That little crack in your windshield may be annoying, but if you've noticed it getting bigger over time, you'll eventually need to find your way to a company that specializes in auto glass to get it taken care of. Depending on the size of the crack and where it's at, the technician may give you the option of simply repairing it or doing a full windshield replacement. Which one should you choose?
Getting a windshield repaired is almost always going to be the cheaper option, but there are times where a windshield replacement makes much more sense. Ask yourself the questions below to help you determine your specific position, and you'll be better equipped to answer the question when it comes time.
How Big Is the Crack?
A crack that is bigger can be a major issue, especially if you can feel air coming through the hole, or if you have more than one crack in the windshield. If you have a crack instead of a hole though, you should be even more concerned, since that signifies that the structural integrity of the windshield is compromised and can fail completely in the event of a crash. A crack or a hole that is large will eventually spread to the rest of the windshield, but if you wait too long, you won't be able to repair it all. Ask the technician for their opinion on how to proceed.
Where Is the Damage?
A crack on the side of your windshield is one thing, but one directly in front of your line of sight is a different matter entirely. According to one Harvard study, visual impairment can cause twice as many accidents than if the vision is unimpeded, so if you've got a crack in your way, you're spinning the roulette wheel every time you get in the driver's seat. Even a repair process can leave a tiny bit of residue that can block your vision, so chances are, you'll need a full windshield replacement instead.
How Old Is the Windshield?
If your car is relatively new, this won't be much of a concern, but if the car that has the windshield damage is a classic, you'll most likely need to get it replaced entirely instead of simply having a windshield repair performed. The technology associated with newer windshields makes repairing it back to its original form virtually impossible, so the technician will probably encourage you to have it replaced instead.
For more information, contact a local auto glass service.
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