Repair or replace the cracked windshield?

A common concern that can cloud the minds of most of our readers is that when the windshields of their cars have developed a crack, would it be more preferable to repair or replace it. Witnessing a chip in your windshield is not the most unlikely scenario irrespective of your geographical location; and once it is formed, in no time will it stem out to turn into a grave concern. However, not every time can you rely upon replacing the windshield altogether because of mainly two reasons; firstly, you will have to invest enough time before you can use it again and secondly, covering the expenses of a new windshield without insurance will not be the most ideal recourse. Therefore, we are here to hold forth a few common situations where you will know whether replacing or repairing the windshield would be a wiser choice.

When to repair it?

If the chipping of the windshield is still in its initial stage and the crack is quite mild, you can easily repair them by yourself or call for the professional help from Aero Auto Glass. The primary reason lies in the fact that the procedure will save you a lot of money and will be conducted in the minimum time. Additionally, the location of the windshield chip makes a generous contribution in evolving the decision; if the crack has occurred somewhere around the topmost corner or is fairly away from the driver's vicinity, the chip can be repaired provided it doesn't occupy a lot of areas. These cracks usually originate when the car brushes against a dusty gush of wind or are taken to a comparatively rough terrain covered with a lot of trees.

When to replace it?

However, when it comes to detecting a bigger or larger crack in the windshield, the situation turns more serious. If the windshield is suddenly hit by something invariably heavy or large, the shock causes the glass to crack and spread over a wide area. In cases like these, the windshield will have to be inevitably replaced. Also, if the crack is more than 1cm and falls within the trajectory of the driver, then the ideal recourse would be to replace it straight away to ensure that the visibility is not compromised. Apart from these situations, if the damage is at the edge of the windshield or is the glass is covered with a lot of pivots all over the surface, replacing it would be a better way to continue with the regular usage of the vehicle rather than repairing it.

Despite the status of the windshield chip and the circumstances that have led to its formation, address it and get it fixed as soon as possible; because, a healthy functioning is a core in your vehicle's safety. Leaving it in its original form for a prolonged period will only enhance the risks and reduce the chances of repairing it employing cost-effective means. A crack in the windshield is accompanied by an array of repercussions; starting with the loss of a clear vision on the driver’s part, followed by escalated chances of witnessing an accident and eradicating the proper function of the airbags. Moreover, a lot of countries have rendered it mandatory to ride your car on the streets only when its windshield has been preserved in its original state.

The bottom line

Repairing the windshield involves injecting resin into the pits of the crack which when filled properly restores its lost appeal and shine. A car windshield is chiefly made of three layers and the layer of resin is the intermediate one. So while refilling the resin, one must make sure that the plastic layer below it is not drilled through and hence, the responsibility of repairing the windshield must be handed over to someone who comes with a lot of experience.