Several years ago, chips and cracks in windshields couldn’t be repaired, no matter how small, so the whole windshield would have to be replaced. Luckily, today’s technology has allowed for simpler and more efficient repair depending on the size, location, and severity of the damage.
Getting your windshield repaired near you can save you time and money. Read on to find out why you should have your windshield repair done near you.
Having Your Windshield Repaired Near You
Getting a crack or chip repaired at a professional repair shop should take 60 minutes or less. If the crack is deeper or if it has been contaminated, the repair shop may need to take pre-repair steps to prepare your windshield for a successful repair.
The repairing process involves the technician infusing clear resin into your windshield’s outer glass layer, then restoring the structure and shape to improve the glass’s durability and appearance. The curing and polishing steps leave the resin smooth and strong, preventing further cracks from spreading, which would cause more damage.
As long as the damage has not reached the windshield’s middle layer, is less than 18 inches long, or 2 inches wide, you should be able to get the crack or chip repaired. Cracks need to be widened or deepened so that the resin can settle into the middle layer, allowing for a durable repair.
Determining Where to Repair Your Windshield
Chips and cracks normally do not require the whole windshield to be replaced. This is dependent on four things, which an assessment conducted by a professional repair technician will tell you; the depth, size, location, and type of crack or chip will play a part in determining how to repair your windshield.
You will need to get your windshield evaluated at a repair shop. This will require you taking your vehicle to a repair technician, getting it assessed, and then repaired. The repair will normally take 60 minutes or less.
Although the repair is relatively fast, taking time off of work to drive to a distant repair shop will require you to take more time off from work and spend more money on fuel to get to the shop. Also, driving to a repair technician further away from your home or work means you will be on the road with a crack or chip compromising your safety and visibility.
Final Thoughts
It is always best to spend as little time on the road with a chip or crack in your windshield as possible. By getting your windshield repaired near your location, you are limiting the amount of time spent on the road and lower the risk of being in a collision.