If your car has recently experienced a damaged windshield, you may need to be repaired or replaced. Repairs can repair most damaged windshields. However, if the crack is larger than 1 centimeter, an immediate windshield replacement becomes necessary to protect the structural integrity of your vehicle and the safety of its occupants.
Windshield repair and replacement
In order to decide what is best for your case: repair or replacement, consider several factors:
- The size. Chips over 7.62 cm and cracks over 8 cm usually require replacement.
- Location. Cracks near the edge of the glass usually require replacement due to possible spread. Chips or cracks in front of the driver's seat also require replacement, as repairs often leave behind a small contour.
- Time interval. The longer you ignore cracks, the more likely it is to build up dirt, making it difficult to repair successfully and will require replacement.
Windshield repair
Windshield repair is an inexpensive replacement alternative that can stop the spread of chips and cracks.
- Convenience. Specialists usually carry out a windshield repair within an hour.
- Price. Repairing your windshield is much more economical than replacing it.
- An environmentally friendly procedure. When replacing the entire glass, a problem arises with the old glass: where to put it? Many people simply throw it away, thereby damaging the environment.
To properly repair the windshield, technicians remove debris from the affected area, sometimes using a drill to create a clean passage for the repair resin. Then a special resin is injected into the damaged area using a tool that is attached to the glass surface. After injection, the resin is cured and polished to a high shine.
Windshield replacement
Replacing your windshield in time is important for your safety. According to the Auto Glass safety advice, the windshield remains 60% intact in a rollover crash, although the percentage varies by car model.
Exist
- The windshield is carefully removed to avoid damage to the paint and the bonding surface, which can lead to corrosion.
- For installation, select a windshield that meets the OEM quality.
- Only autoclavable (AGSC) approved adhesives are used on vehicles during windshield replacement.
- The new windshield is replaced according to procedures recommended by AGSC. The recommended one-hour rest time is then followed to ensure the safety of passengers.
