Repair or Replace?
It may just be a small crack in your windshield, but don't wait to have it repaired. Left untreated, windshield damage is likely to spread, and today's small problem can quickly become tomorrow's big headache.
It's important to remember that in the event of a crash, your windshield is an important structural element of your car. In fact, auto glass is designed and manufactured for your safety by using laminated safety glass. A layer of vinyl is placed in between two pieces of glass to ensure your windshield will stay intact in the event of a collision. A windshield that is damaged will not provide optimal protection for you in an accident- even if the damage is minimal.
It's important to remember that in the event of a crash, your windshield is an important structural element of your car. In fact, auto glass is designed and manufactured for your safety by using laminated safety glass. A layer of vinyl is placed in between two pieces of glass to ensure your windshield will stay intact in the event of a collision. A windshield that is damaged will not provide optimal protection for you in an accident- even if the damage is minimal.
When to Repair
Many small chips or surface cracks only affect the outer layer of the windshield and can be mended before they get any worse – and require more time and money to fix. Repair is possible when only the outer layer of the glass is damaged.
There are many types of windshield damage that can be repaired using special equipment and glass repair resin. Common types of breaks such as the bullseye, half moon and star can be repaired if they are less than the size of a quarter, and are not in the driver's direct line of sight. Some skilled technicians can repair breaks that have rays extending from them up to the diameter of a half dollar. Combination breaks can be more difficult to repair properly, especially by an unskilled technician. Since failed repair requires the windshield to be replaced, it is best to ask glass companies about their training and experience before you have work completed. Often car owners do not know where to turn to if they have minor windshield damage. Repairing the windshield not only saves you the cost of replacement but often insurance companies will waive your deductible. To repair a small crack takes about 45 minutes and may only leave a slight blemish where the glass was broken. Consumers who are wary of repairing their windshields usually don’t understand the types of damage that can be safely repaired and what to expect from a quality repair technician. Clean breaks – and breaks that are repaired early – result in the best quality repairs. Source:www.pgwglass.com |
When to Replace
If the damage to your windshield affects a large area, or if the damage appears in the driver's line of vision, the windshield will need to be replaced. A properly done windshield replacement is a multi-step process and uses sophisticated adhesive systems. A quality windshield installation usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, but it is important to note that the safe drive time, or the amount of time your vehicle must sit before you can legally drive it again, varies depending on the adhesive used and weather conditions. Poor quality glass, improper adhesive selection, or a hurried replacement process can cause problems such as air whistles, water leaks, rust, distorted vision, heating or cooling discomfort, or loss of vehicle safety features.
Source:www.pgwglass.com Laird technicians will thoroughly examine the finished glass installation to ensure:
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