Windshield Glass Repairs: When you see that first chip in your windshield, most people panic and get it repaired as soon as possible. When the damage gets worse and extends across the windshield, they may decide to do the repair themselves. However, many people don’t realize that there are risks to doing so without professional assistance. This article will walk you through how to evaluate the risks of repairing your own windshield chip, and how to fix your windshield if you decide it’s the best path for you.
What Makes Up Your Windshield?
Windshield glass consists of two layers. The first, called laminated safety glass, acts as a protective shield between you and what’s outside. The second layer is tempered, which helps prevent cracking. When your windshield chip doesn’t go all the way through both layers, it means there’s still a good deal of protection left—which means your DIY project might not be such a bad idea after all.
The Safety Issues
Safety issues are a major consideration when you think about fixing your own windshield chip. Chips typically form in locations that are out of sight, so it’s easy to minimize risks—by dismissing them completely. However, there is a downside to ignoring windshield glass repairs: since damage tends to spread over time, it can eventually crack or spread, causing both further damage and compromised visibility. Other safety considerations include learning how to use tools safely without damaging other parts of your car and ensuring your replacement glass won’t fall off at highway speeds.
The Competency Issues
In auto-glass repairs, there are different levels of skill among technicians. This may come as a surprise, but many untrained professionals are willing to tackle windshield chip repairs even though they aren’t safe or legal. That’s why it’s important that you know where your business falls in terms of quality and competence. For example, do you use good quality materials? Are you properly trained? Do you work in an environment conducive to high-quality work (read: no interruptions, etc.)? There are many variables involved here that can affect quality outcomes; one of which is how much experience you have performing these windshield glass repairs. A business run by experienced pros with a long list of satisfied customers will certainly exceed your expectations compared to someone with little experience or training.
The Cost Considerations
At a quick glance, windshield chip repairs seem like an easy, simple process. For less than $50 (the cost of a cheap repair kit) you can fix your car yourself. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, sort of—if it’s just a simple chip in your windshield. Most auto repair shops will agree that if you have cracks or major damage in your windshield glass and you want it to be safe to drive on (or be legal), then DIY isn’t really an option; instead call up auto glass repair Spring Valley for professional work. However, auto glass repair kits are good at getting rid of minor chips which are mostly aesthetic annoyances but don’t pose any real driving risks.
Conclusion
Get Your Windshield Fixed Properly… There’s really no substitute for a windshield chip repair done by a professional. Yes, it costs more than $40 in parts, but that small difference can have a tremendous impact on safety (and avoid auto glass spring valley). That’s why you should get your windshield repaired as soon as possible! Call up your insurance company. They may pay for it or reimburse you later. Plus, don’t forget about deductibles. If all else fails, call up one of those local body shops and ask if they’ll offer you some sort of discount—they may be able to waive some fees or knock something off their labor charge just so they get business from someone who walks in off the street.
