Neglecting any sort of blemishes on your windshield, regardless of size or severity, can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. A lot of drivers may notice a tiny crack in the windshield and think nothing of it. If the chip does not affect their field of vision, or pose an immediate threat, many vehicle owners will put off fixing it until it becomes a bigger problem. The main concern with the ‘wait and see’ approach is that it will eventually become a much larger issue, that much you can count on.

Minor blemishes in your windshield can be quick and easy to repair if handled in a timely fashion. When cracks are small and superficial, they are quite easy to fix. However, if seemingly insignificant damage is ignored, over time the problem will inevitably spread. As these cracks extend from the initial point of contact, they begin to compromise the integrity of the entire windshield. This now jeopardizes the safety of you and your passengers, as well as all the drivers around you. Not mention that a quick repair is no longer an option, and the only fix now is an expensive full windshield replacement.

The main take away here is to stay vigilant with your autoglass windshield repair to avoid further damage, costly replacements, and safety risks.

Reasons to Stay on Top of Autoglass Windshield Repair

There is an assortment of convincing reasons to practice responsible windshield care. Some of the biggest factors include:

• Safety
• Cost
• Time
• Performance
• Environmentally responsible

Safety

For all practical purposes, the number one to stay vigilant with your autoglass windshield care is safety. As a driver, your chief responsibility should be to optimize safety for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers in your vicinity.

Windshield blemishes compromise safety by hindering driver visibility as well as weakening the strength of your windshield should you get into an accident. There are enough hazards on the road already for drivers to be cautious about; there is no need to further contribute to danger with a damaged windshield.

Cost

As prices for virtually everything around us are continually on the rise, people are constantly looking for ways to save money to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this results in people cutting corners in certain areas to save money. Neglecting chips in your windshield is not a recommended cost-cutting solution. You may think you are saving money by forgoing small repair expenses to get a chip fixed. However, this will inevitably cost you more money in the long run. The blemish is not just going to go away or repair itself. It will continue to spread across your windshield, and if ignored for long enough, will result in a more time-consuming and expensive windshield replacement.

Time

There is no disputing that repairing a small crack in your autoglass takes considerably less time than a full replacement would. A simple and speedy blemish fix means minimal downtime for your vehicle. A windshield replacement is a more demanding and labor intensive fix, meaning your vehicle may not be available for you to get to work or other important appointments.

Performance

Getting blemishes fixed as they occur helps ensure that your field of vision is unhindered, and your driving visibility is optimized. This enhances not only safety, but also performance. When cracks are professionally repaired on your windshield, it strengthens that area in the glass to improve overall durability for longer lasting performance.

Environmentally Responsible

When a windshield replacement is required, it means having the entire windshield removed and it will most likely end up in a landfill. Getting repairs done as needed prevents this process, which is beneficial to your bank account as well as the environment.

Staying on top of windshield care for your vehicle is the best thing you can do for enhancing safety, reducing expenses, improving performance, and minimizing environmental impact.

Do you have a substantial chip or crack in your windshield? Perhaps what started out as a small blemish has now taken over the safety of your windscreen? Whatever the case, getting your car in for a professional assessment is the best next step forward. If the crack is small enough and caught in time, you may be able to get away with a simple repair to your existing windshield. However, if the damage is extensive, or the chip has been left to fester too long, an auto glass replacement is likely the only viable course of action remaining. Even the most cautious of drivers can fall victim to a damaged windshield. It can happen out of the blue when you are least expecting it. Chips and cracks can be caused by anything from errant debris flying up off the road to an accident with another vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the most prevalent causes of windshield damage.

Common Causes of Auto Glass Damage

Damaged windshields are generally a freak occurrence that can happen for a variety of reasons, and can come in all shapes and sizes. Analyzing the size and location of the blemish can usually determine whether a repair or replacement is needed. Some of the more frequent causes of windshield harm, include:

• Road debris
• Harsh weather
• Severe temperatures
• Changes in pressure
• Improper installation
• Low grade glass
• Automobile accidents

Road Debris

One of the most common causes of a cracked windshield is small stones or rocks flying up off the road and contacting the glass. Typically when this happens the damage is only to the outer surface and can be taken care of with a quick repair. However, when small blemishes like this are left untreated they can quickly blossom into a more serious and costly issue.

