old vehicle that’s been well taken care of. Generally speaking, replacing the windshield on an older vehicle is absolutely worth it if you are planning to continue using the vehicle or planning to sell it in the near future.
The importance of windshield repair or replacement
First and foremost, the safety of you and your passengers is the main concern when considering replacing a windshield on an older vehicle. Your windshield is an important part of your vehicle’s 3-point safety system during a collision and is made of laminated glass that is designed to keep passengers safe. A simple crack can cause it to shatter, leading to serious injuries.
Your windshield:
- Acts as a physical barrier – Your windshield protects the occupants of the vehicle in the event of a crash. A damaged windshield can shatter and cause life-threatening injuries, including the possibility of passengers being thrown out of the vehicle during a serious incident.
- Prevents the vehicle’s roof from collapsing – During a rollover, the windshield helps prevent the roof from collapsing. When the windshield is compromised in any way, the windshield is not strong enough to support the roof.
- Supports airbag deployment – When the airbag is deployed, it needs a strong windshield to act as a solid backstop. The airbag is designed to inflate toward you, protecting you from head-related injuries. A damaged windshield is weakened and, when the airbag is deployed, can push the windshield out and inflate away from you instead.
- A smooth windshield provides a clear view of the road – Even the tiniest pits, chips, and cracks on a windshield can cause glare from the sun and make it harder to see the road. Any damage that runs through the driver’s line of sight calls for a repair or replacement.
Where to find same-day windshield replacement in Calgary
If you’re wondering whether to replace the windshield on your older vehicle, the answer is a resounding yes if you plan to drive your car for even one more day. Keep in mind that, if you are selling your older vehicle, a damaged windshield reduces the value of it and sometimes more so than the cost of a windshield replacement service.
Most importantly, a damaged windshield compromises your safety and the road and that is reason enough to have it replaced as soon as possible. With over ten years of experience doing windshield replacements, Super Glass Auto Glass is Calgary’s leading expert in windshield replacement, where we are dedicated to promptly and efficiently replacing the windshield of any vehicle.
