subject: Repair Or Replacement; Which Is Better For Your Windshield? [print this page] It is often a confusing decision whether to go for a windshield repair or replacement. Frankly, there is no mathematical formula to get the answer. You need to take into account many fuzzy factors including your desire before deciding which option to go for.
First of all, let's discuss why you may need a repair or replacement at the first place. There can be many reasons. The windshield is the most probable thing to take the burns when there is any collision, major or minor. Flying rocks are another reason, especially in the rocky mountain roads. And well, when someone wants to vent his anger on your car, the first thing he breaks is the windshield. These things being unavoidable, let us now decide what to do when any of these things happen.
Frankly, both options have advantages and disadvantages. Repairing is always less costly and often it does the job. There are special resins which can work wonderfully well with some glasses and can repair up to 18 inches of crack. But this resin doesnt with all types so this isnt a universal solution. Moreover, in some cases, even after a good repair, the vision of the driver is badly distorted, making it difficult and risky for him to drive.
There is always the option to totally replace the broken windshield but it isnt just taking out the broken one and fitting the new one. If not replaced correctly, it can give more problems than you can imagine. First and foremost is the fitting. The fitting must be neat, accurate and pretty tight. You surely wouldnt like that the gaps gather dirt and water because the new windshield wasnt fitted properly.
There is no standard really as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) is the only applicable rule here. Customers must make sure that the repair shop they are using is adhering to the standard. Moreover, there is surely a lack of a clearly drafted safety regulation rule which is an area of concern. It will be far safer to have something called the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) to ensure that all the customers are getting the replacement or repair job done properly.
You are in luck if you are somewhere near Vegas. There are lots of standard and excellent shops providing Windshield Repair & Replacement in Las Vegas. Also dont make money your only criteria for deciding between two aforementioned choices. Check for all the factors we talked about, as well as the reputation of the shop before getting your windshield repaired.
