replacing broken glass in your window

The 2 Most Important Questions To Ask When You Need Auto Glass Repair

29 May 2015

Britney Simpson

If you are looking through a cracked or broken windshield every day, it is a good idea to consider auto glass repair in lieu of auto glass replacement. Although some damage may be too extensive for a repair, many people have saved money over the years with quick and effective repairs of their glass. 

What Kind Of Glass Is Damaged?

It is first necessary to understand that most vehicles on the road today have two kinds of glass. The windshield and back window are made of glass that is not tempered and resistant to scratches. However, it is not as sturdy as the front and back windows because they are not as likely to be damaged from flying particles at 70 miles per hour.

The inside of car windows is softer on the interior, and therefore often shatters into small pieces when damaged severely. The glass in the front and back of your car differs because it is solid throughout and when it is damaged, breaks into large pieces. Those pieces are known as safety glass and are designed to be contained within the structure of the glass, without spilling out, when broken.

What Kind Of Damage Can Be Repaired?

If you have a crack in the glass of your car, repairing it is almost always a less expensive and faster procedure than replacing it. Unfortunately, only smaller pieces of damage can be repaired.

Current guidelines for possible repairs of auto glass are as follows:

•    Damage can be up to 24 inches long   

•    It can be shaped like a line, circle or star

•    Imperfection can be pitted or dinged 

It is also important to note that it is not just the appearance of the auto glass that needs to be considered when planning for repairs. Its location and thickness are also very pertinent. Specifically, repair is usually not possible if the damage:

• Runs through the layers of glass

• Is seen on the inside of the glass

• Has impacted antennas

• Extends into or impairs the Driver's ability to safely drive

• Is more than two feet long in any direction

It is also a good idea to remember that a glass repair specialist at places like the Glass Service Center Inc will need to inspect the damaged glass to confirm that it can be repaired. Every situation is different, so remember the above are guidelines, not hard and fast rules.

In conclusion, driving with even a small chip can be a safety hazard. Once the glass has been damaged, it must be repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, there is the possibility of further damaging the impaired glass through an event like being hit with pebbles on the road, so there is no reason to delay it.

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