How can you tell if the damage to your windshield can be fixed with a minor repair or it needs a full replacement? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. There are an array of factors to consider that determine what is best for your vehicle, safety, and your bank account.
Determining Factors
Let’s take a look at 4 of the most prominent factors that will help decide the best course of action to take for your windshield. When assessing the damage it is important to consider:
- Severity
- Location
- Scale
- Stability
Severity
The actual size of the blemish on your windscreen can help shed some light on the best method of resolution. Any chip or splintering that is larger than a loonie or a toonie may cause for concern. If the damaged area is any bigger than a toonie then there is a pretty good chance a simple repair will not do it. It also depends on where the damage is located on the windshield.
Location
The location of the problem spot is also crucial to figuring out the next step. You may think that if the blemish falls in your line of vision while driving that would be the biggest concern for replacement. However, while that is usually true it is not always the case. A large blemish on the driver’s side in the direct line of view will likely call for a replacement because a repair may leave a mark that could impede visibility. A bigger problem is a crack or chip that reaches the edge of the windshield. If a crack extends to the edge of the windscreen it can affect the entire structure of the glass, making it unsafe for driving.
Scale
Much like severity, the scale of the damage also plays a role. How many cracks or chips are present on your windshield? If you have 1 to 3 small chips in various locations out of the driver’s range of vision then a repair is still a possibility. The more blemishes there are on your windshield, the greater chance there is of it shattering upon contact in the case of an accident.
Stability
The overall stability of your windshield will depend on a combination of all the above factors. How many cracks or chip are there? How big are the blemishes and where are they located? All of these elements will give a general picture as to whether your windshield is due for repair of replacement.
Tips for Managing a Windshield Replacement
If it has in fact been determined by the experts that a windshield replacement is in order, there are several precautions that should be taken after the replacement has been done to prevent the need for another replacement. Some aftercare suggestions that may be helpful include:
- Ease in
- Be gentle
- Hold off on the wash
- Blade replacement
- Keep the dash clear
- Weather considerations
Ease In
Give the new windshield time to set before driving it if possible. Even just a few hours can help the adhesives dry and allow the replacement to firm up and become stable.
Be Gentle
Once you are satisfied the adhesives have been set and sealed you can begin driving your vehicle again. Be careful of slamming doors or being too rough with your car as it could end up rupturing the seal which will need to be repaired.
Hold Off on the Wash
Again, avoid disrupting the adhesives from properly setting by prematurely washing your vehicle. Wait at least a couple of days before washing the exterior of your car.
Blade Replacement
If your wiper blades are rusty or damaged it is highly recommended to have them replaced before the windshield replacement or at least before you start driving your vehicle again.
Keep the Dash Clear
Avoid placing items on the dashboard, any outward pressure on the glass from the inside can also disturb the adhesive seal.
Weather Considerations
Keep your vehicle out of the rain and sun for at least 24 hours after an autoglass replacement. Both conditions can have harmful effects on the adhesive. It is recommended to avoid parking your car in the sun whenever possible as it is hard on your windscreen in general.
Autoglass Replacement Brampton
Valvoline Express Care Brampton has teamed up with Uniglass to deliver the ultimate in windshield care, repair, and replacement. The automotive professionals at Valvoline can help you assess your autoglass damage and help you decide the best way to fix it.