Oh, no. A piece of debris just shot up from the road and smacked into your windshield as you were driving down the highway at 65 miles per hour. The damage has clearly been done and you are now in a position where you have to decide what to do. Depending on the size and location of the crack or chip, it might be possible to try and repair it, either with a self-repair kit or with professional help. But certain cracks or chips may require a more extreme solution and that means seeking out a company that offers auto windshield replacement services. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you decide whether to repair or replace.
A Crack Near the Edge of the Windshield Could Be Especially Dangerous
Not all windshield cracks are created equal. You should be especially concerned if you get a large crack along an edge of the windshield. That's because a crack in this location is much more prone to spreading because of the damage done to the windshield's structural integrity. In short, if the crack is along an edge, get your car to an auto glass shop immediately.
The Crack Directly in the Driver's Sight Line is Bad News
While today's auto glass repair techniques have advanced quite a bit, even the best repair job may still result in a slightly distorted piece of glass after the crack or chip is sealed.. It is for this reason that auto glass shops often suggest a full replacement, even for smaller cracks, if the crack is located on the driver's side of the car. In short, you don't want your vision to be distorted even a little bit while you are driving the car, making replacement the safer option.
A Crack More Than Six Inches Long Can't Be Reliably Fixed
Even if the crack is not located along the edge of the windshield or within the direct view of the driver, you should still opt for replacement if the crack is more than six inches long. Even the best repair kits are designed to handle only smaller cracks and there is no guarantee it will be able to hold things together when using a kit on a larger crack.
If you suffer a crack or chip on your windshield, you may be able to opt for a self repair kit if the damage is not too bad. But if the crack is especially large or located somewhere problematic, you should opt for a professional auto windshield replacement service as soon as possible
