Auto Glass Repair Techniques For Dealing With A Chipped Or Cracked Windshield
Posted by admin at 8 March 2018, at 12 : 36 PM
If you notice a small chip or crack in your windshield, it is best to get it taken care of right away. Otherwise, it could grow until it reaches the point that you need to replace your entire windshield. The process of repairing a windshield is quite simple.
Does this scenario sound familiar? As you are driving down the road, a car passes you, throwing a small rock up that leaves a chip in your windshield. Because the chip is located off to the side rather than directly in front of you, you decide to let it go. After all, you can always take care of it later.
Unfortunately, that tiny chip can become a major problem if it starts to grow. Repairing a small chip is extremely affordable, typically coming in at less than $100. If you wait too long, however, you may have to replace the entire windshield at a cost of several hundred dollars or more. Taking care of repairs right away can save you a lot of money. Additionally, it can help you keep the original glass that your vehicle came with.
What Is The Maximum Size Of Crack Or Chip That Can Be Repaired?
The size of the damaged area comes into play when determining whether the windshield can be repaired or whether it needs to be replaced. As a general rule of thumb, auto glass specialists will repair a crack if it is small enough to fit underneath a dollar bill. Chips, on the other hand, can usually be fixed if they are smaller than a credit card. Some companies prefer to play it safe, however, choosing to replace the windshield anytime a chip is larger than a quarter.
Of course, every situation is different. You won’t be able to tell for sure whether your windshield can be repaired until you take it to a specialist to have it examined. Even if you have a relatively large crack, they may be able to fix it for you, depending on their policies and you won’t need a full windshield replacement.
How Does The Repair Process Work?
The first part of the process involves cleaning the glass around the broken area, removing any loose pieces of glass, dirt, or debris. Next, a small hole is drilled into the glass so that the resin that is used to make the repair can flow freely between the glass layers that are used in the windshield. Once the hole is in place, they use a special tool to inject resin into the glass. This resin creates a watertight barrier that seals the crack, keeping any dirt or debris from getting inside.
After the resin cures, it is polished, becoming so clear and shiny that it is practically impossible to distinguish from the surrounding glass.
How Long Do Windshield Repairs Take?
Repairing windshields is a surprisingly fast process. In fact, most shops can make basic repairs in about 30 to 60 minutes.
How Effective Are The Repairs?
Unless you are specifically looking for them, the repairs are really hard to spot. If you look hard, you will be able to see a slight flaw in the windshield. However, as long as the crack or chip was not directly in your line of sight, you probably won’t notice it after it is repaired.
Can You Repair Your Windshield Yourself?
There are over-the-counter windshield repair kits available. These kits include all of the essential tools that you need to repair small chips or cracks. Using the included resin and injector, you should be able to make minor repairs on your own.