When a windshield develops a chip or a crack, they can impair your view of the road and look unsightly. When your windshield develops chips and cracks, you may wonder whether or not to repair it or replace your auto glass. There are ways to repair the windshield and extend the life of the glass. However, there are also times when you should simply have your windshield replaced. To better know when to repair or replace your windshield, Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic will help you make the best decision.
What is the Size of the Windshield Damage?
Whether to repair or replace the windshield may depend on the extent or size of the damage. Large chips and or cracks may make it impossible to repair. The National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) has put in requirements so that chips and cracks will need to be measured. If the measurements exceed the NWRA requirement and regulations, the windshield cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced. Large chips can also require extensive work to repair and leave the windshield structurally weaker even after it has been repaired. Depending on the extent of the damages, your mechanic will help you determine when to replace or repair the windshield.
How Big of a Crack on a Windshield is Unfixable?
The depth of the chip or crack will also be a major factor. Even a small chip that is very deep can pose a problem. A deep chip or crack, even if they are small, cannot be repaired. Windshield glass consists of two layers, the outer layer and the inner layer. If the inner layer has been compromised, the integrity of the windshield is also compromised. Often the depth of the crack or chip is also measured. If the chip or crack has not passed the outer layer, your windshield can be repaired.
Where is Windshield Leaking of Damaged?
Whether you can repair or need to replace your windshield will also depend on the location of the damage. Damages that cover the wide portion of the windshield greatly compromises the windshield’s strength, which prevents the windshield from being repaired. Additionally, you will want to replace the windshield if the damage is impairing the view of the driver. Lastly, you cannot repair the glass if the damage affects the drivers line of vision and warning systems.
When Should You Replace Your Windshield?
To help simplify when to repair or replace, there are three basic rules when you need to replace your windshield.
– The auto glass is not laminated.
– Chips or cracks are over three inches long.
– Either the cracks or chip have penetrated through all of the layers of the glass.
– Damage to the windshield impairs the driver’s view or compromises the integrity of the windshield.
Auto Glass & Body Shop Services in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
If you need your windshield or other auto glass replaced or repaired, Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanics can help you. We can inspect the windshield and help determine if your auto glass can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. For glass repair, replacements and more come on down to Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic today!
