Think about a champagne flute. The glass it is made from is so fine and dainty. Now, think about the front window of a store. That glass is incredibly thick and durable in order to resist wind and weather. It's amazing how different these two types of glass are.
Do you know what else is amazing? The fact that glass has been made in the United States since the Colonial era. That's right — there was a glass factory in the colony of Jamestown in the 1600s! We won't claim to be as awesome as these early glass artisans, but we are good at supplying you with information about glass. You can find that information here, on this blog.
You may not think that a damaged side mirror on your vehicle is a big deal, but it can actually pose a safety hazard to you and your passengers. All auto glass, whether it is a windshield, rear window, or side mirror, needs to be fully intact at all times. If your side mirror is broken, there are many reasons why you need to contact an auto glass repair shop to have it repaired as soon as possible. Here are three of them.
Your Visibility Is Diminished
In order to drive safely, you need to be able to see completely on all sides of your vehicle. Unfortunately, when your side mirror is either broken or missing, a significant portion of the highway and traffic is out of sight. Diminished visibility while behind the wheel can be incredibly dangerous for numerous reasons.
For instance, you will be unable to see vehicles and pedestrians that are in your blind spots and you will have a reduced ability to safely switch lanes. In addition, if another vehicle is approaching your vehicle from behind in a speeding manner, you may be unable to see them. The same can be said for emergency vehicles that are approaching from behind.
Cracked Mirrors May Shatter
Whether your side mirror has one small crack or several cracks, there is a risk of the mirror shattering if it is not repaired as soon as possible. All it takes is the excessive force being used when closing the door to result in dangerous shards of glass falling from the mirror onto the ground. Even if these pieces of glass do not result in any physical to you or someone else, there is always a potential threat to danger to your vehicle's tires. Because of this, the damaged side mirror needs to be repaired as quickly as possible by a professional.
You Could Get Pulled Over by Police
While it is not specifically illegal to drive around town with a side mirror that is cracked or otherwise damaged, it does not mean that a police officer cannot pull you over anyway. In some states, you are required to have a rearview mirror, and depending on the vehicle you are driving, you may also be required to have a side mirror on the vehicle. Most officers will recommend that your vehicle have two side mirrors that are fully intact, along with your rearview mirror. This ensures that you have proper visibility while behind the wheel.
If your side mirror has suffered any level of damage, you should reach out to an auto glass repair shop in your local area to schedule an appointment for sufficient repairs.