3 Reasons to Repair Instead of Replace that Chipped Glass

Although windshields are specially designed to provide structural support to the car while standing up to the stresses of highway travel, damage is inevitable. A big block of masonry may accidentally fall on your parked car, leaving a gaping hole in the glass. Or, a bit of flying debris can get smacked onto your windshield leaving a small crack. The question is – what do you do then? Do you repair or replace the windshield?

There are three solid reasons why you should consider repair over replacement.

1. Most damages are now repairable

There was a time when even a small chip or crack in the windshield meant definite replacement. Thanks to modern technology, that’s no longer the case. Today, even large cracks in the windshield are repairable.

What’s more, technology has made it possible to achieve up to 95% optical clarity. This is achieved by injecting a transparent resin into the outer layer of the glass. The resin is then cured and thoroughly polished to create a smooth surface. Curing makes it impossible for the crack to spread and cause further damage.

The only scenario where repair might not work very well is when the dent or crack is directly in the driver’s line of vision. Since even a 95% success in recovery would leave minor distortions in the glass, such damage may warrant replacement. Replacement may also be necessary if the crack is huge or if the windshield is already old. In these circumstances, your auto glass repair and replacement technician will help you make the best decision.

2. Repair is faster, more convenient

First off, repair takes much less time. An average windshield repair job should take no more than 20 minutes. At most, you’ll be waiting 30 minutes, and that’s if the crack was very large or reasonably complex. Replacements take nearly four times as long. Though the actual replacement usually takes around one hour, you’ll need to wait almost another hour for the adhesive to set.

Secondly, auto insurance works better with repair compared to replacement. If you’re repairing the windshield, your insurance provider will probably waive your deductible and pay for the entire repair. But, when replacing, nearly all insurance providers will ask you to pay the deductible and then the provider will pay for the replacement. It’s a trick that auto insurance companies use to encourage car owners to repair rather than replace their windshields.

3. To restore is cheaper than to replace

Finally, repairs are more affordable and it costs about the same amount to fix any crack or dent. Expect to pay in the region of $70 for a 6-12 inch crack. Replacement, on the other hand, costs hundreds to thousands of dollars, with the costs varying widely from dealer to dealer. Even if you choose the least expensive windshields, you would still end up paying at least $500 by the time you’re done.

The key takeaway is to always consider repair first and replace only if you must. In both cases, choose a professional for best results.

This is a collaborative post.