The first thing you should do is measure the crack. If the crack is less than 12 inches long, or if the chip smaller than a quarter, the damage can typically be repaired without having to replace your windshield. Make sure that you can drive safely with the crack, that it is not impairing your view, and then proceed to figure out what to do next.
When the crack or chip in your windshield is small " like a pebble or tiny object had bounced up and hit it " then you can probably just repair the windshield. It may even be possible to do it yourself at home. Many auto repair shops sell kits that include small resin-injections and epoxy that will fill and seal the crack or chip.
During the time that you are waiting, when you have a cracked windshield and haven't gotten it fixed yet, be sure to protect it from the elements. You don't want to let any dirt get into the crack, this will make it more difficult to repair. You can keep the crack clean by placing a small piece of tape over it. Use clear tape to avoid causing any vision impairment to you while you are on the road. Another thing you should do is avoid the sun and the heat, these elements can build up inside of your car and weaken the glass around the crack and cause it to get bigger. Park your car inside or under a cover when possible to avoid these problems.
You might find that the crack is too big for you to fix yourself with a home kit, so you should then consult an auto glass repair shop. Be sure to choose a place that specializes in windshield repair and replacement. Shop around for the best company and find one that will come to you and replace the windshield wherever your car is while you wait for them. Most of these companies will either replace the windshield or they may be able to use more advanced repair techniques fill in the chip.
When you take your car to a specialist and they determine that the damage is too large to just repair, it will be time to replace your entire windshield. This should be done as soon as possible and once again can usually be done by a company that will come to you. Check with your auto insurance company, your policy might cover the replacement costs.
When there is a crack in your windshield, don't just ignore it. Even the smallest cracks can spread fast and cause problems for you on the road. Remember to not blast your air conditioning or use your defroster on high. Extremes in temperature are never a good thing for a cracked or damaged windshield. If you must defrost your windows, warm the car up gradually by using the heater. Instead, make a plan to get the windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
When the crack or chip in your windshield is small " like a pebble or tiny object had bounced up and hit it " then you can probably just repair the windshield. It may even be possible to do it yourself at home. Many auto repair shops sell kits that include small resin-injections and epoxy that will fill and seal the crack or chip.
During the time that you are waiting, when you have a cracked windshield and haven't gotten it fixed yet, be sure to protect it from the elements. You don't want to let any dirt get into the crack, this will make it more difficult to repair. You can keep the crack clean by placing a small piece of tape over it. Use clear tape to avoid causing any vision impairment to you while you are on the road. Another thing you should do is avoid the sun and the heat, these elements can build up inside of your car and weaken the glass around the crack and cause it to get bigger. Park your car inside or under a cover when possible to avoid these problems.
You might find that the crack is too big for you to fix yourself with a home kit, so you should then consult an auto glass repair shop. Be sure to choose a place that specializes in windshield repair and replacement. Shop around for the best company and find one that will come to you and replace the windshield wherever your car is while you wait for them. Most of these companies will either replace the windshield or they may be able to use more advanced repair techniques fill in the chip.
When you take your car to a specialist and they determine that the damage is too large to just repair, it will be time to replace your entire windshield. This should be done as soon as possible and once again can usually be done by a company that will come to you. Check with your auto insurance company, your policy might cover the replacement costs.
When there is a crack in your windshield, don't just ignore it. Even the smallest cracks can spread fast and cause problems for you on the road. Remember to not blast your air conditioning or use your defroster on high. Extremes in temperature are never a good thing for a cracked or damaged windshield. If you must defrost your windows, warm the car up gradually by using the heater. Instead, make a plan to get the windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
About the Author:
About the Author: Leigh Jackson is an auto insurance columnist and blogger based in Fort Worth, Texas. Learn more about car insurance and find out how to get cheap Texas auto insurance and no credit check car insurance by going to dillo.com.
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