Damage to your windshield or windows in your car can be a big nuisance, especially since most of the time this damage is by no fault of the driver. Damage to your windshield can happen by fluke as a result of gravel or remains on the roads or other nearby vehicles. The other problem with chips and scratches is that often they are left unrepaired and can very easily become a much more serious problem when left unaddressed.
Different types of chips and scratches call for a different method for repair. Stay informed and make sure you know what is best for your vehicle.
Chip Repair
It is important to repair a chip in your windshield as soon as possible. Not only can chips grow into larger cracks, sometimes throughout the entire piece of glass, chips also become harder to repair as they become filled with residue from dust and dirt in the air and on the roads.
Getting your chip repaired by a professional will help ensure that the structural integrity of the windshield is maintained to help prevent the damage from spreading and make the blemish much less noticeable without having to replace the entire piece of glass. This option is the most economical and is sufficient in most cases if it is taken care of quickly.
How to Repair a Windshield Chip
- A windshield technician will inspect the windshield to ensure that the glass does not have to be removed entirely. If the chip is fresh and approximately the size of a dime or less, chip repair should be a suitable solution.
- The chip will be cleaned out, removing dirt and debris from the disfigured area. This will help the treated part of the glass be as translucent as possible and not cloudy or dirty looking.
- The chip is sealed with a special material that hardens under an ultraviolet light. The clear resin that has filled the chip is sanded down to ensure the windshield’s smooth surface is maintained.
On average, this process takes between 20 and 40 minutes and will leave the customer with a windshield that is good as new.
Replacing Your Windshield
If your windshield is damaged, it is important to know when it can be repaired or when it needs to be replaced. Remember, if your windshield is damaged and impairing the sight line of the driver, you can be issued a ticket, along with instructions to repair the damage before a certain deadline. If your windshield is damaged on the inside, or if there is deep damage in both layers of glass, it should be replaced. Also, if the crack is in the drivers view or over 18 inches long, it should also be replaced. Lastly, if it is growing at a consistent rate, it should also be replaced.
Although it seems like a nuisance and usually comes as an unexpected expense, your safety and the law should come first. Some windshield damage can be covered through insurance, so make sure that you are making use if any coverage that you may have.
Feel free to have a Waterdown Collision technician inspect your windshield and determine the best course of action.