Large cracks in your windshield require a full replacement. If the crack is small, you can stop it from running on your windshield and prevent further damage.
Things to Consider before Repairing your Windshield
Windshield damage may require a repair or a replacement. Read more from the experts at Allstar Glass about what to consider before repairing your windshield.
The Dangers of DIY Windshield Repair Kits
When your windshield is cracked by rocks, pebbles, or debris, you have a few different options to repair the damage. You can take on the job yourself, or you can hand your car over to the professionals.
One of the more popular methods for repairing a cracked windshield is to buy a DIY windshield repair kit and do the job yourself. A DIY repair kit seems to be the happy medium of all the options; crazy glue seems like a desperate attempt, and taking your windshield to get professionally repaired sounds like a chore. Unfortunately, windshield repair kits aren’t the miracle solution that they may appear to be. Even if you claim to be the world’s best DIY windshield repairman, store-bought kits can end up costing you more money than you expect.
Before you visit a shop for a windshield repair kit, know what you’re getting into.
Confusing Directions
Let’s start with the hard truth; if you buy a windshield repair kit, you are not guaranteed to correctly use the repair kit as intended. Whether the directions are confusing or car owners incorrectly apply the epoxy in the kit, DIY repair kits don’t always do the job.
What Happens When DIY Kits Fail?
If the epoxy is not applied as directed, you might not be able to see out of your windshield. One of the more common problems with DIY kits is that car owners apply too much epoxy or it drips out of the crack and onto the windshield, obscuring the driver’s vision and compromising the safety of the car.
It’s Only a Temporary Fix
Even if you follow the directions and fill the crack in your windshield, your problems aren’t over. Windshield cracks eventually spread to the point where they need to be replaced. Damage can spread further when your windshield comes into contact with rocks, pebbles, and other debris. Changes in the weather can also cause cracks to spread. Don’t neglect your windshield after you’ve repaired it with a kit, and do not expect for your problems to end completely after a DIY repair job.
You May Waste Money
DIY kits are not as convenient or cheap as they may seem; if they are applied incorrectly, a DIY kit can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. When chips spread to be larger than a quarter or cracks spread longer than four inches, the windshield will need to be replaced.
Auto glass repair shops can repair a cracked windshield for a lower price than you might think, and the process will take a manner of minutes. If you don’t have time to go out of your way and visit and auto glass repair shop, Allstar Glass has mobile repair services that bring high-quality glass repair to wherever you are parked.
Take Your Windshield to Allstar Glass
If you are a car owner in the Houston area with a cracked or chipped windshield, you don’t have to worry about the dangers of a windshield repair kit. The auto glass experts at Allstar Glass can repair your windshield in minutes and get you back on the road before you know it. Reach out to one of our experts today.
How Good is Your Window Tint?
How good is your window tint? This blog post describes the benefit of a good window tint, and when to go to the professionals for good window tint.
Windshield Replacements Laws in Texas
The Texas windshield replacement law isn’t specific, but you will want to look into replacing a cracked windshield to protect your passengers. With the right insurance policy, you can get your free windshield replacement in Taxes.
How Safe is a Cracked Windshield?
How safe is a cracked windshield? Do you know when to call for a tow and when it is safe to continue driving? Some windshield injuries can be handled with a repair and some require replacement.
COVID 19
These are unprecedented times for America and the world. At All Star Glass, we recognize the global impact of COVID-19 and we are closely monitoring reports from the World Health Organization; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; along with federal, state, and local agencies to make sure our guidelines adhere to relevant health authority recommendations.
As an “Essential Business” our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, customers, and families. We want all of our customers to know that we are maintaining our ability to serve our customers and operate without disruption.
We are monitoring developments and taking protective steps as the COVID-19 outbreak progresses. Below is a summary of the significant protocols and actions we have implemented at All Star Glass: • Maintaining regular deep cleaning of all sites and employing various on-premises virus prevention and mitigation strategies including social distancing, sanitization and other techniques; • Reviewing our policies and processes to allow our employees to make practical decisions for themselves and their families. Thank you for your continued trust in All Star Glass. As a leader in auto glass replacement and repair, we have the means to sustain our operations and support our customers as we collectively confront the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Does a Windshield Repair Work?
So you’ve got a small chip or crack in your windshield. Chips can happen at any time; rock or gravel can come out of nowhere. If you act fact, you can prevent further damage and not have to get your windshield replaced.
When should you get your windshield repaired by a professional? When you take your windshield in for a repair, what happens next? How can you best prepare your windshield for repair in order to prevent future damage? Read our guide below to find out how a windshield repair works.
When To Get Your Windshield Repaired
Not all damages can be repaired; you may have to take your windshield in for a full replacement, or you may be able to repair the damage yourself.
Take your windshield in for a repair if you have a chip smaller than a quarter or a crack shorter than four inches. The repair will not cost more than $100, and can be done shortly.
Take your windshield in for a replacement if:
- The chip is larger than a quarter
- The crack is longer than four inches
- The damage is in the driver’s line of sight
- The damage reaches the edge of the glass
Read more about whether you need your windshield repaired or replaced.
How Does a Windshield Repair Work?
When you take your windshield in for a repair, you will hand it over to professionals that can properly assess the damage and whether a repair or replacement is best for your windshield. Once they determine that the damage can be repaired, they will inject resin into the chip or crack. The resin spreads with the help of a special vacuum. Once the resin spreads and fills in the chip, you can take your car back and start driving.
How Long Will the Process Take?
The process should not take longer than an hour. If you can get an appointment right away, you will be back on the road before you know it.
How to Prevent Further Damage Before Getting Your Windshield Repaired
If you do not have time to take your car in for a windshield repair immediately, you should still take action to keep the chip or crack from spreading. Poor weather, bumps in the road, or general strain may spread the damage. Before you know it, a tiny chip could affect your visibility, and will require immediate attention from a professional.
A small crack can be temporarily repaired at home to prevent further damage, but know that DIY repair kits do not match the standard of a professional auto repair shop or glass specialist. Professionals have better resin and more powerful tools that make a windshield look good as new after it has been damaged.
Read our tips to learn how you can stop windshield cracks from spreading.
Need Windshield Repair? Call the Professionals.
Prevent future damage by getting your windshield repaired right away. The experts at Allstar Glass can help you get back on the road without any worries.
Do you currently have damage on your windshield? Do you have questions about repairing or replacing your windshield? Let us know in the comments below.
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