Broken Windshield Repair Less Expensive Than Replacement

By Teri Farley


Broken windshield repair offers many advantages to the consumer. If the auto is repaired quickly, before chips and cracks start to spread, the option is much less expensive than replacement. In addition, many vehicle owners with full coverage insurance will find that repairing windshields is totally covered while replacement is subject to their insurance deductible.

Drivers will find there are many shops offering this kind of service. Most of the companies that replace auto glass can also fix these small breaks and chips, as long as the glass is not damaged in the direct line of sight for the driver. Damage in these critical areas most often require replacement.

The easiest breaks to fix include small bull's eyes, stars, half moons or combination damage. The sooner after the accident that caused the damage to occur the less likely the break will have time to spread. Breaks can be successfully repaired when smaller than a quarter, but larger ones often require complete replacement.

Vehicle owners will find most auto shops can come to their home or office and make the repairs within less than half an hour. If you choose to take the vehicle to a shop, the repairs are generally done while the driver waits. If the break is too large and the glass must be replaced, the mobile shop is still an option for replacement at your home or office, but replacement may take a little longer.

A resin is used to make the repairs to the damaged area. A special tool creates an airtight seal allowing a vacuum to be created in the area of the damage. This vacuum ensures the resin is distributed evenly. Once it cures, it can be polished creating a strong and clear patch for the glass that is normally nearly invisible.

Often the damage reaches the layer of plastic that is sandwiched between the layers of glass. This material helps to prevent sharp shards of glass from cutting passengers if it is broken. If a clear passageway to the plastic is not already present, the technician drills using a diamond tip bit. The resin can be injected in order to complete the fix.

These repairs can be seen as a type of first-aid that prevents existing damage from getting any worse. Many times it completes a near perfect fix. However, at times there will be a slightly blemished appearance after the job is complete. Most importantly, the repairs keep the damage from growing worse.

Many different factors affect the damage done to the glass of the vehicle. Some are more responsive to being repaired than others are. Broken windshield repair can restore the surface to a near perfect finish and stop the damage from growing larger in many cases. However, in some, the damage can continue to grow. Most reputable shops offer to apply the cost of making repairs to replacing glass that continues to crack after repairs are made. Consumers should ask if this type of warranty is included in the repairs being made.




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