subject: Facts On Windshield Repair And Windshield Replacement [print this page] How important are windshield repair and windshield replacement? Some people think that the windshield is not a major part of a vehicle. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The windshield is very important because it directly affects the drivers visibility. If driver visibility is compromised, everyone in the vehicle is put in danger. If this causes an accident, other people on the road may be harmed, as well. This makes timely windshield repair or windshield replacement very crucial indeed, when needed.
A vehicles windshield car glass is very vulnerable to chips, breaks and cracks. This can be caused by small pebbles, rock fragments and other debris ricocheting from the road. If left untended, these chips, breaks and cracks are worsened by changes in temperature and humidity as well as continued use of the vehicle and driving vibration. When damage is worsened, the remaining recourse becomes even more expensive.
It is always better to have windshield repair whenever possible so as to postpone windshield replacement. Not only is windshield repair more affordable, it is also more environmentally friendly. Windshields are not recyclable so extending the life of each windshield is best for the environment.
Up to ninety percent of windshield chips, breaks and cracks can be fixed through windshield repair. These include the bulls eye, half moon break and star break. There are several instances when windshield repair is not recommended, though.
When the windshield is damaged right in the line of sight of the driver, windshield repair is not an option. The drivers line of sight should always be perfectly clear.
Windshield repair is also not suggested when the problem involves stress cracks. These are cracks that have not been caused by impact but by internal structural imbalance that put uneven distribution of force on the car glass. Stress cracks are recognized because they start from the edges of the windshield and go inwards.
Other non-repairable windshield damages include a break with a center impact hole measuring more than three eights of an inch, a crack that is more than three inches long, a crack that has three long legs or more, several cracks that have multiple intersecting edges, a crack that touches two or more edges of the windshield, damage that contains impurities that cannot be removed, and damage that includes the inner glass layer.
Sometimes, the windshield is too sophisticated to be repairable. This is the case with specialty windshields which are fully heated, are rain sensitive or have the capability to show digital displays.
When windshield repair is no longer feasible, you just have to get windshield replacement.
There is no excuse ever for putting off windshield repair or windshield replacement once it is needed. You cannot even say you have no time to do it or that going to the service center for windshield repair or windshield replacement is inconvenient because you can then opt for mobile windshield replacement. Technicians can actually go to your home, office or any other location you specify and do the required windshield repair or windshield replacement on the site. The job is done properly and quickly.
You do have to make sure that you get the services of reputable service providers for your windshield repair or windshield replacement, though. They have to be compliant with the proper standards in auto glass installation and they have to use all the proper equipment and parts. The car glass used for windshield replacement, for example, should at least be original equipment equivalent car glass from a reputable brand such as Pilkington. The adhesive used should also be of good quality. Otherwise, you may experience problems such as poor visibility, water leaks, vibrations and even poor car glass adhesion. In that case, your windshield replacement will be useless. The same is true for windshield repair, too.
