So you were strolling down the road, enjoying your favourite music and wham! A rubble hits your windshield, leaving behind visible cracks on the glass. Most of us have had this experience at least once and have dreaded deciding: can the glass be repaired or would it have to be replaced? The ability to identify what step to take further can mean huge savings in terms of money and efforts. So make sure you acquaint yourself with essential auto windshield repair tips and knowledge that aid in faster decision-making whenever your windshield becomes damaged.

When is the windshield repairable?

Once the initial shock of a cracked windshield wears, it’s time to take a closer look at the damage and try to figure out if it can be repaired. The windshield is repairable when the damage is circular and small, and equals to the diameter of a quarter, and in some cases when the damage is fresh. Various windshield crack types such as star, bullseye, half-moon and combination cracks should be fixed up using an appropriate method. Although this level of cracks surveying is usually carried out by auto shop professionals, it never hurts to be well-versed with relevant terms and be an informed customer.

When should the windshield be replaced?

If the damage exceeds the repairable factors such as those mentioned above, it might be the time to replace the auto glass. Other instances when the windshield will require replacement are when the chip hinders the driver’s line of vision; the crack is extending to the edges of glass; there is more than one crack; the chip is over a radio antenna or a heating element; or the damage penetrates the innermost layers of the windshield glass.

As a standard practice, a chip can be repaired if it is perpendicular to the glass surface or lies at a shallow angle, for example, cone or leaf-shaped chips. Keep in mind that although small chips can be patched up, when they’re left unaddressed for a long time, they might spread across the entire windshield, incurring you additional expenses of glass replacement.

So how to keep a small crack from spiralling?

The ideal way would be to call the auto shop and get it mended as soon as possible. In circumstances where you cannot get to the technician at that instant, clean the area well and use a clear tape to seal the crack to avoid further damage. Exposure to drastic temperature variations all of a sudden can expedite the spreading of even small cracks. So, do not wash the glass with extremely hot or cold water. Be extra cautious when handling the cracked windshield; don’t place too much pressure when clearing snow or ice. The excessive force may cause the entire windshield to be shattered into pieces. Also, make sure not to drive aggressively or roughly, and go slow when you see the approaching bumps or other obstacles. Also, do not slam the doors too hard.

Can I do the repair myself?

There are do-it-yourself kits that consist of various materials required to repair a windshield chip or crack, such as an injector or resin. Although the idea of doing it yourself and saving those few dollars might seem compelling, let’s be honest, you may not have the required level of dexterity. And when not done properly, these cracks can turn out to be big headaches, not to mention the additional costs. So, it’s better left to the pros who have been doing it for years and possess the dedicated skill set. Your auto glass technician will thoroughly clean the glass and then attach an injector tool to seal the chip with a top-quality resin. The resin is then cured and polished; the entire process takes less than an hour.

Professional auto glass shops will provide you with complete assistance in regards to the insurance side of things as well. Most windshield related repairs are covered by the insurer, and in case you have a comprehensive cover, you won’t even need to pay a deductible.           

Cannot visit the workshop? Get the windshield repaired or replaced at home or any other location you want by opting for mobile auto glass services. If your crazy-busy work schedule doesn’t afford you the time to visit an auto shop, call the technicians to swing by your office and get the chip fixed up by the time you are done with the meetings and ready to go home.

Looking for an auto glass repair or replacement local shop in Mississauga?

Feel free to contact us at (905) 891-1414 or send us a request for the quote!