Windshield repair is an important part of maintaining the safety of your vehicle. It’s also essential for the functionality of certain features, including backup cameras and collision prevention systems.
Whether your windshield is chipped, cracked or broken, it’s vital to get it fixed. The right glass repair can save you money down the road and prevent other problems from developing.
There are a number of different methods for windshield repair, from DIY do-it-yourself kits to professional glass replacement services. The best approach is to identify the problem, determine if it can be repaired and then make an informed decision about how to go about getting it done.
Repairing a Crack
The most common type of windshield repair involves injecting resin into the affected area. Resin is a transparent material that helps prevent a crack from spreading by strengthening the surrounding glass.
Some do-it-yourself windshield repair Expert Windshield replacement San Diego kits include windshield patching materials that you apply over the damaged glass. These are often sold in kits for $7 to $20 and can help prevent a small chip or crack from spreading. However, a professional can apply a stronger type of repair if the damaged area is too large to fill with a patch.
Other repairs are performed by trained technicians who can remove chips and cracks, then fill in the gaps with resin. They’re also able to apply a clear coat of paint over the damage to make it look new again.
A professional can also replace a windshield in cases where the damage is too large or too deep for repair to be effective. For example, a chip or crack that is more than six inches long is likely to need a complete replacement.
Unlike do-it-yourself windshield patch kits, professional repair services use a special method to apply a clear, plastic material called a thermoplastic to the area of damage. This is then cured and polished, leaving a smooth surface that is stronger than the original glass.
Some glass professionals will also use a special spray to paint over chips or cracks. This is a much more effective method than using a DIY patch because it works to fill in the entire area of damage and prevent the chip or crack from spreading further.
Many of these products contain UV stabilizers to reduce the amount of fading that occurs over time. They’re also made to protect the glass from the harsh elements, like sun and rain.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the glass itself may have a repair program that you can take advantage of. This is especially true of tempered glass, which typically is used in side and rear windows.
Regardless of the manufacturer, windshields are usually covered by a state’s minimum liability coverage. This may be through the comprehensive or collision portion of your insurance policy, depending on where you live and what type of coverage is offered.
Another way to protect your windshield is by purchasing full coverage on your car insurance policy. This adds an additional layer of coverage to your existing policy and can be helpful if your windshield has been damaged by fire, theft, vandalism or a collision.