replacing broken glass in your window

Should You Have Your Auto Glass Repaired Or Replaced?

26 August 2019

Britney Simpson

The glass of your car's windshields and windows is one of the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle. Auto glass is tempered for stability, but it can be easily damaged by flying rocks or debris that gets kicked up on the highway. Over the course of owning your vehicle, you will probably encounter auto glass damage at some point. You'll then need to ask yourself if you should have your windows or windshield repaired or replaced. Here are a few likely scenarios and the correct solutions to each:

1. There is a chip in your windshield.

Chips can occur when something strikes your windshield. Hail and rocks are common causes for this type of damage. Small chips can usually be repaired, with a few exceptions. If the chip is directly in your line of view, it will continue to cause a visual obstruction even after it's been repaired; in this case, you should have your windshield replaced. Windshield replacement is also necessary if the chip is deep enough that you can feel it on the inside of your windshield.

2. There is a crack in your windshield.

Cracks are the most common type of damage. They occur when something impacts your windshield and causes the glass to fracture from the force. Small cracks can be easily fixed. After an auto glass repairman seals the damage, you likely won't even be able to tell a crack was there. However, large cracks compromise the structural integrity of your windshield. If the crack is longer than 14 inches, you should have your windshield replaced, not repaired.

3. There is a cloudy film on your windshield.

Cloudy or foggy windshields can sometimes be a result of temperature differences between the inside and outside of your car. If turning on your heater and cleaning your windshield doesn't resolve the problem, the issue may be with your windshield itself. Cloudy windshields are dangerous because it's difficult to see through them. If your windshield is persistently cloudy, then age might be to blame. The coating on your glass may have degraded over time. Contact an auto glass service to have your windshield replaced.

You should always address auto glass problems as they arise. Postponing repair or replacement can exacerbate the problem and even put you in danger. Fortunately, many auto glass services offer both repair and replacement work. If you're not sure which service you need, take your car to a glass specialist who can give you their expert recommendation.

Share