The Best Auto Glass Repair Services in San Antonio
From Cracks to Clarity – How to Get Your Windshield Repaired Without Spending a Fortune
As you drive along, a loud bang comes from behind you and reveals that a passing truck kicked up rocks which cracked your windshield – an unpleasant scenario which should likely be repaired for an affordable cost.
Cost
Unfortunately, it can cost hundreds of dollars to get it repaired professionally – this should not happen!
If you don’t wish to incur professional repair costs, there are still ways you can temporarily rectify damage yourself. Use super glue or clear nail polish as quick fixes such as filling very small cracks. Although this won’t provide long-term solutions, as soon as possible you should seek professional advice regarding repairs of cracks or chips.
One solution for windshield repair costs between $20 and $30 and includes a windshield repair kit with features that range from a pedestal/bridge that adheres to the windshield to pinpoint resin flow, razor blade/push pin to create holes at crack’s end for channeling in resin, and UV curing sheets for curing resin tube.
Insurance
Most auto insurers provide coverage for replacing or repairing a cracked windshield. Cracked windshields may be covered by your insurance, as long as you are insured with comprehensive coverage which are common on Freeway policies. Your insurer will pay for its repair or replacement, provided it was covered by comprehensive rather than collision coverage. While collision covers damage caused by an accident, comprehensive covers losses due to acts of nature or vandalism. There’s a deductible associated with comprehensive policies before your insurer will kick in. As soon as you notice any damage to your windshield, notify your insurance provider immediately. Each insurer offers different claims processes depending on the policy that covers you.
Repair
Cracked windshields are more than an inconvenience; they pose a real danger for drivers and passengers alike. A crack that obscures your view could impede your ability to quickly respond to changing road conditions or avoid debris, hampering both reaction times and speed.
Cracked windshields compromise their structural integrity, leaving them more prone to shattering. This is particularly true if there are widening cracks across them or those which radiate outward from the center of your windshield.
Cracked windshield repairs vary depending on the extent of damage to the glass surface, with minor cracks often being repaired by using a windshield repair kit that fills in affected areas with resin to seal and reduce pressure and stress – hopefully stopping any further spread or potential full cracking from occurring.
Windshield damage can come in various forms, but one of the most prevalent is star cracks. Star cracks typically form when an object like a sharp rock strikes the windshield and creates an indentation with a star-shaped cavity at its center, sometimes chipping away pieces of glass from within it. Sometimes these star cracks turn into bull’s eye cracks which are similar but more dangerous.
As you wait for your windshield repair or replacement, it may be beneficial to cover its crack with clear nail polish or super glue to protect it from dirt and debris entering through its aperture, reduce stress on glass surfaces, and help avoid further spread or fractures of its crack. This should help keep dirt out while decreasing stress on glass structures as well as further fractures of its glass surface.
Cracked windshields that extend from the edge are generally irreparable, and professional assistance should be sought for repairs that involve deeper cracks that require replacement of all or part of your windshield. Some companies offer mobile service so they can come directly to your home or office and replace your damaged windshield, making repairs cheaper and more convenient than visiting an auto shop – check to see if your insurance covers this.
Replacement
Windshields play three essential roles in protecting your car: they provide structural support in case of a roll over accident, act as “backboard” for airbag deployment and serve as the viewing area for cameras that support Advanced Driver Safety features such as lane departure warnings. Therefore, it’s crucial that any damages or replacement of windshields be addressed quickly.
When determining if you require windshield replacement, several key points should be kept in mind:
Size of Crack and Length of Time Spent in Place.
Does it affect visibility?
Initial cracks may not be particularly apparent; however, they can worsen over time due to various factors, including temperature variations, vibrations and changes in air pressure. All these elements can contribute to widening cracks which compromise their integrity and make driving unsafely more challenging.
