Windshield Chip vs Crack: Your Ride to a Safer Drive

A sudden stone kicked up by the truck ahead, an errant piece of gravel from a nearby construction site, or a steep drop in temperature can all unpredictably result in a windshield crack. Often, it simply comes down to sheer misfortune. The pressing question then is, “Can I continue driving with a cracked windshield?” The short response is yes, but the more judicious recommendation would advocate against it.   Understanding the Severity of the Crack The decision to drive with a cracked windshield should hinge on the crack’s size and location. Here are some factors to assess:   Size: Minor cracks, such as chips or cracks smaller than a dollar bill, might not present an immediate danger. Nevertheless, monitoring these cracks is crucial as they can worsen over time.   Location: The crack’s position matters as well. Cracks that impede the driver’s view or lie directly in their line of sight should never be overlooked.   Depth: Cracks that penetrate multiple layers of the windshield are more likely to undermine its structural strength.   Categories of Windshield Cracks Various types of windshield cracks include:   Bullseye Crack: This crack is round, resembling a bullseye, and results from a direct impact of a rock or similar debris. It typically radiates outward from a single point of impact.   Star Crack: True to its name, a star crack appears like a starburst with multiple small cracks radiating from the central impact point.   Half-Moon Crack: This crack manifests as a semi-circle, typically due to a direct strike from an object.   Cracked Chip: A cracked chip is a minor crack or chip in the windshield, usually caused by airborne debris.   Reasons why you should not drive with cracked windshield Cracked windshields can hinder visibility, heighten accident risk, and obstruct airbag deployment. Driving with a cracked windshield is prohibited in most states. If your windshield is cracked, have it repaired or replaced promptly. Here are detailed reasons to avoid driving with a cracked windshield:   Reduced Visibility: Cracks can disrupt the driver’s view, making it harder to see roads, pedestrians, and other vehicles.   Structural Support: The windshield contributes significantly to the vehicle’s structural integrity. In an accident, a cracked windshield may fail to function as intended, potentially resulting in greater damage or injuries.   Airbag Deployment: Many vehicles’ airbag systems rely on the windshield. During an accident, airbags deploy and bounce off the windshield to protect passengers. If the windshield is already cracked, it may shatter upon airbag impact, compromising airbag functionality.   Ejection Risk: In major collisions, especially rollovers, the windshield helps keep occupants inside the vehicle. A cracked windshield could shatter on impact, increasing ejection risk.   Legal Implications: Many states outlaw driving with a severely cracked or damaged windshield, and offenders could be stopped and fined. It’s important to check your area’s local rules to determine the legality of driving with a cracked windshield.   Weather Protection: A cracked windshield might permit rain, snow, or wind to enter the car, which can be distracting and potentially harm your vehicle’s interior.   Elevated Repair Costs: Over time, a small crack can spread across the entire windshield, especially under extreme temperature changes or rough driving conditions, leading to higher repair or replacement expenses.   Decreased Resale Value: A car with a cracked windshield likely has a lower resale value compared to one without such damage.   Shattering Risk: Windshields, although robust, are weakened by a crack. Sudden temperature changes or a minor impact could cause the windshield to shatter unexpectedly.   Takeaway If your windshield is cracked, it’s always advisable to have your windshield repaired or replaced as soon as you can. It’s a decision that safeguards both your wellbeing and your budget.

