« Phoenix Car Window Tinting Cools the Arizona Sun | Home | Automotive Glass Protection: Windshield Replacement and Repair »
Windshield Repair instead of a Replacement: What, When and Why
By gguild | June 4, 2008
Windshield Repair: The Alternative to Replacements
With the help of windshield repair technicians and modern techniques, you may be able to avoid replacing the entire windshield… by getting a windshield repair.
What is a Windshield Repair?
A good way to think of this is: Do you “replace” or “repair”? Windshield repair means to fix any glass chips caused by flying pebbles. It also means to fix a crack in your windshield. This work should be performed by a certified and fully trained windshield repair shop since they have the proper training, certifications and tools. In most cases they often come right to you and perform the winshield repair on site.
Windshield Repair – When can you do this?
Generally, if the crack is smaller than a dollar bill or if the chip or crack is not in the driver’s line of vision, then you can pursue windshield repair instead of auto glass replacement. A qualified, trained technician can tell if the chip is an appropriate size for auto glass repair and that distortion will not result after the auto glass repair.
They also can make sure that the windshield’s inner PVB layer has not been penetrated or compromised. (Note that most auto insurance companies do not want to have more than three chips repaired on a windshield. In this case your insurance company may opt for a full auto glass replacement.)
Auto glass repair is a great alternative to a complete auto glass replacement. However, it’s important to know whether you need a windshield repair or not. Only a competent technician will be able to tell you the difference.
If not, you run the risk of driving with an unsafe windshield.
While your windshield may seem like it just protects you from weather, wind and bugs, it serves an even greater purpose. It’s actually a vital component of your vehicle’s safety net and helps support the roof of your car. In reality, your windshield should be taken as seriously as your seat belts and airbags.
With so many “do-it-yourself” auto glass repair kits on the Internet, why risk you and your family’s safety when a windshield repair shop can typically offer auto glass repairs for nothing out of pocket?
Benefits to doing a Windshield Repair
With most auto insurance policies the deductible is waived when an authorized technician performs the auto glass repair. So, it is very cost-effective. Repair time is typically only about 15 minutes per chip. And, you don’t have to wait around after the work is completed. Drive-away time is immediate. And, some auto glass shops offer this service for free or at a low-cost as a way to gain new business, so ask if they do free auto glass repairs.
How Can We Help?
Don’t panic after that truck in front of you kicked up a pebble and chipped or cracked your windshield. A quick windshield repair might be all you need. All you need to do is check The Glass Guild website to find a qualified windshield repair shop in your area. Be sure that the shop you choose is qualified and a member of the National Glass Association. Even though windshield repairs and replacements are not regulated by auto glass associations, it helps to know that the windshield repair technician is certified and that they will be performing proper windshield repairs or auto glass replacements.
Comments are closed.