What To Know About Repairing A Damaged Windshield
If your windshield is damaged, you're probably wondering if you can repair it or if you have to replace it. You may also wonder if it's safe to drive your car with a damaged windshield. Since the glass plays an important role in keeping you safe while you drive, you don't want to take any unnecessary risks. Here's what you need to know.
Repairing A Crack Or Chip
If the damage is fairly small, like what you would see if a truck throws a small rock against the glass, you might be able to repair it, whether the glass is chipped or cracked. If the damage is fairly large, like you would see if someone threw a baseball into the glass, then you'll probably have to have the windshield replaced.
Generally speaking, damage that is over 6 inches long is too big to be repaired. You can test it by placing a dollar bill over the crack. If the dollar completely covers the damage, there's a good chance the technician will be able to make the repairs. To repair glass, the technician injects clear resin into the cracked area to seal it and make the damage invisible.
Auto Glass Replacement
If the damage is too big, your windshield should be replaced for safety reasons. A technician can do this at a repair shop, like All Auto Glass, or on the road from a mobile repair truck. It involves peeling off the seal and removing the entire glass. New glass is fitted into the opening and then sealed into place. Since it can be dangerous to drive with a busted windshield, you should call a repair service if the damage is severe enough to warrant glass replacement. It's also illegal in some places to drive with a cracked windshield, so it's not worth the risk.
If the damage is small enough to hide under a dollar bill, you might be able to drive your car until you can get it repaired. However, you run the risk of making the damage worse. Hitting a speed bump could cause the crack to spread, and then the damage will be too big to repair. For that reason, it is always a good idea to have windshield damage repaired immediately. There's a good chance it will be covered by your insurance policy, so lack of funds shouldn't keep you from getting the work done. Also, windshield repairs or a replacement can be done fairly quickly, so there is no reason to delay repairs and risk your safety by driving with a damaged windshield.
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