When following a vehicle too closely while driving, you increase your risk of damage to your car from debris flying up from the vehicle in front of you and striking your windshield. Windshields are often cracked or chipped by stones and other solid debris that are thrown faster than you can respond. As soon as the initial shock dissipates, you are left with a chip or a crack which prompts the question “What am I going do with this damaged windshield? Am I going to get it repaired or am I gonna have to replace it?”
Windshield Repair or Windshield Replacement?
Compared to windshield replacement, windshield repair in most cases can be cheaper. Repairing a small crack or chip usually takes roughly 30mins and costs around $50. On the other hand, when you choose to replace your windshield, it could take over an hour just to replace. The good news about replacing your damaged windshield is that you will be repairing the structural integrity of your car.
The general rules states that if the damaged windshield area can be covered by a quarter it can be repaired; however, if the crack is less than 6 inches (15.24cm) and it’s not on the windshield area directly in front of the driver, it is possible that it can be repaired. Keep in mind as a safe driver there are other things to consider in choosing windshield repair over replacement.
It is best to replace your windshield when damaged:
- If the blow to the windshield caused 3 or more long cracks or major edge cracks
- The diameter of the bullseye or halfmoon crack exceeds 1 inch or interferes with the driver’s vision
- Windshield damage can sometimes be caused by stress
- The crack or chip extends through the layers of the laminated glass or the inside layer of the glass is cracked
Chips and cracks on your windshield may seem small and insignificant. But the longer you wait to get them fixed, the more damage they may cause. They do not only interfere with your vision, but they also affect your safety and weaken the structure of your vehicle. That’s why it is very important that we keep your vehicle’s windshield free of any chips, cracks, or dings. If your windshield becomes damaged, please do not hesitate to call Ace Glass in Richmond, Virginia, today at (804) 379-3368, or stop by our location near you as soon as possible.