When it comes to driving a car, the windshield is your first protection against wind, bugs, and other elements that may come your way. However, your windshield is prone to wear and tear and can sometimes get damaged or cracked. Whichever the case, you need your damaged or cracked windshield fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
For most car owners, it can be challenging to determine whether they need to get their windshield to be repaired or replaced entirely. In this case, there is a need to consult an expert since not all damage is the same.
Generally, windshield damages differ in location, size, and severity. While some cracks may only require a quick fix, others require the whole windshield to be replaced. Usually, damages that are in line with the driver’s sight will need to be replaced to prevent causing an accident. Whatever the crack on your windscreen may be, it is always best to get the advice of an expert to avoid any problems later on.
In this article, you will learn the difference between repairing and replacing a windshield and under which circumstances each should be applied.
When Will a Windshield Repair Suffice?
Unlike replacing your windshield, repairing a damaged windshield is more cost-effective. However, several things are considered when determining whether a windshield can be fixed with a simple repair. Generally, a repair company’s ability to fully repair your windshield can depend on the damage’s size, location, and severity.
- Size or Extent of Damage
In most cases, a simple repair will suffice if the damage in your windshield is smaller than 40mm in diameter.
- Location of Damage
Another thing to keep in mind is the location of the damage. It is easy to repair windshield damage if it is not in line with the driver’s sight.
- Depth of Damage
Something else that repair companies take into consideration is the depth of damage. If the crack or chip is shallow and has only penetrated a single layer of glass, it can be repaired. However, it may need replacement if it has penetrated both the inner and outer glass layer.
No matter how small the damage to your windshield is, you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, the damage may deteriorate, and you may need to replace it instead, incurring extra costs.
When do You Need a Windshield Replacement?
Several things will make a windshield replacement the only solution. This means getting rid of your old windshield and getting a brand new windshield altogether. You can simply replace your windshield when you experience any of the following damage:
- You have an old windshield with several scratches or pitting.
- Your windshield got hit by a large rock, and it punched a hole through it.
- If your windshield has multiple chips in it beyond the recommended size of repair.
- If the glass is tempered and not laminated.
- Cracks in your windshield can be solved by simply replacing them rather than repairing them. Cracks will grow over time, and they also weaken the overall integrity of your windshield, making it necessary to replace your windshield.
Conclusion
Again, no matter how small the damage to your windshield is, it is always advisable to get it fixed or replaced as soon as you can. The last thing you want is to get into an accident because of poor visibility caused by a crack or chip on your windshield. Ensure that you research the best windshield repair company near you to evaluate the damage and advice you on the best possible solution.