Is Windshield Repair As Good As Replacement?

If you regularly drive a car, you know the dreaded sound of a rock or piece of road debris as it pings against your windshield

. You quickly look to see if you can spot the damage, hoping you'll get lucky and escape a costly repair. You've long been told that even a small crack requires that you replace the glass right away. But is windshield replacement always necessary, or even the best choice, when your windshield has only a small chip or crack?

Obviously, major damage in the form of large cracks and impact craters will require that the entire windshield be replaced quickly as a matter of auto safety. But when the damage is minor, replacement is not your only option. In fact, because windshields that are placed in new cars are designed specifically for those cars, and because there are government standards regulating the type and quality of the glass installed in new cars (with less oversight of replacement glass), repairing your glass could be the better choice. Keeping the original glass should be a priority if it is determined that a repair will restore your windshield to its original condition.

When done correctly by a trained professional, windshield repair is effective and safe. The process can often be performed in less than an hour, and most auto glass repair companies will come to your home or workplace for your convenience. The chip or crack is cleaned of all debris, then special resins are used to fill and close the damaged area. In many cases the repair is so effective that the original damage cannot even be seen after the repair is complete. The integrity of the original seal that was put in place at installation is maintained, as is the aesthetic appeal of the glass that was specifically designed for your car.

Because windshield repair has been proven as a viable alternative to full windshield replacement when the chips or cracks are not extensive, insurance companies are becoming more willing to authorize repairs than replacements. In some cases, insurance providers are even willing to waive deductible fees in order to avoid a more expensive replacement cost.

Some car owners might question why they should have to hire a professional to do windshield repairs when there are do-it-yourself windshield repair kits available in auto parts stores. The simple answer is that professionals who repair auto glass have been trained in techniques that maintain the integrity of the glass in ways that a non-professional cannot know.

In addition, they can determine whether a repair is even feasible or likely to be successful. Trying to do an at-home repair on damage that actually requires replacement could lead to a serious safety issue. Another added benefit is that professional auto glass repair companies typically offer a warranty on their work, ensuring that you have a means of resolving any issues that might arise after the fact.

Next time you hear the dreaded pop of a rock against glass, a quick windshield repair might solve your problem. The results could pleasantly surprise you.

by: Stephen Daniels

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