Repairing Your Windshield’s Chip & Crack Damage
Your windshield allows you to see the road clearly in sunny, rainy or snowy conditions. However, when a chip appears in it, this could impair your vision and endanger your life while you’re going down the road. If it is just a minor problem, a simple windshield chip repair will provide you with clear vision for driving once again in your car. Should you repair or replace your windshield?
How to Tell if You only Need a Repair
Chips that are no larger than a quarter are ideal for repairing. These will usually respond successfully to the repair process, as long as they are in the right location. Chips near the edge of the windshield typically enlarge easier than those that are in the middle of the windshield. You may need a windshield replacement in this case.
Auto glass experts in the Santa Rosa area Priceless Auto Glass estimate the amount of damage expecting repair – after a full evaluation they inform their customers whether or not a full repair will be attained through chip repair, or if a fill windshield replacement would be necessary.
How is a Chip Repaired?
A windshield has three layers. The top layer is glass, the middle layer is plastic and the bottom layer is glass. A professional will remove the debris from the chip and at times, drill a clean hole. Then, he will apply resin to the affected area. The resin is allowed to harden. It is then polished to a clear, smooth finish.
Advantages to Repairing
There are advantages to repairing a chip in a windshield rather than replacing the entire windshield. It is faster for one thing. The repair takes about an hour, which is less time than it takes to replace one. You will spend far less on the repair, if you pay anything, depending on your insurance coverage. Read more about the advantages.
How to Choose an Auto Glass Repair Shop
Make sure the shop has a physical location and not just a phone number. You need to make sure the shop that works on your windshield has the right licensing and qualifications to do the job correctly.
The repair shop should use DOT or OEM parts, as these are both the most reliable and best quality parts. Ask which type of glass the shop uses in case a replacement is warranted. Avoid dealerships, as they charge more money for any repair work, including chip repairs on windshields. Remember, your insurance may not pay 100% of the repair depending on your coverage.
Ask how long the shop has been in business. This shows how much experience the shop has in repairing and replacing the glass on vehicles. You will get a quality, windshield chip repair when you do the right amount of research to find a reputable auto-glass repair shop.