So you’re driving in peace, and BAM! a rogue stone smashes your windshield – just like that, your glass has a chip or worse, a crack. Even if it’s only a fissure, there’s a chance it will spread over time. A chipped or cracked windshield is difficult to repair for many car owners. It may be expensive to repair or replace the glass, and many people want to know whether they need to do so. Following this brief guide will help you understand what you need to know after having your windshield broken.
1. Size
If the chip is smaller than a quarter or the crack is less than three inches long, it can be mended on most occasions. Windshield repair technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, allowing for minor damage to be readily fixed. The Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard (ROLAGS) guide is an excellent resource for determining which auto glass damage must be repaired.
However, the size guideline varies depending on the location of the glass damage. A big chip in the driver’s field of view requires immediate replacement while a small chip on the side or rear windshield can be safely repaired.
2. Depth
The depth of the damage is related to the size of the windshield damage. This aspect refers to how far the damage has gone through the glass. The other glass layer, a plastic interlayer, and an internal glass layer make up your car’s windshield. If the harm extends through both the outer and inner layers, replacing your windscreen is your best option since it is too deep for glass repair. If only one layer of glass is damaged, you may be able to fix it yourself.
3. Location
The location of the damage has a significant impact on whether you need an auto glass replacement or repair. If the damage is positioned near to the glass’s outer edge, it’s likely that the structural integrity of the glass has been damaged. In this situation, replacing the broken windshield is your best choice. Another vital point is known as the driver’s line of sight. Windshield repairs frequently induce distortion, which might jeopardize the eyesight of drivers. Once again, in this instance, it would be ideal to replace the ruined automobile glass.
4. Safety
Safety is another important factor to consider, as with all things automotive. Although driving a vehicle with a damaged windshield for brief distances is considered quite safe, the damage should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. The structural integrity of your automobile’s windshield is crucial. In addition, the windshield protects the driver and passengers from harm. A shattered windshield cannot give the required protection level to passengers because of weakened glass.
When Should You Repair Or Replace Auto Glass?
In general, automobile glass repair companies can fix minor chips and cracks for a fair price. If the damage is more serious and might affect your driving safely, windshield replacement is necessary. Make sure you address the problem as soon as possible, whether it’s a little fracture or a major one. There are laws regulating cracked windshields in all states.
Here are four essential tips to keep in mind when deciding whether to repair or replace your windshield:
1. Size Matters – The size of the crack or chip is one of the biggest factors that will influence your decision. If the damage is smaller than a quarter, then a simple repair might do the trick. However, if it’s larger, then you’ll likely need to replace the entire windshield.
2. Location Counts Too – The location of the damage is also important. If it’s in your line of sight, then you definitely need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Even a small crack can make it hard to see while driving, which increases the risk of an accident.
3. Ignore It and It Will Get Worse – Don’t try to ignore the problem and hope that it will go away on its own. In most cases, it won’t. In fact, cracks and chips tend to spread over time, so the sooner you take care of them, the better.
4. Get It Checked Out By a Professional – If you’re not sure whether you need a repair or replacement, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get it checked out by a professional. They can take a look at the damage and give you their expert opinion on the best course of action.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to make the right decision when it comes to repairing or replacing your windshield.