Windshields can get damaged in many different ways, from flying debris on the road to collisions. If you notice a chip or crack on your windshield, you will need to deal with it before it expands and begins to interfere with your ability to see when driving.
Even small cracks and chips can spread quickly, especially in the winter when moisture can enter the glass and expand as it freezes. Damaged windshields make accidents much more dangerous since the glass contributes to a vehicle’s structural integrity. When the windshield is damaged, it is more likely to shatter and the roof is more likely to collapse depending on the type of collision. Also, a cracked windshield can interfere with the proper deployment of airbags. Furthermore, in many states law enforcement will ticket you for having a cracked windshield.
Temporary Measures to Take with a Damaged Windshield
Ultimately, you will need to repair a damaged windshield. However, you can help prevent further damage in the meantime. In general, you should avoid the do-it-yourself kits that you may see at automotive retailers. These kits can make the problem worse, especially when used by someone without any experience or expertise.
The best option is to schedule an appointment with a windshield professional as soon as possible and then protect the glass to the best of your ability in the meantime. This means parking in the shade if it is hot outside since heat can cause glass to expand. If possible, park your vehicle in a garage or under a carport to protect it from direct sunlight and water. If this is not possible, you may want to invest in a tarp to put over your vehicle to make sure the windshield stays as dry and cool as possible.
If you have some experience working with glass, you can try one of the do-it-yourself kits, which typically rely on resin for the repair. You should keep in mind that these repairs are only temporizing measures and the crack will likely continue to spread until it is fixed by a professional. Also, smaller cracks and chips can be quicker and cheaper to fix than larger ones, so getting the windshield repaired as soon as possible is in your best interest.
Understanding the Windshield Glass Repair Process
You will have two options for fixing your windshield professionally based on the extent of the damage done. Ultimately, you should speak to an expert about what the best option is for your circumstances, but understanding the different processes can help you engage better in this conversation. Repairs are typically quicker and cheaper than replacement, but they are only possible if the damage is limited. As a general rule of thumb, chips smaller than a quarter and cracks less than 3 inches in length can be repaired rather than replaced. If your windshield has more damage than this, then it is likely that you will need a replacement. The point of a repair is to keep the chip or crack from spreading and, ideally, to hide the original damage.
To get a repair done, you typically need to act quickly once you notice a problem. Since chips and cracks spread fast, you may only have days before replacement becomes your only option. The auto glass repair process is fairly simple and typically takes less than an hour. A trained technician will use a specialized tool to remove any moisture or other material in the crack and then inject resin to fill it. When this process is professionally done, the repair can be a permanent solution. Glass repair is definitely part art, which is why it is so important to hire a professional.
Getting the Glass in Your Windshield Replaced
You will likely pay more money to get your windshield replaced rather than repaired, but this is the only way to guarantee that your vehicle is safe to drive. Repairs can be very effective, but their durability is based on user experience. Also, the location of the crack matters. In some instances, even with a small crack, a replacement will be much more beneficial than a repair. For example, if you have a crack along the edge of your windshield, the structural integrity of the glass can be compromised. In this case, most professionals will recommend a replacement to ensure that you do not have any unwelcome surprises.
Also, if the chip is in the direct line of sight of the driver, professionals tend to prefer a replacement. Repairs can cause minor distortions in the glass that are not a big deal when on the periphery but more distracting when right in front of the driver’s face. If the crack is short but deep enough to reach the layer of plastic meant to keep the windshield from shattering, a replacement is also typically necessary to ensure that the glass is safe. As you probably suspect, glass replacement takes quite a bit longer than a repair. In addition, you typically need to give the urethane that bonds to the glass several hours to cure before driving your vehicle again.