It’s not until your windshield is damaged that you realize the importance of undamaged auto glass. While it’s tempting to want to keep driving with shattered or chipped glass, the damage can escalate quickly, impairing your line of sight. We have tons of experience with auto glass in Chicago, and we want to help you decide whether you should repair or replace damaged glass.
Determining the best and safest option for you and your vehicle depends on location, size and depth of the damage.
How big is the damage?
If you have a chip from a rock, debris or another source, it can generally be repaired if it’s the size of a quarter or smaller. Cracks can be repaired if they are three inches or shorter. Of course, these are general guidelines. Each windshield is different and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to repair.
How deep is the damage?
Think of your windshield as a 3-layer sandwich. There are two outer layers of glass that surround one plastic inner layer. If damage extends through both the outer and inner layer of glass, a replacement is needed over a repair.
Where is the damage?
This is probably the most important aspect when determining whether to repair or replace your auto glass. If the damage obstructs the driver’s line of sight, a replacement is highly encouraged.
Replacements are also encouraged if the damage is near the outer edge of the auto glass. In the case that your car rolls over, your windshield is responsible for as much as 60 percent of structural strength. Trust us, getting your auto glass replaced in this situation is crucial to your safety!
Rain sensors are another factor to take into consideration if you have a damaged windshield. If the damage obstructs the sensors, it can cause major malfunctions.
Safety First
Our Chicago auto glass specialists want to help you drive as safely as possible. If you’ve been driving with a cracked or chipped windshield, visit us today!
Courtesy of Glass.com
