Auto Maintenance: Benefits of Keeping the Car in Shape

Repair Or Replace A Broken Windshield: How To Decide

4 June 2015 by Brent Porter

Do you have a damaged windshield, and you are not sure if it needs to be replaced or if it can be repaired? Then, you should familiarize yourself with the different factors that affect the decision making process. This will allow you to select the right course of action for your cracked windshield. With that thought in mind, here are the top factors to think about when deciding whether to replace your windshield or to invest in auto glass repair:

• The location of the damage: The location of the crack is important, because it determines how problematic the crack is. Once a crack is repaired, there will be a slight imperfection in the windshield that will impair the vision through that particular section of glass. If the crack is located directly in front of the driver, then it would make sense to replace the windshield. However, if the crack is in the corner, then the imperfection in the glass will not be a problem. Therefore, it can be repaired and money will be saved since a new windshield is not needed.
• Type of crack: Some cracks are relatively easy to repair, while others are not. A star crack where the impact is at the center of the crack can easily be repaired, if it isn't bigger than the diameter of a fist. However, if there is a chip, or two star cracks next to each other, then that makes it difficult to repair and a replacement windshield might be required.
• Quality of the technician: Repairing a severely damaged windshield is like an art form – because it requires a special touch that not all mechanics have. Therefore, if you feel that your windshield requires a difficult repair job, then you'll need to find an experienced mechanic.
• Cost: The decision to repair or replace the windshield will in part be decided by the cost of your new windshield. If you have the type of windshield that is rare, then it might take a long time for it to be produced by the manufacturer, and could be expensive. In that scenario, leaning towards a repair is the logical choice. It makes sense to get a quote for both a new windshield, and a repair job before making a decision.
• Insurance: Check with your insurance company to see if you can get a new windshield free of charge. This should be the first thing that you do because the decision whether to replace or get a new one will be made for you.

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