To call a professional or just do it yourself? To fix it or replace it? These are questions many have come across when they find minor damage on their vehicle.
You may be considering a DIY windshield repair kit, but in the long run it can end up costing you more. Here’s why using a windshield repair kit isn’t the safest option.
Common Types of Damages to Your Windshield
Accidents happen to all of us. Sometimes a truck on the highway kicks up loose gravel in front of you. Sometimes a tree branch or piece of hail drops right where it shouldn’t.
Even though life can be unavoidable, it’s crucial you repair even minor damage to your windshield.
Any size of chip or crack in your windshield puts you and your vehicle at greater risk for future accidents.
Why Should I Worry About Damage to My Windshield?
A chip in your windshield that is smaller than a quarter may not seem very threatening. Yet, as the saying goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link; and a windshield is only as strong as its weakest point.
A chip or crack—up to the length of a dollar bill, depending on the nature of the crack—should be repaired immediately because this damage leads to a greater risk of accidents in the future, and more money spent on replacement parts.
The glass of your windshield also expands and flexes with changes in temperature, just like any other material. If your windshield has a crack, the longer it is unrepaired, the more your windshield will adjust itself, stretching the crack and causing it to grow. The area where the chip on your windshield is now the weak point and more prone to further splintering cracks and shatters.
A windshield in new, or otherwise undamaged condition, can typically withstand minor debris from the road or the weather. With a crack, your vehicle has a much greater chance of damage because of its weakened state.
Repairing your windshield cracks not only keeps you safe, it keeps your wallet happy. If debris manages to enter the chip in your windshield, a repair may be impossible afterward, forcing you to replace your entire windshield for a greater cost than a repair.
A damaged windshield should be considered a safety hazard, and therefore must be repaired properly, as soon as possible.
Should I Repair My Own Windshield?
Using a DIY repair kit on a small enough chip on your windshield will stop the crack from expanding but will not remove the damage from your vehicle.
A repair kit purpose is to aid against further splintering in your windshield when it flexes due to weather. They also provides more security against minor road debris than a chip without any repairs at all.
If a repair kit is used incorrectly, or on a crack which does not fit the parameters of the kit, it will cause further damage, additional risk for an accident, and prevent future repairs to the chip – which could force a replacement of the entire windshield.
A mistake in the repair, or simply a sloppy patch job, cannot be redone. Once the chip or crack is filled with the repair adhesive, it functions like any other debris which may have entered the crack, making it impossible to seal correctly in the future.
Let the Car Window Repair Professionals Handle It
Professional auto glass technicians can perform windshield repairs and windshield replacements that are fast, convenient, and affordable. These experts evaluate the damage on your windshield and utilize industry equipment to provide the best repair for your car.
Don’t let the threat of a hefty bill stop you from receiving the best quality repairs. Costs for windshield repairs or replacements can often be covered by insurance without affecting your premium or deductibles.
Ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road by letting a trusted professional repair your vehicle!
Request a Free Quote for a Windshield Repair
Auto Glass and Tint is a locally owned, family business serving the Kansas City metro area. We are here to help you with all your automotive needs and offer the best service to our customers.
Request a windshield repair quote today to ensure the safety of your vehicle for the winter weather and beyond!
