If you own and drive a car, it is a possibility that you have seen a chipped or broken windshield before. It is a common phenomenon that results after the windshield is struck by a piece of rock. Small pebbles and debris of rock keep striking the windshield now and then but damage to it takes place when the striking object is sharp and the force of the collision is strong enough to cause damage to the glass structure.
Some auto insurance providers cover cracked windshield repair and replacement. But, depending on the level of damage, this may not be needed. This article aims to serve as a guide for car owners whenever they encounter a cracked or chipped windshield.
How is it possible to repair the crack?
Modern car windshields are made up of two layers of curved glass with a layer of vinyl material sandwiched between them. In most cases of a rock piece striking the windshield from outside, it is the outer layer that is damaged. The rock piece is unable to enter the car and thus you and other passengers are not hurt because of it. It is precisely this reason why a small crack or chip in the windshield can be repaired rather than requiring its full replacement.
How repair of a crack or chip is carried out
It is in your own interest to get the small chip or crack repaired promptly. Now, it is pertinent to know how a good-quality car glass service carries out repairs. The folks at glass.net/auto-glass-info/mobile-windshield-repair say that the mechanics should take a close look at the chip or crack to decide whether it is minor or not and use a fuller to fill it after cleaning the surface. They should recommend a replacement if they feel the crack is a major one and cannot be repaired with the help of resins.
Why is it not wise to delay repair or replacement?
Many car owners ignore the cracked or chipped windshield when they see it is small or when it does not obstruct their vision when driving the car. They have a tight schedule and they think they will look after this minor problem when they get free from their work. However, it is not advisable to ignore even a small crack or chip as it can spread very quickly. Also, it might become difficult for the mechanic to repair the crack as dirt builds up inside the crack. If you delay for a long time, replacement of the windshield may be the only option available to you. Replacement, as you know, is much costlier than the repair of your windshield.
- Continuing to drive with a cracked windshield increases chances of accidents as light reflected from cracks can distract you.
- A cracked windshield compromises the structural integrity of the car and can result in severe injuries with a caved-in roof in case of an accident.
- A cracked windshield looks ugly and reflects poorly on your taste.
- Windshield wipers can invite more dirt inside the crack. Wiper fluid can enter the crack and discolour the area, and the surface will not be clear and smooth even after repair.
Never panic when you see a crack or chip in your windshield. Delays in contacting a car glass service can result in expensive windshield replacement. An expert mechanic can repair the crack to make it almost invisible from your windshield.
Featured image: JITTi_L/Shutterstock
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