Should you replace or repair your windshield?
How do you know whether it’s best to repair or completely replace your windshield if it’s suffered damage? The easy way to tell is if the driver's side is damaged, and the damage exceeds 10mm the entire windscreen will need to be replaced, but if it’s less than 10mm, you can repair it.
Sometimes, though, it’s not as simple of a fix as that. The exact size and position of damage all affect whether you need to repair or entirely replace your windshield.
If you’re still unsure, we recommend going to an Auto Glass expert for them to assess the damage.
Replacing your windshield
Cracks and other damage can seriously weaken your windscreen, leading to the risk of your windshield completely detaching in the event of an accident, or even your airbags not being deployed properly.
If you notice cracks spanning your entire windscreen, and especially if there’s a crack impairing the driver's vision, it’s time to have your windshield replaced immediately.
If there’s any damage on the interior of the windscreen, or the damage is less than 3cm from the edge of the windscreen, then this also requires a full replacement.
Repairing your windshield
Whether your windshield can just be repaired rather than fully replaced depends on the location, size and thickness of the crack/damage.
As mentioned above, if your chip/crack is smaller than 10mm in size, then your windshield can be safely repaired. Whereas if it’s larger than this, or you have two or more cracks/chips, then your windshield will need to be replaced.
Repairing VS Replacing Your Windshield
It may seem like a quick fix, and far cheaper, to just repair your windshield than paying out for a full replacement, but you should still consider safety above cost.
After you notice a crack, dent or chip, the longer you leave it, the higher the chance you’ll need a replacement as your windshield will become weaker over time.
Our advice is fix or get any damage to your windshield assessed as soon as possible, and by an expert!
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