The 411 on Windshield Repair

Did you know in some states, windshield cracks and chips on your front or back windshield can be illegal? Windshield cracks and chips are simply something you should not ignore when considering maintenance on your vehicle. You could be ticketed for it.

How do you decide what path to take when it comes to fixing or replacing your windshield? Here are a few things to consider when pondering fixing or replacing your windshield crack.

  • Does the crack or chip interfere with vision while driving?
  • Does the sun reflect in the chip transferring a blinding light?
  • Does dirt accumulate in the windshield chip?
  • How long is the crack – is it running across the length of your windshield?
  • Do you hear wind through the crack?
  • Is the windshield leaking?
  • Are the windshield wipers snagging on the windshield crack?

Depending on the length of the crack or size of the chip is what you have to determine before calling a windshield crack repair shop. Usually, if the crack is less than 12 inches long, or if the chip smaller than a quarter, you are probably okay having it repaired. Check your windshield wipers. In Texas, windshield wipers ARE a part of a vehicle inspection and if they are damaged in any way, the car will not pass inspection. Your windshield, however, is NOT a part of the inspection list per the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Is the crack longer than 12”? Long cracks can begin to leak and if located close to the sides of the windshield, the crack can compromise the integrity of the windshield creating a dangerous situation. Contact your auto insurance company and check out your deductible for damaged auto glass. It might be better for you to pay out of pocket for repairs or replacement. Call an auto glass replacement specialist with a mobile windshield repair service immediately.

Protect against dirt. Dirt that gets into a crack or chip can make it more difficult to repair and can impair vision. Try placing a small piece of clear tape over the chip, but make sure that the tape doesn’t block your vision when you’re driving. Chip repair kits can be purchased, but are not straightforward.  It’s always better to let a professional car window and windshield replacement specialist repair damaged auto glass.

Protect the car from the sun by parking in a garage or the shade. Allowing heat to build up the car can cause further damage to the windshield. Cracks “run” when the glass heats up. In places like Austin and Houston, auto window glass damage is common when chips turn in to cracks in a few hours.

Contact an auto-glass professional for windshield crack and chip repair. Quite a few auto glass repair specialists offer mobile service that will repair your car at your home or office. They will need some shade or a garage to do the work in.

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