Do You Need A Windshield Repair?
Technological advancements have allowed car owners to get their windshields effectively repaired when they are cracked or chipped. A while back, a slight crack or chip meant that the windshield had to be replaced. Windshield repair helps you to save on cost and restores the car’s beauty and safety.
However, you need to know when repairs cannot solve the issue at hand. In cases where the chips or cracks have advanced, the windshield may need to be scrapped. Even the best windshield repair techniques cannot restore a severely damaged windshield.
There are three main factors that determine the need to replace or repair a car window. The windshield will require repairs or replacement depending on the size, location and extent of damage. If the crack is more than three inches long, it may be impossible to repair. However, there are hi-tech methods used by auto technicians to replace cracks up to 12 inches long. You may want to visit your local auto shop and enquire about this before you get rid of your current windshield.
When it comes to the location, most cracks which begin at the edges spread faster than a bushfire and hence need to be repaired immediately. If the repair is not done soon, the entire structure of the windshield may be compromised. Ideally, the location of the crack or chip determines how urgent the windshield repair should be considered. In most cases, auto technicians will recommend replacement if the cracks are at the edge of the windshield.
The other tricky location of a crack or chip that may not be advisable to repair is at the driver’s line of vision. Remember that windshield repair does not leave the glass as new. There will still be some minor distortions which may interfere with the driver’s vision. In such a case, you may want to seek replacement regardless of the size of the crack or chip on your windshield.
It is important to repair cracks or chips on windshields immediately. If the crack is left for a long time without repair, no matter how small, it may accumulate dirt and debris. When this happens, the effectiveness of windshield repair will therefore be compromised. The windshield will not be as clear as it would have been if the repairs were done early enough. Consult an auto technician if you are not sure of whether your windshield needs repair or replacement. Please visit Sharky’s Windshield Repair for more information on auto glass repair.