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Driving with a clear and intact windshield is crucial for your safety. Even a small crack could cause damage to a point that results in a dangerous collision or crash, and with upwards of 5-million crashes a year, it doesn’t take much to become another statistic. However, windshields can easily get damaged by all manner of things, including flying debris, temperature changes, and accidents. When you notice a chip or crack, you might wonder whether to opt for windshield repair or replacement, with the answer not always as obvious as you might think.
This guide will help you make an informed decision when trying to determine whether you should get a brand-new windshield or if the damage just needs a little touch up.
Understanding Windshield Damage
Before you pay for windshield repair services or full-scale replacements, it’s important to understand the different forms of damage that a windshield can go through and what might be the cause. you can check the windshield chip repair cost to fix it.
Types of Windshield Damage
Windshield damage can vary from minor chips to extensive cracks, all of which can get worse if not dealt with promptly. Commonly seen forms of damage include:
- Chips: Small, localized damage, generally caused by debris impact
- Cracks: Linear, often long fractures that can spread across the windshield
- Shatters: Severe damage where the windshield breaks into numerous pieces
Common Causes of Windshield Damage
Windshield damage can be the result of many different impacts or external factors, with sometimes small-seeming hazards causing significant breaks. Common damaging factors include:
- Road debris, such as rocks and gravel flung up by other cars
- Sudden temperature changes—cold-to-hot or vice versa
- Minor accidents or collisions
- Heavy hail or falling objects
- Excess pressure due to items being rested on the glass
These are just some of the ways a windshield can get damaged, with the nature of breaks often being unpredictable and hard to pin down.
When to Consider Windshield Repair
So, when is it right to seek out a window crack repair? Generally, smaller chips and cracks mean your windshield can still be saved with a resin application. As a rule of thumb, windshield repairs are suitable for chips smaller than a quarter in diameter, and cracks shorter than three inches. Any larger than that, and it’s likely that you’ll need a full windshield replacement.
Advantages of Windshield Repair
There are several benefits to windshield repair versus windshield replacement. They include:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Usually cheaper than replacements
- Time Efficiency: Often takes less time, typically completed in under an hour
- Maintaining Original Windshield: Keeps the original factory seal intact
For quality results, it’s important to use professional windshield repair services. There are patches and home kits that you can use, however, it’s better to put your trust in someone with access to the right tools and expertise, who can fix the damage effectively, safely, reliably.
When Windshield Replacements are Necessary
Generally it’s pretty obvious when a repair won’t do the job and you need to replace your windshield.. If a crack is longer than a dollar bill, a chip is wider than a quarter, or the damage obstructs the driver’s line of sight, it’s time to get a new windshield. Obviously major shatters also call for a replacement windshield. These kinds of damages can compromise a vehicle’s structural integrity, while also impairing visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
It’s also worth remembering that what might appear to be small damage can easily become a lot worse if the repair was insufficient.
Benefits of Getting a New Windshield
Opting for a new windshield has its advantages, such as:
- Improved Clarity: A new windshield provides better visibility
- Enhanced Safety: Ensuring the structural integrity of your vehicle
- Warranty: Many replacements come with a warranty to enhance your peace of mind
Making the Decision: Repair or Replace?
To decide whether to repair or replace, it’s all about properly assessing the damage in terms of size, depth, and location. As we said, short, thinner cracks and chips can often be dealt with via a simple resin fix. However, in the case of longer, winder, and deeper signs of damage, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Similarly, if the crack covers the driver’s line of sight, it’s worth getting a replacement.
Cost Considerations:
- Repair Costs: Generally lower, ranging from $50 to $150
- Replacement Costs: Higher, typically between $200 and $400, depending on the vehicle and windshield type
Before making a cost-based choice, check if your car insurance covers windshield repairs or replacements. Many policies cover repairs with no deductible, while replacements might have a deductible. It’s also always wise to consult with a professional to make the best decision based on the specific damage and your vehicle.
The Repair and Replacement Process
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Here’s what to expect during the repair and replacement process:
Windshield Repair: Fixing windscreen chips involves a technician injecting resin into the chip or crack, then curing it with UV light. This process generally takes less than an hour.
Windshield Replacement: The damaged windshield is carefully removed, and a new one is installed using adhesive to ensure a secure fit. This can take a few hours, especially when accounting for time needed for the adhesive to cure.
Deciding whether to repair or replace your windshield depends on the extent and location of the damage, with minor chips and cracks often repaired quickly and affordably and severe damage requiring a complete replacement to ensure safety. If in doubt, always seek professional advice to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
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