There are many aspects to consider when deciding whether it is best to repair car glass or replace the windshield totally. The most essential criteria are the effects of the damage on vision and the ability to drive safely. The size, depth, and placement of a chip or crack are also considered when deciding the appropriate treatment for a broken windshield. This blog highlights some of the factors to consider when choosing between repair and replacement. Mobile windshield repair and replacement service are also recommended as ideal for quick fixes and avoiding escalation of damage.
Signs Your Windshield Can Be Repaired.
Many kinds of windshield damage are readily repairable.
Here are several signs that it can be fixed rather than replaced:
- The chip or crack is not near the edge of the windshield.
- Only the outer layer is affected.
- The damage from a bullseye chip is less than an inch. The damage from a windshield crack is just a few inches long.
Signs That Your Windshield Should Be Replaced
All of these indicators point to the necessity for a new windshield:
- The damage is at the windshield’s edge.
- The bullseye or crack is bigger than a dollar note in size.
- Presence of cracks that resemble huge spider webs or are very intricate.
- The damage is extensive, harming the glass’s inner layer.
- The damage affects several areas of the windshield.
- There is no lamination on the glass.
Factors To Consider When Contemplating Between Replacement and Repair.
Let’s take a closer look at the factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace automobile glass.
- Position
If a windshield cracks near the frame, auto glass professionals will most likely suggest that it be replaced. Even minor cracks near the edge or corner of the glass can deteriorate and spread fast due to the vibrations of the automobile and the increased stress as it drives over hills and dips. Cracks near the frame can also be dangerous since they compromise the structural integrity of the glass.
- Safety
The most significant concern in the automobile sector, as with other sectors, is safety. Though driving with a damaged windshield for a short distance is normally not hazardous, it should be fixed or replaced as soon as possible. The windshield is designed to be a critical component of the vehicle’s structural integrity. A shattered windshield cannot offer the desired amount of protection to the driver and passengers in the event of an accident.
- Visibility
Driving a vehicle with a damaged windshield that impairs the driver’s ability to see clearly poses a significant safety risk. Several jurisdictions including Houston, Texas consider it an offense.
- Dimensions
Though new equipment and procedures for windshield repair are constantly being developed, there are still limits to the sizes and kinds of damage that can be repaired. According to the National Windshield Repair Association’s (NWRA) Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard (ROLAGS) handbook, chips or bullseyes up to 1 inch in diameter or fractures up to 12 to 14 inches in length can be securely repaired.
Looking for a Reliable Mobile Windshield Repair and Replacement Service in Houston, Texas?
Auto glass repair experts from Imperium Auto Glass will help determine if your windshield can be safely fixed or whether it has to be replaced. Repairs typically cost around $80, which can be much cheaper than replacements depending on the make and model of your vehicle. We also offer mobile windshield repair and replacement services, saving you time and money in the long run. Call Imperium Auto Glass today for more information.
