Knowing When It's Time to Get Your Auto Glass Repaired
Your auto glass does more than provide you with a clear view of the road ahead. As a significant part of the front of your car, your windshield provides structural integrity to your car. When you have small damage to your windshield, this can lead to problems with the safety of your car. If you get into an accident, you're more likely to be injured if your car windshield has already been compromised. When you have a chip or a crack in your windshield, the faster you get it repaired, the less likely it is going to become a bigger problem.
When a Crack Blocks Your Vision
Whenever a blemish, crack or chip on your windshield creates a disturbance for your vision, you need to get it repaired. Even if the damage is minimal, a small crack directly in your line of sight can be enough to require a repair. In addition, cracks can spread once you begin driving your vehicle around. If the crack starts to spider out or gets larger than an inch or two, you'll need to completely replace your windshield.
When You Have Chips Near the Edge of the Glass
A small chip the size of a dime on your windshield can usually be ignored for awhile, but if the chip is within an inch or so of the edge of the windshield, this may weaken your windshield. If there are two chips the size of a dime, but they are only an inch apart, it's time to have your windshield assessed for a repair. Small chips can be filled in, but more than one chip could require windshield replacement.
When Small Chips Can Be Repaired
If you catch a small chip or a crack in time, this can be filled in and repaired by an auto glass specialist. Repairing the windshield is much cheaper than a complete replacement, so it's important to have your windshield looked at right away if there has been any damage.
Damage to your windshield matters. If you have any concerns, it's important to bring your car to a glass repair specialist. While you may not have to completely replace your windshield, sometimes this is the best option. When a crack is blocking your vision, or a repair will cause a distortion in the glass, you will probably need an entirely new windshield put into your car. Talk to a professional like Becky's Glass Works to learn which option is best for you.