Your car’s windshield is your primary safety while you drive, so if you accidentally crack it, you’ll need to get it fixed ASAP. Many car owners are often unsure about getting reparation or replacement for their windshields. It’s best to talk to an expert windshield replacer before making a final decision.
Your windscreen may need to be repaired or replaced for many reasons—while small chips might appear insignificant, their location might cause you to need a replacement. If you’re debating between repairing vs. replacing car glass, the former is a lot cheaper. However, you need to take the depth of the chip or crack into consideration.
Here’s all you need to know:
Repairing a cracked or chipped windshield
Various factors determine whether an auto glass specialist can repair a cracked windshield or not. These include the depth, location, size, type, and number of cracks or chips. Usually, a crack that’s smaller than the size of a dollar bill is capable of being repaired. If the size of a chip is below 2 inches, with a depth of 3/8th of an inch or less, repairing is a viable option. A skilled specialist might even be able to repair cracks that span up to 14 inches!
Car glass has an inner and outer layer of glass, with a layer of plastic sandwiched in the middle. If the chip or crack hasn’t penetrated more than one layer of the glass, it’s possible to get your windshield repaired.
There might be situations where the placement of the crack or chip might force you to get your glass replaced entirely. However, most types of damage that occur away from the driver’s side should be reparable.
Replacing a cracked or chipped windshield
Sometimes, you might have no other choice than to get your windshield replaced entirely. You might need a complete replacement if:
- The crack is very large, and it isn’t possible to repair it safely
- Your car has tempered glass, which breaks into tiny, granular pieces
- The crack is extremely deep and has penetrated the inner and outer layers of the windshield. Even if it’s just the outer layer that’s been exposed, the elements can cause it to become discolored, and you’ll need a replacement sooner or later either way.
- There are numerous chips or cracks—anything more than 3, and you’ll need to get a replacement.
Can you drive with a damaged windshield?
Any damage to your windshield needs to be addressed in a timely manner. Don’t debate between repairing vs. replacing your car glass for too long; you might be putting yourself and others at risk. It’s best not to drive during this time.
We provide expert windshield replacement services
Now that you have all information you need to decide between repairing vs. replacing your car glass, it’s time to hire a professional auto glass repair company such as Windshield Repair San Diego to help you out! You don’t have to worry about driving or towing your car over; we’ll come to you!
Call us at (619) 882-1166 to learn more about our services. We provide our services in Temecula, Poway, Santee, Mira Mesa, and Rancho Santa Fe.
