From Cracks to Clarity – How to Get Your Windshield Repaired Without Spending a Fortune

Windshields are an integral component of your car’s safety system, and a cracked or chipped windshield could compromise its structural integrity, rendering driving unsafe.

If your windshield has severe cracks, replacement might be more cost effective than repair; but for smaller cracks repair may still be an option.

Cost

Costs associated with getting a cracked windshield repaired vary. Typically speaking, insurance can provide the cheapest solution – comprehensive policies often don’t cost anything at all for repairs! However, it should be noted that driving with a damaged windshield puts both you and your passengers at risk. Any small chip or crack can spread and become dangerous over time, so it is wise to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

Professionally trained personnel use vacuum pumps to clear away air in cracks before filling them with clear adhesive resin that strengthens and stops spreading of cracks – this method has proven itself an effective way of avoiding large ones; depending on the damage type it has restored up to 95% clarity in most cases.

If the crack extends from its outer edge all the way across, its structural integrity has likely been compromised and must be repaired immediately as this could put your safety at risk while driving. 

Safety

Cracked windshields can quickly spread, leading to complete breakdown of your car if left unrepaired. Hiring a professional will save the costs associated with replacement windshields; in certain instances, auto insurers may cover this cost if your damage was caused by acts of vandalism or severe weather events such as wind and hail storms.

Before scheduling a repair appointment, it’s essential to identify both the type and severity of cracks. A technician will clean out the area before applying sealants to stop dirt leaking in through cracks. Depending on where your crack lies, covering may be necessary in order to keep out rain, snow, or debris; clear nail polish or super glue could provide temporary fixes but should be applied as quickly as possible in order to minimize spreading.

Your windshield provides structural integrity for your car in an accident, helping transfer force from front-end collisions directly onto the frame rather than collapsing your roof or injuring passengers. In addition, it helps prevent debris like rocks or strips from exploded tires from flying into your face as a result of frontal impacts.

Ease of Repair

Professional technicians can usually repair small chips and cracks rather quickly. Repairing damage as soon as they occur reduces its likelihood of spreading further and may also help lower comprehensive deductible costs when paying a full replacement premium.

Windshield repair kits utilize epoxy resin to fill, seal, and stabilize minor chips or cracks measuring an inch or less in length. Each windshield repair kit contains a bottle of resin, repair device, curing strips and razor blade for removal of dried debris from glass surfaces prior to applying resin. For optimal results the glass must first be thoroughly cleaned and dried prior to application of resin. The repair kit can also be used on bullseye chips with star breaks that appear straight or slightly curved in shape.

Some kits contain a metal bridge to fill and smooth out affected areas, while others use special formulas that virtually conceal repaired blemishes. Cost estimates typically range from $50-150. Professional windshield repairs may be necessary in cases of direct driver vision damage as the windshield protects both roof structure and airbag deployment during an accident.

Warranty

No matter whether your repair or replacement is covered under insurance or out-of-pocket, be sure the shop you select provides a warranty. These typically last one to seven years and can even be passed onto new owners of the vehicle. These guarantees cover not only workmanship related to glass repair or replacement but may include additional items like radio antennae and heating elements as well.

Trustworthy shops usually provide clear warranty policies on their websites and will also offer customers detailed instructions about the repair process during an appointment, so their technician has everything he or she needs for an efficient repair or replacement job.

An experienced repair company should make it clear that it’s best to fix small chips before they spread further, rather than waiting until they obstruct your line of vision and require replacement. Filling cracks or chips can often be completed within 30 minutes and is much cheaper than replacing an entire windshield.

Keep in mind that extreme heat can exacerbate weak spots in glass surfaces and result in additional cracks, so whenever possible park in the shade to allow your car to cool slowly before driving away. A cracked windshield could trigger automatic recalibration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Be sure to contact both your shop and manufacturer for their schedule for this procedure.