Here’s a sobering fact of life for all car owners – windshield damage is unavoidable. But this doesn’t mean you have to limit your driving for fear a wayward pebble might mark up your otherwise pristine vehicle. You also don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to replace your windshield. How to calculate common stock. In many cases, you can have an auto repair professional fix windshield cracks for a fraction of the money it would cost you to replace it.
Repair or Replace Your Windshield?
In Legal Terms…
According to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations: Division of Insurance, damage to motor vehicle glass shall be repaired rather than replaced if:
(a) damage to the windshield is outside the critical viewing area, which is that area covered by the sweep of the wipers originally provided by the vehicle manufacturer, exclusive of the outer two inches within the perimeter of that sweep; and
(b) damage to the glass is minor, including, but not limited to, a crack less than six inches in length and stone breaks or bruises, bullseyes and star breaks less than one inch in diameter; and the repair will not impair the operational safety of the motor vehicle.
If you’re not confident enough in your skills, we recommend having an auto service professional assess the windshield crack for you.
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Windshield Tech Safelite
608 Reviews
5 star rating
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Our service on 2 of our vehicles was excellent,thank you!
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Was a great experience such a hot day to have it replaced. Took about an hour and looks wonderful.
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
The technician was wonderful. He got the job done in a timely manner.
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
On SAFELITE AUTOGLASS - LANSING,MI
Recommended:9
Recommended:9
William called prior to showing up to do the repair. He explained everything of what to expect in detail. He was very professional and courteous. From the time he showed up until he was finished, packed up and left was less than 30 minutes.
We work hard to accommodate our customers while still providing top quality service. Thank you for reaching out and expressing your appreciation and satisfaction with our technician.
5 star rating
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
I was procrastinating replacing my windshield but Safelite made it so easy.
Windshield Chip Repair Still Visible
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Steve was professional and courteous. He Explained what he would do and any potential issues before he started. He did the job in a timely fashion and very well. I would recommend safelite to any one.
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
My wife's '11 Highlander has taken a number of gravel hits to its windshield over its many trips up and down I-69. The latest was really quite close to the driver's primary field of view looking straight ahead of the vehicle, and though the impact 'spiderweb' was small (no long, radiating cracks spanning the windshield), I was prepared to pony up for a new windshield, if that had been the recommendation. But good news: No new windshield required this time! A 30-minute appointment had the chip repaired, and it's essentially un-noticeable from the driver's seat. Saved a pricey windshield replacement, or an insurance claim that I'd be paying back (and probably then some) over time. Thanks, again, Safelite!
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
Recommended:10 (Definitely)
I forget the guys name..but he did a great job and was very friendly
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By hindering driver vision, significant windshield damage poses an immediate safety risk. (Photo courtesy of Agnie's List member Stephanie B.)
There are risks involved with driving with a cracked windshield.
A chipped or cracked windshield is not only an unsightly blemish on a car, it can be a major safety issue, auto experts say.
Experts say driving with a damaged windshield risks your life and the lives of drivers around you because you are more susceptible to get into an accident.
A damaged windshield — or one that hasn’t been properly set and glued into place — can pop out during a collision. The windshield also provides structural support for the car, meaning an improperly installed windshield could even cause the roof to collapse.
“The windshield is part of the structural integrity of the vehicle, and protects occupants during an accident, especially a rollover accident,” says Mike Delaney, president of highly rated Patriot Auto Glass in Ashburn, Va. “The A-pillars [the frame of the car that runs from the side of the windshield to the back of the car] of vehicles are getting thinner, and the windshield is more a safety feature now than 40 years ago. If a windshield is not replaced properly, it won't adhere to the vehicle properly.”
Driving with a cracked windshield
Many smaller chips are easily fixable by a reputable auto glass expert. But if the chip is too large, or it expands to the length or width of a credit card, it will likely need to be replaced.
Standard windshields are made of two transparent pieces of glass that are glued to a vinyl resin in the center. The vinyl resin helps keep the glass in place during impact or a collision and stops shards of glass from flying, which can cause serious injury or death.
However, experts say once the vinyl resin, or safety layer, has been cracked or chipped, the windshield is unable to withstand much more impact, and cannot protect as well the driver and passengers. A large crack can also negatively impact your vision and reflect sunlight glare, making it difficult to see.