Harsh Weather

Storms and other tough weather conditions can also result in damage to your windscreen. Of all the dangerous types of weather to drive in, it is generally hail that ends up causing the most problems for auto glass. The major concern with hail is that you don’t even have to be driving for it to play havoc with your vehicle. High winds can also be problematic, blowing tree branches or other debris into your windshield.

Severe Temperatures

Another detrimental aspect of Canada’s harsh weather conditions is the extreme temperatures that can fluctuate considerably from day to day. Windshield damage can occur in severe weather swings due to the properties of glass that cause it to expand when hot and contract when cold. Granted, most auto glass is specifically designed to withstand heavy thermal strain, but when glass is continually exposed to severe temperatures it can weaken over time.

Changes in Pressure

Just as is the case with severe temperatures, rapid changes in air pressure can result in windshield damage. Traveling at high speeds or exposure to high winds can cause stress cracks. Excessive speeds or extremely strong winds put undue physical weight on the windscreen, potentially causing it to crack under the pressure.

Improper Installation

If you have installed the windshield yourself, or perhaps got the work done at a questionable establishment, it may not be tight enough to offer sufficient protection. When the windscreen is too loose, you will likely notice heavy vibrations while driving. It is probably no surprise that a loosely fitting, vibrating windshield is more susceptible to cracks and damage. Ensure proper installation with a trusted professional like Valvoline Express Care.

Low Grade Glass

Again, it should not come as any surprise that the lower quality of glass your windshield is comprised of, the higher the risk of something going wrong. Low quality auto glass is more likely to have manufacturing defects which can cause weak spots in the windshield making is more vulnerable to chips and cracks. Valvoline Brampton, partnered with Uniglass Plus, offer a Securi-Clear® lifetime warranty on your windshield, meaning you never again have to worry future repair costs.

Automobile Accidents

Car accidents are another serious concern for auto glass safety, and can result many different types of damage to your windscreen. Of course, there are accidents where the entire windshield is shattered, leaving no mystery of whether or not a replacement is needed. But, even a minor fender bender can inflict small cracks or excess pressure from a bent frame. After an accident it is always a good idea to get a professional assessment, even if the damage to your windshield seems insignificant.

Do you have a chip or crack in your windshield? If so, it is highly recommended to deal with the issue right away to minimize cost and damage.

Most vehicle owners would prefer to repair a windshield than have it replaced, if at all possible.

Repairs are obviously quicker and less costly than a replacement, and often repairs are covered by your auto insurance policy.

So, how do you know if you need a windshield repair or replacement for your windscreen?

Assessing Windshield Damage

An initial assessment you can do on your own, just to get a better idea of what will be needed to solve the problem.

The first task is to figure out the type of chip or crack that exists on your windshield.

Some of the most common types of windscreen blemishes include:

• Surface chip
• Bullseye
• Half moon
• Star
• Angel wings (combination crack)
• Star Burst
• Straight line
• Extended bullseye

Surface Chip

A small surface chip is the most common type of windshield blemish. This is typically a superficial nick that does not penetrate the surface of the glass.

A surface chip can be fixed with a minor repair, as long as it is attended to promptly.

Bullseye Chip

A bullseye is an impact chip that is usually the result of a rock or stone coming off the road and hitting the glass.

A bullseye is a circular chip that has a cone shaped whole dig out of the outer layer of the windscreen.

A bullseye chip can be mended with a repair, if:

1. The diameter of the chip is an inch or less
2. There is no dirt lodged in the chip
3. The chip is not directly in the driver’s field of vision

Half Moon Chip

Much like a bullseye chip, a half moon chip is often caused by impact from an errant stone or pebble.

You can think of a half moon as a partial bullseye chip that is not fully circular in shape.

Half moon chips can also be repaired if the diameter is small enough and the blemish is not in the driver’s eyeline.

Star Chip

A star chip or break is caused by a point of impact, and generally has several small cracks coming out from the center to form a star shaped design.

A star chip or break can go either way when it comes to repair or replacement.

Star chips can often be repaired if they are the size of a looney or smaller. If the chip is larger than a looney, or you can feel it on the inside of your windshield, a replacement will most likely be needed.

