A Complete Guide to Auto Glass & Windshield Replacement Services

Introduction

Having a broken or cracked windshield might not seem like a big deal, but it really can be a massive problem that will only get worse if you don’t nip it in the bud right now. If you drive around in a car with a cracked windshield, you need to get that windshield replaced right away.

Types of Windshield Cracks Explained

There are three different types of windshield cracks.

Chip

A chip forms whenever a flying rock or small piece of debris strikes your windshield and causes a small hole in your window. A missing piece of glass usually isn’t anything to worry about, but you still need to see a technician.

Stress Crack

Stress cracks form from extreme changes in temperature that cause stress on the glass. When different parts of the glass are at very different temperatures, the pressure between them can cause a crack.

Edge Crack

Edge cracks start near the edge of your windshield but quickly begin growing like a snake and extend out to get to the edge.

When Should You Repair or Replace Your Windshield?

While a crack might seem small at the moment, you do need to get your windshield repaired and replaced ASAP. A crack in the glass is like breaking the link in a chain or knocking over a domino. It will only get worse as time goes on. Soon the repair bill could get even more expensive, so don’t hesitate to get the glass repaired while the crack is small.

Dangers of Driving With a Cracked Windshield

A cracked windshield can compromise the car’s safety as well as the market value of the vehicle. Plus, it can violate local laws, such as the law from California’s Vehicle Code, Section 26710 (On Defective Windshields and Rear Windows): “It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle upon a highway when the windshield or rear window is in such a defective condition as to impair the driver’s vision either to the front or rear.”

Where is the Crack Located?

You can repair small cracks on the edge of the windshield if they are 1 to 3 inches in length. If the crack is longer in size or is in the middle of the windshield, you need to get the windshield replaced. An expert or windshield repairman will assess the damage and advise you on what to do.

How is it Repaired?

1.    Clean

If the crack is repairable, a windshield repair service will first attempt to clean the window and ensure no other debris is on the window.

2.    Vacuum Pump

Next, they will take a vacuum pump and insert it into the crack, sucking all of the air out of the glass for one full minute and creating a partial vacuum. Any excess debris material and water will be vacuumed out and moved away from the repair site.

3.    Polymer Resin

Then polymer resin is injected into the crack, and any excess is removed. Once the crack is repaired, the resin is hardened under a UV light, and the resin dries.

4.    Cure

Once the now hardened resin is dried, it blends with the windshield, and you can hardly see the crack!

Budgeting for Repair or Replacement – How Much Does it Cost

The budgeting for your car’s windshield repair includes the make and model of your vehicle and what type of windshield you have. If your windshield has unique features such as rain sensors or heating elements, the repairman will need to work around them.

Finally, the type of glass you want for a replacement windshield, such as requesting original equipment manufacturer glass, will impact the final prices.

Conclusion

Windshield repairs, even for a tiny crack, are something that you need to deal with immediately. They will only get worse and more complicated to fix, so the sooner you start, the better.