Windshield Replacement and Repair – Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Damaged Window
Windshield replacement and repair is something people should not ignore. Many people do not realize it is an important consideration for the front windshield of your vehicle to be replaced or repaired when damage is done. Often times, your windshield is the only thing that can protect you and your passengers from harmful flying elements while driving. In some cases, a full window replacement may not be necessary. A cheaper and quicker alternative would be getting a windshield repair instead.
Very often, drivers on the road will ignore the small chips and cracks they get caused by flying rocks, debris, or minor collision. It is important to take good care of your windshield, making sure they are free of any defects. A properly done replacement or repair would not only be a good investment, but you will be ensuring a higher level of protection for you and your passengers while driving.
Ignoring the small chips and cracks that you receive while driving for a long period of time can or will lead you to bigger problems. It was proven that stresses like extreme temperatures, driving and fatigue stress will cause your windshield’s chips and cracks to spread quicker. In the beginning when they first start out, they may seem small and not a problem, but over time it will weaken the glass and the cracks may spread corner to corner, horizontal or vertical, in any direction. It could be illegal in your states if the cracks impede your ability to safely see and drive your vehicle.
So the next time while you are driving out in the road, after a fresh clean car wash and clear windows, see if you notice any small chips on your windshield, if so then think about calling in a shop to get those chips or cracks repaired. Most auto glass shops will provide you with a mobile service, which means they will come to your home or work, or where ever you ask them to, to provide you with their services. The repair cost averages between $20-$70 dollars, depending on your location or shop, and chip or crack sizes. Keep in mind, most auto insurance companies will cover the cost of your window replacement or repair, depending on your coverage, but often times auto insurers will cover the full price of the repairs with no deductible, to avoid the more expensive alternative, a full windshield replacement. So don’t be afraid to take that advantage, it may be part of your policy, and it would be a waste of your hard earn money going to auto insurance if you don’t.
If you live in an area where an auto glass shop is a hard reach, or maybe you live in an area where you usually get these chips and cracks, then consider buying your own windshield repair kit. You can usually buy them online, and depending on where and what you order, prices range anywhere from $15-$75 dollars shipped for everything you need. But be warned, repairing a broken glass is not the easiest thing to do, but reading through some tutorials or watching videos online can give you an idea on how to practice this skill.
If repairing a window is something you wont be able to handle alone, then it would be highly recommended to call the professionals to handle those chips or cracks for you; you wouldn’t want to cause any further damages to your window, and then having to settle for a full windshield replacement instead which would cost you even more. What would be a good idea, is calling an auto glass shop in your area to come to you for the repair, and watch how it is done in front of you. Most mobile installers shouldn’t mind answering any questions you have for them. If your installer is nice enough to answer your questions, ask him how he would do it with your own repair kit (if you already bought your own), this way you have the knowledge on how to repair your own windshield with the tools you have, taught by a professional first hand.
After reading this article, I hope you will understand how important it can be to keep your windshield free of any chips or cracks. Take some time off the next time you notice any, give your auto insurance a call to take care of them for you, or consider buying that repair kit and master a new skill.