Is it necessary to take your car to the shop if a piece of debris hits it while driving and leaves a crack or chip in the windshield? Although you may be tempted to ignore that minor flaw, damage to your windshield can endanger your safety while driving. Your vehicle's windshield is a safety feature that not only protects you from the elements but also performs life-saving functions such as reducing crash injuries, supporting the structure of your vehicle, and preventing foreign objects from entering your vehicle's interior.
If you ignore a crack or chip in your windshield, it will eventually obstruct your vision or chip away at the structural integrity of your windshield, affecting the above safety features. While DIY windshield repair kits are available, it is best to have your windshield repaired by a professional.
Should I Try Do-It-Yourself Windshield Repair?
Minor windshield chips can be repaired at home, but some damaged windshields are beyond repair and must be replaced by a professional. Before attempting to repair your own windshield, keep the following in mind:
Windshield Cracks and Chips of Various Types
Your windshield can be cracked in a variety of ways, and some cracks are too severe to repair. If your windshield has any of the following chips or cracks, it should be replaced:
A crack: cracked line in the glass that is more than length of a dollar bill.
Multiple cracks: multiple cracks in your windshield caused by the same point of impact, even if they are less than 14 inches long.
Surface pit: a nick in the glass that resembles a small pit with a diameter greater than 1/8 of an inch.
A star break: is a series of small cracks that extend over 3 inches from the same point.
A bullseye: is defined as a circle or half circle in the outer glass with a dark circle in the center that is larger than one inch in diameter.
Combination break: a break that combines several types of breaks and has a damaged area larger than 2 inches.
Windshield Crack Location?
The location of the damage is critical in determining whether or not your windshield can be repaired. If the crack in your windshield extends all the way to the edge of the glass, it's time to replace it. Cracks that reach the windshield's outer edge endanger its entire integrity.
Any windshield damage that obstructs your view of the road is considered unsafe and necessitates a replacement. Cracks near your vehicle's features, such as rain sensors, lane departure warning, and automatic driver assistance, can cause them to stop working or malfunction. If this is the case, replacing the windshield is the most cost-effective option.
How Deep Are Your Windshield Cracks?
Most cars have laminated windshields, which have two layers of glass on the outside and a plastic layer on the inside. The plastic is there to reduce the number of glass fragments produced if your windshield is shattered. If your windshield damage penetrates the plastic layer, it is too deep to repair.
Is it safe to use DIY windshield repair kits?
Even if your windshield only needs to be repaired rather than replaced, it's still best to leave it to the pros. DIY windshield repair kits, according to the National Windshield Repair Division, only repair 10% of all damaged windshields. Many windshield cracks and chips are so small that an untrained eye can't tell if they've been properly filled with resin. A lot of windshield damage also necessitates drilling and flexing, which can only be done by professionals.
Overall, it is best to have a mechanic repair your cracked windshield because it is critical to the safety of you and your passengers. If you have, safety glass is most likely covered by your policy.
Questions and Answers
How much does windshield repair cost?
A windshield repair can range from $10 to more than $100. The price is determined by the size and severity of the crack or chip. You'll need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for a quote. If you have comprehensive coverage, windshield repairs are usually free. Please check with your insurance agent.-
Is windshield repair covered by insurance?
It is determined by the type of insurance you have. Windshield repair is usually covered by comprehensive auto insurance minus your deductible. Some policies will have separate coverage for windshields with low to no deductible. Specific details will be found in your insurance policy. Liability insurance, on the other hand, does not cover windshield repairs.
How much does it cost to replace a windshield?
A variety of factors can influence the cost of a windshield replacement. You should budget between $200 and $400 or more out of pocket. Your comprehensive car insurance should cover windshield replacement.
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