Related Article
A cracked windshield is not only unsightly, it can impede safe driving. Use these tips to find the right repair shop.
Windshield replacement
Many cracks and chips can be repaired for less than $100. But if the chip gets too big to repair, or if the original crack was too deep or wide, you may need a qualified professional to replace the windshield.
Although the windshield replacement process often takes less than an hour, you'll want to find a professional who has the right tools and expertise to do the job. A technician should first replace the rubberized weather stripping that holds the windshield to the frame of the car along the edges of the glass. Typically, after removing any exterior trim and the weather stripping, a coating of adhesive is applied along the edges of the windshield frame, before lifting the glass into place.
“Most late-model vehicles have windshields that are glued in place,” said David Lamontagne, owner of highly rated Dave's Auto Glass in Denver. “The old windshield must first be cut out of the vehicle. Then the body and glass are cleaned and prepped. The new windshield and moldings, if required, are reinstalled in the vehicle with a urethane-type glue and are allowed to cure for a short time before the car can be driven.”
Windshield replacement cost
The average price of a new windshield installation ranges from $170 to $300, or more. Many insurance policies will cover windshield replacement, but you'll need to check the details. If you have a $500 deductable, for example, you’ll likely end up paying for everything.
Experts say if you're not sure whether the windshield needs repaired or replaced, take it to a professional as soon as possible.
“If a ding or star chip is not repaired quickly, it could spread into a crack, requiring replacement,” Delaney said. “Extreme heat or cold could cause stress on the impact spot and cause it to grow larger. Guidelines are different industry-wide, but mine is the damage should be about the size of a quarter or less.”
Read online reviews to find a reputable auto glass company. Get at least three estimates and ask the technicians what process they use for replacement. To learn more about auto glass repair or replacement, go to the Auto Glass Safety Council website, a not-for-profit organization that has established industry safety standards.
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“Your windshield is a structural component to your vehicle,” Lamontagne said. “It supports the roof and pillar area. With this in mind, it is very important to be sure that no corners are cut during the replacement process. If a windshield is installed improperly, it could fall out of the vehicle during a collision and allow the occupants to be ejected.”
Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted on Oct. 10, 2013.
Answers
So, your windshield has chipped and now you’re curious to see if you can handle this problem yourself, right? If your search for “DIY windshield repair” led you here, you won’t find a step-by-step guide. Instead, you’ll find an analysis of whether DIY is really the best option – spoiler alert: we think not!
Your Windshield Repair Options
Things to ConsiderBeware of Windshield Repair FraudWhen handling insurance, it’s important to avoid dangerous situations. Don’t give your information to any individual or business which isn’t reputable. Additionally, make sure any providers used to inspect, replace or repair your windshield have a long-standing presence. Always avoid temporary repair stations.Fix Chip In Car Windshield
If you’re proactive about your insurance coverage, you’ll save money in the long-run while minimizing inconvenience.
Maintaining Your Vehicle: Yearly InspectionsEven if you don’t think your windshield’s chip is dangerous, your annual emissions and safety inspection can say otherwise. If your windshield, windows or back window are chipped, they may compromise your vision—and, thus, your safety. In such a case, it isn’t rare to see inspectors fail a vehicle. That said, most inspection technicians will still pass a repaired windshield chip.What this Boils Down ToIf you’re trying to make the decision between buying a DIY kit and taking your car to an auto glass specialist, there are a few things you need to think about:
Does the Repair Process Really Work?Here at Anthony Volk Glass, we feel it’s our responsibility to ease your mind about windshield chip repair. By following industry standards, we can secure your windshield in a matter of minutes, no matter what kind of chip you’re dealing with. When it comes down to it, wouldn’t you like to get a lifetime guarantee on a professional repair rather than having to repeatedly fix the damage yourself?How Big Of A Crack Can Be Repaired On A Windshield
If you’re looking for the best way to handle your windshield chip, get in touch with Anthony Volk Glass by calling (610) 436-9727 and let us treat you to prompt, courteous service and an extensive selection of quality auto glass. We’ll be happy to offer you a quick quote on the process and come directly to you for the repair!
Anthony Volk
Anthony Volk is a third generation auto glass installer born and raised in West Chester, PA. With over 20 years of personal auto glass experience he and his team will bring that experience to you.
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