With winter weather around the corner, you want to make sure your prepared and that nothing obstructs your view through your windshield. Windshield chips and cracks from road debris or a minor accident can quickly spread and impair your visibility on the road. To maximize safety on the road, it’s important to consider having your windshield inspected by a qualified technician.
Below is a look at what you can expect from a windshield inspection.
Windshield Inspection by a Qualified Technician
When you take your vehicle in for a damaged windshield, the first step is a careful inspection by a qualified technician. The technician may examine the windshield closely to determine whether the damage is a minor chip, crack, bulls-eye, or star.
Determining If Auto Glass Repair Is Possible
After examining the damage, the technician should be able to determine whether the windshield can be repaired. The following factors may also be considered during the process:
Size and Severity of the Damage
If the chips or cracks in the glass are minor and less than 40mm in size, they can normally be fixed without affecting the windshield’s performance. However, larger cracks or multiple cracks spread out across the glass may be difficult to repair.
Depth of the Chip or Crack
Cracks, chips, and other forms of damage confined to the outermost layer of the glass are normally easier to repair. If the damage cuts deep into the inner layers of the glass, it may be difficult to repair as well.
Location of the Damage
Windshield damage should not obstruct your visibility on the road. So, cracks, chips, and other types of damage located in the driver’s line of sight may call for windshield replacement. However, if the damage is not directly in your line of sight, you might have options to have it repaired without impacting visibility.
High-Quality Windshield Repair
If the technician confirms that glass repair is possible, they may proceed to commence the repair process. This could entail injecting a resin into the crack or chip and curing it using heat. This seals the entire crack and prevents it from spreading further across the windshield.
Once the resin is cured, a polish may be added to the area and the windshield is cleaned to remove any resin residue.
Windshield Replacement if Necessary
If the windshield damage is too severe or obstructs driver visibility, your technician might recommend a replacement. Most dealerships have access to original OEM glass made just for your specific model to ensure a perfect fit and excellent performance.
Be sure to consult with your dealership’s service department before starting any service work in case of warranty, buying proper parts, etc.
Click here to find a Penske Collision or Rapid Repair Center near you.
Modified article credit: porschechantilly.com
