Did you know that the primary function of a car’s windshield is actually for safety rather than visual clarity? The primary purpose of your car’s windshield is to protect you and your passengers from hazardous debris, wind, and water, along with helping to reduce crash-related injuries and ejection from the vehicle upon impact. In many cars, the windshield is also directly involved in front passenger airbag deployment and supports the vehicle’s roof in a rollover to help prevent it from collapsing. Given its critical role in vehicle safety, windshield maintenance and repair, when needed, is vital.
It is essential to regularly check the condition of your car’s windshield by following these steps:
– Check the windshield glass for small cracks, “stars,” or “bullseye” shaped chips. These issues may be repairable, but any significant damage requires a total windshield replacement.
– Check the windshield for tiny microchips that accumulate on the windshield over time as particles from roadways hit the glass at high speeds. These “pits” inhibit a driver’s vision when illuminated by oncoming headlights or a rising or setting sun. The only proper fix for a pitted windshield is complete replacement.
– Monitor and inspect all edges of the windshield for surrounding bodywork damage. If an issue affects the seal of the glass to the body of the vehicle, the structural integrity of the car is easily compromised and will require repair.
– Be sure that windshield wiper blades are soft, pliable, and effectively clear water from the glass in a smooth, clean swipe. Brittle wiper blades can break off, causing a metal wiper arm to scratch the glass.
According to AAA, the cost of windshield replacement ranges between $200-$250. Still, collectible and luxury vehicles can increase the price as high as $1,500 depending on the make and model of the car. Thankfully, however, there are instances when a windshield can be repaired rather than completely replaced.
In general, an auto glass technician can repair most chips and cracks, but it always depends upon the depth, location, size, and type of damage the windshield has received. Repairs will also vary based on age and the amount of contamination present in the windshield’s damage. A qualified auto glass repair and replacement technician must determine the number of factors in deciding whether your windshield is repairable. Technicians assess each vehicle’s case on an individual basis. A decision is rendered based on the technician’s skill with equipment, customer expectation, and the likelihood of an effective, high-quality repair.
Most auto repair shops should be able to repair chips of about one inch diameter and cracks up to three inches long. Until recently, technicians could not fix any crack more extensive than a dollar bill, but advances in automobile technology make it possible to repair wider chips and longer cracks and assess the chances of successful repairs. Due to these new technologies, auto glass repair shops can easily fix cracks up to 18 inches long. However, it is always wise to check with a technician since they determine all cases on a case-by-case basis.
According to AAA, “The size and location of a chip or crack determine whether it is suitable for repair. Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks less than a few inches long are usually repairable. Some states do not allow glass repairs in areas directly in the driver’s line of sight because even small fixes create distortion that can affect visibility and safety. Glass specialists also recommend replacing any windshield with a crack extending from an edge. These types of cracks tend to spread quickly and easily, making it likely that a repair will be ineffective.”
In terms of insurance coverage, some auto insurance companies will cover windshield repairs without having to meet a deductible because it costs less than total windshield replacement. On the other hand, some insurance carriers prefer to replace the damaged windshield rather than repairing it completely.
“Costs for windshield repairs vary by location, auto glass service provider, and damage type. Typical prices range from $60 to $100 for a single chip, and discounts may apply when fixing additional chips on the same windshield. Crack repair prices are similar, although fixing a longer crack may cost $125 or more” (AAA.com).
Overall, when determining a windshield’s repair eligibility, it is important to contact both your insurance company and a qualified auto glass repair company to service your vehicle. Because every instance of windshield damage is unique, every outcome of insurance coverage related to repair and replacement is different. Even though a windshield replacement is not required for every form of damage, it remains essential for your windshield to be maintained and serviced correctly. For A free estimate or some friendly advice contact APEX Auto Glass today at (504) 421-1105