Fall Car Care Check Up: To Be Able To Inspect

This really shouldn't have to be stated, but additional damage is one of the most likely drawbacks that you will experience if you delay getting windshield crack repair taken care of immediately. Even tiny chips will grow over time. There are a number of reasons that a crack may grow including: vibrations from the road, dirt and debris get lodged into the crack and expand it, temperature changes, and everyday wear and tear. It will cost much more in the long run, especially if you are forced to replace the windshield, than if you would get it repaired immediately.

The automobile windshield chip repair problem with ignoring the damage is that it will grow worse with time. Replacements have their downsides as well. Besides spending up to $350, you lose the original manufacture seal. Many replacements are done incorrectly and can leak and crack. What is the alternative?



First things first the chip should be repaired before it gets filled with grit. To do this, the chip needs to be drilled while the cracks in it get vacuumed. An acrylic or crystalene resin is then inserted via syringe into the chip to restore the air trapped in the crack. Afterwards it is dried with UV light which hardens the substance and reinstates the original state of the glass. Acrylic resin is made up of carcinogenic acid which turns the chips yellow over time. Crystalene resin has better clarity and doesn't change color over time. It's available at ultra-low consistency and high consistency. Extra resin is scraped away and then polished for a finishing touch. This kind of treatment usually runs about $45-$100.

Many of us may not be concerned with all the small details that go into front window repair, but those trained to do the job know that missing a detail can be fatal. The purpose of the windshield is not just so you can see. There are other very important functions like keeping the car roof from caving in on you if you have a rollover; or, protecting you in a serious accident. It helps the airbags deploy properly as well.

If you have insurance that will cover windshield repair with a low deductible, this may be a good option. Many companies that specialize in windshield repair will pay the deductible for you provided it's under $100. If you call ahead to make an appointment most of these companies can replace the windshield in less than an hour. If you don't make an appointment, you may have to wait a few hours if there are many customers in front of you.

Still no big deal? In some states it's illegal to drive with a crack in the windshield that is in the driver's line of sight. In other states it's illegal to drive with a cracked windshield at all. I'd call that a big deal.

So when that stone comes flying down the highway and lands right in the middle of your windshield, be sure to wisely choose your course of action. Save yourself the aggravation and simply repair it yourself. Just make sure you get yourself the right kit!