If you have a broken windshield, you may find it annoying, but that isn't the only problem you should consider. A broken windshield can actually be a safety hazard, so check out these three reasons why you need to get your damaged windshield repaired or replaced:

It Returns Structural Integrity

The windshield is part of your car's structural integrity. It is made from two sheets of tempered glass with a layer of resin between. The resin is sticky, so if the glass is shattered, the resin holds the pieces together. This helps prevent glass from flying into the car, and it stops people from being thrown through the windshield. When you have a ding or a crack in your windshield, even a small one, it can cause a tear in the resin. When the windshield is shattered, the pieces may not be held together, allowing the glass to injure someone.

It May Be Legally Required

In some cases, getting your windshield fixed is required by law. The exact laws vary from state to state, so you'll need to check with your own state. Typically, it's only illegal when the crack or ding is within the main viewing area of the window. This is usually anyplace the windshield wipers touch. Luckily, if it is required by law, you may only need to get a repair instead of a full windshield replacement, which costs significantly less. Whether the damage can be repaired or not depends on the size of the ding or crack.

It Might Not Cost You Anything

One problem with getting a windshield repaired or replaced is the money. While it doesn't cost a fortune to get your windshield repaired or replaced, it isn't the most exciting thing to spend your money on. Insurance may pay for it, but if you have a deductible, it's likely the deductible is as much or more than the cost of a new windshield. Luckily, in some states, the deductible can be waived for a new windshield. Your auto insurance should know if the deductible should be waived, and a good auto repair center will be able to give you advice too.

It's not just about appearance or annoyance. A damaged windshield is dangerous. If you have a crack or chip, you need to get it repaired or replaced. For more information regarding windshield replacement and repair, contact an auto repair company in your area, like Fix N Go Auto.