Knowing when a chipped windshield is up for replacement is crucial. Apart from ensuring the safety of the driver and the passengers, it also helps vehicle owners avoid the inconvenience of having a repair and then later on discovering that a windshield replacement is needed.
This article aims to help vehicle owners to know when to seek windshield replacement and when to just seek a repair service. First and foremost though, seeking the services of a reputable windshield repair company should help the car owner get an accurate assessment of the condition of his damaged windshield.
When to repair or replace a chipped windshield
The three determinants of when to repair or replace a chipped windshield are the size of the chip, the depth of the chip, and the location of the damage. All these three factors come into play since a chip in the windshield can affect the structural integrity of the whole windscreen.
When it comes to size, the usual chips are small. However, if the chip becomes a crack and it goes past 14 inches, then most likely the windshield repair company would recommend a full auto glass replacement for the vehicle.
Depth of the windshield chip
When the windshield chip goes deeper into the auto glass, then it is most likely beyond repair. Expert auto glass technicians say that if the chip penetrates the inner portion of the windscreen then a replacement is in order.
Location of the damage
The location of the damage in the auto glass largely influences the need for a replacement. For instance, if the location is the edge of the auto glass then most likely the technician would say that the auto glass needs to be replaced. Also, when the windshield chip hinders the driver’s line of eyesight or distracts the driver’s overall vision, then the windshield needs to get replaced.
Dealing with a windshield damage
The first thing a car owner should do upon discovering a sizeable chip in his windshield is to document the damage. The photos and the background information should be submitted to the insurance company for claims. He should then chose a reputable windshield repair or replacement company that charges competitive rates. He can choose from a mobile windshield replacement company, or a windshield replacement and repair shop.