Can Windshield Cracks Be Repaired?
Most drivers have seen and ignored the small rock chip on their windshields. A long crack on the windshield is impossible to ignore and often noticeably gets larger and blocks the driver’s or passenger’s view. Instead of waiting for the windshield crack to worsen, it’s important to figure out if it can be repaired or not. Beaver Toyota of Cumming has a service center where our windshield repair specialists will fix your windshield before it worsens and determine if it can be fixed.
When You Need a Windshield Crack Repair
You need a windshield crack repair usually when you believe that it’s possible to make the repair yourself. A windshield crack that measures a foot in length or shorter is repairable, while a chip is easy to repair if it’s an inch or less.
The depth of the crack is also important. A crack on the windshield that penetrates only the top layer of glass is repairable. But a crack that breaks completely through is more likely to spread and worsen the damage, which may lead to a replacement after a few weeks or months.
A serious windshield crack can be fixed if it’s repaired as soon as possible. After a windshield sustains a good amount of damage, it loses the ability to resist future damages. In addition, some cracked windshields have been known to spread in frigid temperatures. Washing or brushing the exterior will add pressure and worsen the damage.
When You Need to Replace Your Windshield
Consider the length and depth of your windshield crack to know if you need a replacement. There are obvious signs that you need the entire shield replaced. One indication is seeing a crack that is several centimeters deep and has created a gaping hole in the glass. Another sign is seeing a very long crack that extends across the entire driver’s side view. A cracked windshield that is longer than 14 inches needs replacing.
Although size matters, the number of cracks is also important. A replacement is often needed when you see a multitude of small cracks on the glass, and it’s burdensome to remove dozens of them at a time. However, an expert auto technician is the best judge in determining whether your crack can be fixed or not. An auto expert also advises you on which type of glass, either tempered or laminate, to install and tells you the advantages of each type.
You have to ask a few important questions to decide whether your long windshield crack should be repaired or replaced. A windshield repair is simpler and more affordable to make, but it’s not as flawless and long-lasting as a replacement. At Beaver Toyota of Cumming, we help you to determine the type of repair or replacement that you need for a cracked windshield. Contact us today to have one of our specialists work on your problem immediately and get you back on the road that same day.