The most important thing to know about Car Glass Replacement is that it is not always necessary. Advancements in tools, products, and techniques mean that many more cracks and chips can be repaired, rather than having the entire windshield replaced. Repairs can be done safely, and at a fraction of the cost of replacements. Most insurance companies will waive deductibles for repairs, making out-of-pocket expenses virtually non-existent.
It is important to have an experienced glass technician inspect and assess the damage to determine if a repair will be safe and secure. A company that is a registered member of the Auto Glass Safety Council is ideal for this task because members adhere to sets of high standards for quality, continued education, and safety. The repair of a crack, for example, is done in four steps. The area is cleaned first, then all the air is removed from the crack or chip. A special resin is injected into the area to seal the crack and prevent spreading. Once dried, the area is polished and smoothed out to clean up any eft over resin.
Another thing to know about Car Glass Replacement is that sometimes even small cracks or chips will result in the need to replace the windshield. If the crack, for example, resembles a spider web, it cannot be repaired at any size. The extent of the damage will weaken the windshield and cause it to break suddenly. The windshield is a major structural component of a vehicle, in addition to being protection from the elements, so safety is always the first consideration. A chip that is close to the seal will also result in the windshield being replaced instead of repaired.
Do not hesitate to have any damage inspected as soon as possible. Whether a repair or replacement is needed, it needs to be done quickly to be safe and cost-effective. If a crack can be repaired, waiting too long will raise the risk of it spreading. That can result in the repair becoming a replacement. Mobile units can go to a home or office location to make inspections, repairs, or replacements convenient for drivers.