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Being able to perform auto glass repair work versus having to do a full windshield replacement may help you save some money. It's important, though, to be sure that repairing the windshield is going to be a safe and effective choice. When dealing with such a situation, try to keep these four questions in focus.
What Is the Size of the Chip or Crack?
The most obvious factor in deciding whether to do a windshield replacement or repair job is the size of the damage done. According to the standards set by the National Windshield Repair Association, it should be presupposed that a replacement has to be done if a crack is longer than 14 inches or if a chip is wider than three inches. Between one and three inches, there's still a pretty good chance a chip will need to be fixed, especially if it has caused significant pitting or if it is creating concentric rings in a bulls-eye pattern.
Is the Chip or Crack Growing?
Modern laminated safety glass does an incredibly good job of holding up to damage. If you begin to see signs that a chip or crack is continuing to grow, however, then it's time to do a windshield replacement. This is an indication that air pressure from the outside of the vehicle is slowly compromising the structure. At best, the crack will continue to grow and eventually occlude the driver's view. At worst, the crack can eventually reach the glazed seal at the edge of the windshield, and air pressure may then loosen the seal and cause the windshield to collapse.
Where Is the Damage Located?
The first concern is that a chip or crack will disrupt the ability of the driver to watch the road. Thanks to advances in modern cars, you should also be concerned about whether any sensors behind the glass may also be blocked by a chip or a crack. As previously mentioned, anything near the edges is also grounds for replacing a windshield.
How Many Chips and Cracks Are There?
While safety glass serves its job well, an accumulation of chips and cracks will eventually compromise the structural integrity of the entire windshield. Regardless of whether you've been able to treat previous damage with auto glass repair methods up to this point, you should do a windshield replacement once there have been four or more chips or cracks inflicted on it.
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