You wouldn’t wait weeks to get a broken arm looked at by your doctor, so why would you take the same chance with your car? Auto glass repairs are typically quick, easy procedures that can be made for a relatively inexpensive cost, and they don’t usually affect the resale value of your car. It’s a good idea to get a chip or crack repair up front, rather than waiting it out and risking disaster in the future. Why? Read below to find out.
Opt for a quick auto glass repair over a complete replacement.
Some drivers believe that it’s a better investment to simply replace the entire windshield than to get a small chip or crack repaired. Take our word for it: it’s not. Replacing a windshield is a good investment, but it’s not one you need to make when a simple, quick repair will do just fine. Most insurance providers will even cover the cost of the repair (depending on your policy, of course). Plus, these quick fixes can be done almost anywhere — either on-the-go or in the shop.
Keep a roll of tape in your glove box.
Cracks can form in even the most advanced auto safety glass — it’s just a reality of the road. Tiny rocks and other debris get kicked up at high speeds, causing your windshield to take some minor damage here and there. When it comes to chip or crack repair, a shop can take care of the aesthetics but, in the meantime, it might not be a bad option to cover the crack with clear tape in order to prevent further damage. Worry about the way it looks later. Keep your car safe until you can call to get the chip or crack repaired.
Quality replacement windshields are always better deals.
No windshield is better than the one originally installed when your car was built in the factory. That’s why we recommend quality automobile glass. Don’t fall for gimmicks or bad quality auto glass for your windshield replacement. Some replacement glass just simply isn’t as durable and can cause problems for the value of your auto and you.
Even a tiny crack could mean trouble.
There’s an old saying often attributed to the Roman poet, Ovid: “Dripping water hollows out a stone.” It means that many tiny actions eventually add up to a large force. The same thing can be said for your windshield, where even the smallest crack can spell disaster if it lingers long enough to become a larger problem. Always contact a glass repair shop at the first sign of any
cracks in your glass in order to prevent having to replace your windshield.
I thought it was interesting that no windshield is better than the one originally installed when your car was built in the factory. Do car factories use different glass than windshield replacements? What can you do to get that kind of glass again?
I’ve never heard of your tip for using tape to cover a chip in the windshield. It makes sense that this could prevent the chip from getting larger and becoming a larger problem that could require a complete glass replacement. I’ll need to follow your advice and keep tape in my glovebox for a fast fix before I can have the chip repaired.
That’s good to know that even a tiny crack can spread into a bigger one. I’ve got quite a few nasty cracks on my windshield and I think they might be beyond repair. I’ll have to look into getting it replaced as to make sure I’m safe with my windshield. Thanks for the info!
I just got a crack in my windshield from flying debris. I wish I had known about your tip to keep some tape in my glove box because now the crack has spread and I need to replace my windshield. I will be sure to be aware if it next time after I get my auto glass replaced. Thanks for sharing tips on how to prepare for windshield accidents.
I like your idea to tape up cracks and chips until you can get them repaired. I recently went on a road trip and a rock chipped my windshield. I’m thinking I should get it repaired sooner than later so that no further damage occurs.