Can a Cracked Windshield be Repaired
A cracked windshield is a serious safety hazard. Although some cracks are small and can be fixed, others need to be replaced completely. A repaired windshield will not be as safe as a brand new one and should only be fixed if the crack or chip doesn't expand any further. You should also try to get your car's windshield repaired during its warranty period since most automakers require owners to fix their vehicles' windshields before it expires. Here are steps you can take to repair a damaged windshield:
1) Get the crack evaluated by an auto glass professional. Bring your vehicle into a shop that specializes in restoring auto glass for an assessment of how dangerous the damage is, and whether or not the crack has simply spread outwards to the point that it will eventually puncture your windshield.
2) Purchase a sealant kit to use at home if you get the okay to do so from an auto glass professional. These kits can be purchased at most automotive stores and are designed to clear out cracks up to 6mm wide, preventing further air or water damage. You should buy one which comes with an anti-reflective coating for maximum safety and cosmetic appeal. Although most of these kits require attaching a drill-powered syringe onto your vehicle's wiper fluid spout, some newer models come with their own reservoirs instead.
3) Fill the syringe with windshield washer fluid and insert it into the crack on your windshield together with the sealant cartridge. Sometimes, you might have to create a small hole on the windshield first so that the fluid can be injected into it securely.
4) Allow the solution to dry for at least 24 hours before using your vehicle again. You don't want to risk driving with a damaged windshield just because you're in a hurry! Be sure that the area surrounding your crack is dry as well before turning on your wipers or air conditioner.
5) Keep checking if there are any leaks or bubbles after you've used the kit several times over the course of several days, weeks, and months. If there are any, use another syringe of solution until they clear up completely. Cracks larger than 6mm will need to be replaced.
Repairing a cracked windshield is better than having it replaced, as long as the problem doesn't spread any further and you don't need to replace it within your vehicle's warranty period. It would cost more money to do so since most auto glass shops will charge for labor as well as parts. If you're not sure about what the damage on your car's windshield is, bring it in for an assessment right away. Cracks can spread at alarming speeds and with enough cracks, the entire windshield may need to be replaced completely due to safety concerns if your car isn't still under warranty or you don't have any other means of repairing the damage done by the cracks.
If your car's windshield is severely cracked, it might be a better idea to get a quick replacement instead of trying to save money on a new windshield. Even if the damage hasn't spread out too much, your safety and the safety of all other drivers on the road may still be compromised. In some states, auto glass repair shops are required by law to inform insurance companies that they have fixed the damaged windshield before accepting any further responsibility for it. Some insurance companies may not reimburse customers who have had their cars' windshields repaired since this means there was no recent damage done to the car originally.
Here's a great tip to remember if you get your vehicle's windshield repaired: Don't turn off the car while it's running. This means that the wipers should be turned off to avoid any accidents before an auto glass professional fixes the cracks on your windshield. The same goes for restarting your vehicle after, so put down anything hanging from your rearview mirror before turning the engine back on.
Doing so can cause you to lose your ability to claim a warranty for the damaged windshield because the insurance company will know that you had someone else fix it, not them.
If your vehicle is still under warranty or you have other means of repairing the damage done by the cracks, then repairing a cracked windshield is the best option. Just be sure to get the cracked area fixed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage from being done. If you have a large crack on your windshield, it may be better to just get a quick replacement instead since this will take less time and effort on your part.
Wright, FL