This will help you decide!
As much as we’d like to repair your windshield anytime possible, because there are so many benefits to repairing (see 5 Benefits of Windshield Repair ) vs. replacing your windshield, on some occasions a replacement is necessary for your safety.
The Two Major Types of Windshield Damage
Windshield Chips
A chip is a small indentation in the glass, often caused by stones, hail or other objects. If small enough, a chip can usually be repaired. However, if the chip is deep enough that it penetrates the inner layer of plastic, replacement might be the only solution. Chips are often the seed from which cracks grow.
Windshield Cracks
Unlike a chip, a crack is a break in the glass that may be either a single jagged line or several that emanate from a chip that is deeper than a couple of millimeters. Cracks can gradually spread over time.
Apart from these two major groups, a combination of the two and everything in between is common when it comes to windshield damage.
When to replace a chipped or cracked windshield
When assessing whether to repair or replace your windshield, we’ll often consider several factors about your glass damage such as size, location, depth and number of chips and cracks in your windshield. Here are some general scenarios that merit replacement. Of course, it is important to assess each windshield on a case-by-case basis.
Chips and Cracks Are Too Large
Usually if your windshield has large chips or cracks, repairs are not possible since they compromise the structural stability of your car. So what is a large chip or crack? And when to replace your windshield? You can use the “silver dollar test” or the “quarter test” on your windshield beforehand to have an idea of what lies ahead. Take a silver dollar and place it on the cracks on your windshield. Cracks longer than a dollar bill usually require replacement. Similarly, any dents that peek out from a quarter coin or are larger than 1.25 inches require a replacement.
Auto Glass Damage is Too Deep
The crack or chip is deep enough that it went more than halfway into the windshield. Or worse, the chip or crack penetrated both the outer and inner layer of a laminated windshield.
There Are Too Many Chips or Cracks
Your windshield contains multiple smaller chips or cracks that are prone to spreading. How much is too many? For the most part 3 or more cracks anywhere on your windshield, mean replacement.
Location of Auto Glass Damage is in a Bad Spot
For example, ifglass damage is within the driver’s line of sight or the crack or chip extends to the outside edge of the windshield.
At this point you might have a couple of questions about windshield replacement. Here are some of the most common ones that we encounter in our day-to-day operations:
How long does it take to replace a windshield?
Windshield replacement is usually completed in 45-60 minutes. It is advisable to wait a few hours before driving your car. This downtime is needed to allow the adhesives used in the replacement process to cure and bond with the frame of the windshield.
How much will a new windshield cost?
The cost of a new windshield will vary, depending on the kind of glass your vehicle requires, and whether you prefer dealer, OEM (original equipment manufacturer), aftermarket, or performance quality glass. At SuperGlass we only use the best U.S.-produced glass from brands including Pilkington and PPG. These are the same companies that provide the factory-installed windshields for Toyota, GM, Ford, Daimler, Volkswagen, Nissan, Honda, BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. Note that many newer vehicle models are equipped with smart windshields that come with features such as condensation sensors, rearview mirror auto-dimming, lane departure warning systems, anti-collision sensors, and built-in cameras. All these features can affect the total cost of replacement as calibration is required in these cases.
Will my insurance cover the cost of windshield replacement?
The possibility of your insurance company covering the costs for repair and replacement completely depends on your type of insurance coverage. People with premium insurance packages can usually get 100% coverage on replacement costs without deductibles. Standard insurance coverage, however, may cover the costs of replacement but charge you with a deductible fee for filing a claim. SuperGlass Windshield Repair is universally insurance approved. If you have a Florida registration with full coverage insurance, there will be no cost of replacement. We will even call your insurance company on your behalf to guarantee the free windshield replacement. We have experience working with insurance companies and can always help filing your claim correctly.
Call SuperGlass Today
As a leader in windshield repair and replacement, SuperGlass guarantees that our solutions will be perfect and permanent! If it can’t be repaired, we can replace it using only high-quality glass and adhesives produced in the U.S. When you need expert advice, contact us at 321.223.4106
TAGS: auto glass professionals auto glass repair, windshield replacement, chip repair, crack repair, structural support