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.
