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Can a cracked windshield shatter?

I’ve had a small crack in my windshield for about six months. I’d like to know how dangerous it is to keep driving until I can afford to replace it. Can a cracked windshield shatter?

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Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yes, it is possible for a cracked windshield to shatter—but it’s more likely that it will crumble.
Windshields are made of laminated glass, where a layer of plastic film is trapped between two layers of glass. This is also known as safety glass. The plastic layer helps contain shards of glass in the event of fracture, preventing dramatic and dangerous shatters.
If you only have a small crack, the risk of a cracked windshield shattering could be quite low. But over time, temperature fluctuations and dirt could aggravate the crack and make shattering more likely.
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