Angel Wings (Combination Crack)

An angel wing chip is also sometimes referred to as a combination break. Angel wings may be a combination of a bullseye chip with cracks spreading outwards from opposite directions.

If the entire diameter of a crack of this nature, including the body and the legs, does not exceed 2 inches, then a repair may be possible.

Star Burst Chip

As the name suggests, this type of blemish is a star chip that has escalated or covers more surface area than a regular star chip.

This type of chip must be taken care of immediately. An expert will be able to assess if a repair or replacement is required.

Straight Line Crack

This type of damage can be caused by either impact or pressure.

If a straight line crack is caused by the impact of a stone or debris, then it can possibly be fixed with a repair if it is small enough, does not reach the edge of the windshield, and is not in the driver’s line of vision.

If a straight line crack is caused by pressure, rather than impact, then a replacement will be mandatory.

Extended Bullseye

Like an angel wing chip, an extended bullseye is an enlarged or magnified version of the original.

This is another issue that needs to be dealt with urgently.

Driver’s in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and Vaughan should contact the auto glass repair experts at Valvoline Express Care for professional UniGlass windshield chip and crack assessment.

 

Do you have a chip or crack in your windshield? No matter how small, any blemish on your windscreen should be attended to immediately to prevent spreading and further damage.

For any type of chip or crack in your windshield, the damage will need to be assessed to answer the big question: Repair or Replace?

Obviously, you will want to try to fix any windshield issues with a repair if at all possible, as it is much less involved and expensive.

How Do I Know if a Repair or Replacement is Needed?

That all depends on the size and nature of the chip or crack on your windshield.

In most cases, it is best left to the professionals to decide. The integrity of your auto glass is a huge factor for staying safe in your vehicle.

Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, the strength of your windshield is responsible for providing anywhere from 45% – 75% of the structural integrity of your entire vehicle, should you get in an accident.

If you do happen to get into a collision and your car rolls, the windshield is relied upon to handle around 60% of the weight to keep the cabin of the automobile intact.

For the continued safety of you and your passengers, it is recommended to visit a reliable and speedy auto glass service, like Valvoline Express Care in Brampton.

Factors to Determine Repair or Replacement

To make an informed decision about which route to go to fix the blemish on your windscreen, it is important to consider several factors.

Some elements to consider about the chip or crack on your windshield, are:

• Size
• Depth
• Duration
• Location

Size

The first factor to examine is the size of the chip. Auto glass repair is becoming more efficient and effective all the time, so bigger chips are now being able to be properly fixed with a repair instead of a replacement.

The general rule of thumb is that if a chip is bigger than a toonie, a replacement will likely be required. Cracks longer than 7 or 8 cm will also probably demand a full replacement.

Superficial chips or small cracks that don’t penetrate to the inside of the glass can often be fully repaired without having to replace the glass.

Depth

Most windshields are made up of 2 or 3 layers. Some windscreens are double-paned glass, while others have three layers. Two layers of glass sandwiching a layer of plastic.

In either scenario, if the crack penetrates the inside layer of glass, it is time for a replacement.

Location

The location of the chip or crack is also critical for deciding on repair or replacement.

If a crack extends to the edge of the auto glass, then that windshield’s days are finished. There is too much risk to the structural integrity of your vehicle for cracks that hit the edge of the window.

If the crack or chip is directly in the driver’s line of vision, then a replacement is recommended. Most repairs end up leaving a little bit of distortion which can impair a driver’s ability to clearly see everything on the road in front of them.

Also, some cracks may interfere with one of the car’s automatic systems or sensors. If this is the case, then it is replacement time.

Duration

The longer a chip or crack has existed in your windshield, the more likely a replacement will be needed instead of a repair.

It is best to take care any windshield issues promptly, before the situation gets out of hand.

Auto Glass Repair and Replacement for your Safety

The number one concern for any nick, break, or slinter in in your windshield is safety. Safety for you and your passengers, and also for other drivers and pedestrians in the area.

The Uni Glass windshield replacement experts and repair experts at Valvoline Express Care have been fixing windshield issues in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and Vaughan for decades.

Stop in anytime for damage assessment.