Instrument calibration is an integral part of maintaining the reliability and accuracy of any measurement system. It makes assurance that a system’s instruments are generating results that are in line with accepted norms. Calibration in the domains of instrumentation and control engineering involves more than just preserving instrument accuracy; it also involves guaranteeing the security, effectiveness, and profitability of industrial processes. In order to help people studying instrumentation and control engineering, this article looks into the fundamentals of instrument calibration.   Basic principles of instrument calibration Below are some of the basic principles of instrument calibration that you may want to know.   1. Definition of Calibration: At its core, calibration is the process of adjusting an instrument so that its output accurately corresponds to a given input as per the standard. Essentially, it’s a comparison between measurements – one of known magnitude or correctness (from a standard) and one from the instrument being tested.   2. Necessity of Calibration: Why is calibration necessary? Over time, every instrument tends to drift away from its standard measurement due to factors such as wear and tear, environmental changes, or electrical disturbances. Calibration ensures that these instruments remain within the desired accuracy range, guaranteeing reliable and safe operations.   3. Traceability: A crucial concept in calibration is traceability. This means that the standard used for calibration can be directly related to national or international standards, which are universally accepted as being accurate. This chain of comparisons ensures that an instrument’s calibration is not only accurate but also universally recognized.   4. Frequency of Calibration: Instruments don’t need to be calibrated constantly. Instead, each instrument has a recommended calibration interval. This period is determined based on the instrument’s stability, its importance in the process, the conditions in which it operates, and past calibration records. Regularly scheduled calibrations can prevent unexpected inaccuracies or failures.   5. Calibration Range: An instrument shouldn’t just be calibrated for a single point. It should be calibrated over the entire range of its operation. For example, a temperature sensor that works from 0°C to 100°C should be calibrated across this range to ensure its accuracy at any given point.   6. As-found and As-left Data: During the calibration process, it’s important to note the ‘as-found’ and ‘as-left’ readings. ‘As-found’ refers to the initial readings of the instrument before any adjustments, indicating its performance in its operational environment. ‘As-left’ readings are taken after adjustments are made, ensuring the instrument is now within its desired accuracy range.   7. Tolerance: Tolerance refers to the allowable deviation from a standard value. It’s a predefined value and represents the maximum error that can be accepted. If an instrument’s reading falls outside this range, it will need adjustment or repair.   8. Adjustments vs. Calibration: While both terms are often used interchangeably, they are distinct. Calibration is the act of measuring the instrument’s performance and comparing it to a standard. Adjustment, on the other hand, is the act of aligning the instrument’s output to match the standard.   9. Documentation and Certification: Every calibration process must be documented meticulously. This documentation serves as proof of calibration and provides a record of the instrument’s performance over time. Often, for critical processes, calibration certificates provided by accredited bodies are mandatory.   10. The Role of Environment: The environmental conditions in which an instrument operates (and is calibrated) can significantly influence its readings. Temperature, humidity, and pressure can all impact measurement accuracy. Hence, it’s essential to calibrate instruments under conditions that closely replicate their operational environment or account for the environmental influences.   11. In-house vs. External Calibration: Companies can either perform calibrations in-house or send their instruments to external, specialized calibration labs. The decision depends on factors like the complexity of instruments, frequency of calibration, availability of standards, and the cost implications.   12. Use of Technology: With advancements in technology, many modern calibration processes are now automated. Automated calibration systems can enhance accuracy, improve efficiency, and maintain a more detailed record of the calibration process.   Takeaway Understanding the basic principles of instrument calibration is foundational for anyone delving into the fields of instrumentation and control engineering. Properly calibrated instruments not only ensure accurate measurements but also play a pivotal role in the safe and efficient operation of various industrial processes.   Remember, calibration is not just a routine task; it’s a guarantee of quality, safety, and reliability. As technology and industries evolve, the principles of calibration remain critical, ensuring that we can trust the instruments and systems that drive our modern world.

The automotive industry, long perceived as a male-dominated field, has witnessed a transformative shift over the years, thanks to the remarkable contributions and relentless determination of women. From pioneering engineers and designers to influential executives and skilled technicians, women have not only excelled in every facet of the industry but have also paved the way for future generations. This blog post celebrates the achievements of these trailblazers and the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in the automotive world.   Pioneering the Path   The journey of women in the automotive industry is both inspiring and revolutionary. Bertha Benz, for example, embarked on the first long-distance automobile journey in 1888, proving the practicality of her husband, Carl Benz’s, invention. Her adventure brought significant attention to the automobile, marking the beginning of automotive marketing and the critical role women would play in its development.     In the 20th century, figures like Florence Lawrence, the first movie star to own a car, invented the turn signal and brake signal, innovations that have become standard safety features in all vehicles. These pioneering women not only contributed to the technical advancements but also to the societal acceptance of automobiles.   Breaking Glass Ceilings In recent years, women have been breaking glass ceilings in the automotive industry, holding leadership positions in major automotive companies. Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, is a prime example. Since taking the helm in 2014, Barra has been a driving force in steering the company towards electric vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions, showcasing the innovative leadership women bring to the table.     Another notable figure is Annette Winkler, who served as the CEO of Smart Automobile. Under her leadership, Smart became known for its innovation in urban mobility solutions, further emphasizing the significant impact of female leadership in shaping the future of the automotive industry.   Fostering Inclusion and Diversity The achievements of women in the automotive industry are not just about individual success stories; they are about fostering an environment of inclusion and diversity. Organizations such as the Women’s Automotive Association International and Women in Automotive work tirelessly to support and promote the role of women in the industry, offering mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities to encourage more women to pursue careers in automotive.   The Road Ahead While the progress made by women in the automotive industry is commendable, there remains a long road ahead in achieving gender parity. The industry continues to evolve, with emerging technologies and sustainability driving the future. Women, with their diverse perspectives and innovative thinking, are critical to navigating these changes and leading the industry forward.   Celebrating Every Mile As we, at Auto Glass America celebrate the achievements of women in the automotive industry, we recognize the journey ahead is a collective one. By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the automotive world can accelerate towards a future where gender no longer dictates one’s ability to innovate, lead, and inspire.    Here’s to the women who have driven us this far and to those who will lead us into the future. Your contributions are not just making history; they are shaping a better tomorrow for the automotive industry.