When a vehicle owner discovers a windshield crack or even the smallest chip, the first question that pops up in the mind is – can it be repaired, or does it need to be replaced? An accident may leave a crack or chip in your car’s windshield. You may have heard people saying that when a windshield is chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it is essential to replace it entirely. So, even if there’s a minor scratch or small chip, you think replacement is the only option. But a crack or chip in your car’s windshield is not always as serious as you think. Similar to other components of your car that can be repaired, minor windshield issues can also be fixed. Repairing a damaged windshield is frequently much less expensive than replacing it entirely. But how do you tell if you need a replacement or merely a repair?
As you already know, windshield repairs and replacements should be done as soon as possible to avoid further damage. This type of auto service is often covered by the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy. However, when a car’s windshield gets damaged, it can be tricky to determine whether the damage can be fixed with a repair service or replacement will be a better choice. The easiest option is to contact a genuine auto glass repair service and get expert advice. But if you want to stay informed before consulting an auto technician, let’s find out some details about windshield repair and replacement to make an informed decision.
Windshield Repair
As the name suggests, windshield repair is the process of fixing damage without replacing the entire glass. This type of auto glass service is suited for minor damages like small chips. The goal of repairing the chip or small crack is to restore the structural stability of the windshield along with restoring its original visibility. A cracked windshield can be repaired using a variety of techniques. The majority of technicians, however, prefer to utilize the windshield resin procedure. In this technique, the damaged area is cleaned and then the technician injects a clear resin into the chip or crack. This technique is carried done on the windshield’s outer layer. Cases of damage where the windshield can be repaired rather than replaced include:
- There’s a bullseye chip, the damage is smaller than an inch
- When a crack or chip is not located close to the windshield edge
- Damage is caused only to the outer layer
Windshield Replacement
A windshield replacement entails completely removing the damaged windshield and installing a new one in its place. In comparison to a repair, a windshield replacement is a considerably more comprehensive procedure involving many steps and higher costs. A glass expert carefully progresses from one step to the next until a brand-new windshield is installed. When repairing the crack isn’t possible, replacement is the only option. Here are some cases where windshield replacement is needed:
- Crack larger than a dollar bill or chip bigger than a bullseye size.
- The damage is located near the edge of the windshield
- Windshield glass is not laminated
- The crack is deep, reaching the inner layer of the glass
- The damage has impaired your visibility
- Multiple cracks on the glass or cracks forming a spider web
