Your windshield is your frontline defense against bugs, rocks and anything else the road throws at you. But it’s not indestructible and even the best windshields are susceptible to damage over time. When that happens, it’s important to determine whether the damage is repairable or requires a replacement. Choosing correctly can save you time and money while maintaining optimal driving safety. Here’s what you need to know.
Windshield Repair
The first step in determining whether or not your windshield can be repaired involves the size of the damage. Depending on the type of damage, your auto glass technician may be able to fill cracks or chips with an invisible resin that will seal and protect the surface. The resin is designed to have the same refractive index as the glass so that light passes through it at the same rate, ensuring a clear view for the driver.
The Complete Guide to Windshield Repair: When and How
This is a quick, inexpensive and effective repair https://speersautoglass.ca/ option for minor damages, and if properly executed it can prevent the crack or chip from spreading further. The repair process consists of cleaning the damaged area, injecting the transparent resin into the crack and then curing it with heat.
A common misconception is that any damage to a windshield can be fixed with a do-it-yourself kit. However, according to the National Windshield Repair Association, repair kits only account for about 10 percent of all breaks and are more likely to worsen the crack or chip if applied improperly. If you choose to attempt a DIY repair, it’s important that you only use high-quality materials and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another important consideration is the location of the damage. If the crack or chip is in the driver’s line of sight, it could impair visibility and be dangerous to drive with. Depending on the extent of the damage, your auto glass professional might recommend replacement instead of repair.
Windshield Replacement
A professional will remove the existing windshield and replace it with a new one. This method is appropriate for significant damage and provides a fresh, clean view while restoring your vehicle’s safety standards. In some cases, your insurance company will cover part or all of the cost of the replacement.
Windshield Installation
Today’s vehicles feature sophisticated safety systems that rely on the windshield to function properly. These include lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance. To ensure that these systems are properly calibrated after your windshield is installed, technicians need to understand how the windshield is mounted in relation to the rest of the car and be able to troubleshoot any errors that might occur. This is especially true for windshields installed in older models that have been on the road for a long time, or for those that are subjected to harsh environmental conditions like sudden temperature changes. In these cases, a calibration can be the difference between life and death on the road. For this reason, it’s critical that you only work with a reputable auto glass service provider who knows how to install and maintain the latest safety technologies.
Speers Auto Glass
Address: 281 Speers Rd, Oakville, ON L6K 2G1, Canada
Phone: (905) 339-0339