Flying or falling debris can lead to minor damage to your windshield that mostly occurs in the form of cracks or chips. The extent of the damage usually determines whether your windshield is repairable, or you`ll need to get a new one.
How much does it cost to repair a cracked windshield? Let no ‘expert’ lie to you that there is a standard cost for different types of cracks. The windshield repair cost depends on the extent of the cracks or chips.
The following factors will determine whether you can salvage your windshield and avoid buying a new one:
The Depth and Size of the Damage
Advances in technology have made it possible for expert glass dealers to repair cracks up to 17-18 inches long. However, cracks smaller than three inches shouldn’t be too hard for any repair shop to handle
Your windshield is made up of three layers. If the crack makes it to the innermost glass layer, then you should consider repairing your windshield instead. Always check on both the length and depth of the crack.
Types of Cracks
Types of cracks vary depending on size and shape. Crack chips, dings, and pit cracks are usually easy to repair. Generally, cracks and chips smaller than a quarter can be repaired with relative ease.
The challenge arises when you have multiple cracks. Always confirm with a technician on whether the cracks are fixable or you`ll need to buy a new windshield.
Stress Crack Windshield
A stress crack windshield is like a line or crack on your car’s window. It happens when the window gets too hot or too cold or when something like a rock hits it. Sometimes these cracks can be small and sometimes they can be big. It can be hard to fix them, especially if they are big. If the crack is big or makes it hard for the driver to see, they might need to get a new windshield.
Rock crack windshield
Sometimes when a rock or something else hits your car’s window, it can make a crack. These cracks can look different and can be small or big. If it’s a small crack, it can be fixed by using a special glue. But if the crack is big or makes it hard for the driver to see, the whole window might need to be replaced.
Spider crack windshield
A spider crack windshield is a type of crack that looks like a spider web. It happens when the window gets too hot or too cold or when something like a rock hits it. Sometimes these cracks can be small and sometimes they can be big. If it’s a small crack, it can be fixed by using a special glue. But if the crack is big or makes it hard for the driver to see, the whole window might need to be replaced.
Star crack windshield
A star crack windshield is a type of crack that looks like a star. It happens when something hits the car’s window, like a small rock or something else. Sometimes these cracks can be small and sometimes they can be big. If it’s a small crack, it can be fixed by using a special glue. But if the crack is big or makes it hard for the driver to see, the whole window might need to be replaced. This is important to keep the car safe.
Location of Cracks
If the crack occurs at a sensitive area that might hamper or distort your vision when on the road, then repairing is not the best option.
Cracks on the edge of a windshield might lead to further cracks. The last thing you want is to drive with a compromised windshield as it increases your chances of injury during impact or accidents. Therefore, it is advisable to seek expert advice before attempting to DIY repair your windshield cracks.
Should I call an Expert?
It might be tempting to fix that small crack on your own, but without proper knowledge and experience, you might end up damaging your windshield further, thus spending more on a replacement.
Depending on the extent of damage, repairing your windshield should be easy. Call us today to receive expert advice or have a certified technician to repair your windshield.
