Separating Fact From Fiction About Windscreen Repair and Replacement
Never put off having your car's windscreen repaired or replaced when needed, as that windscreen is part of what keeps you safe during a collision; a small chip can also soon become a large crack, making the job more expensive to address. If your vehicle's windscreen has any type of damage, you also want to be sure you know what's involved in the work of repairing it, so you know what to expect from the company you hire and are sure to get the work done properly.
Filling in cracks
Very often, small cracks and chips in a windscreen can be filled in with a type of epoxy or resin that covers that hole and makes the windscreen solid again. If you're worried about the cost of a new windscreen, note that this repair job is often very affordable and can be done quickly, so always ask if it's an option for your vehicle.
However, not all cracks can be filled, even if they're very small. If a crack or chip has broken through the entire windscreen, the material of the windscreen itself may now be compromised, and it needs to be replaced. The filler or epoxy used might also just drip through to the other side of the glass. Only a repairperson can tell you the best choice for repairing your windscreen, if possible, or when it needs outright replacement.
Windscreen availability
Windscreens aren't always kept in plentiful stock to protect them from potential damage and breakage in a warehouse, and a new windscreen might need to be ordered for you. This is especially true for limited editions, foreign cars and other such models. You may also want a windscreen that is not made by the car manufacturer, in order to save money, and this may also need to be ordered. Be sure you call about this before just showing up at a repair shop, expecting your windscreen to be in stock.
Safety of windscreen
When you need a windscreen replacement, be sure you note the potential safety risk of certain cheap types of glass. The windscreen is meant to keep you in the car in case you fly toward it during a collision, and a thin, cheap windscreen may not be as safe as one that is thicker and tougher. Never assume that all windscreens are alike, but consider investing in the safest model possible, especially if you drive on the highway or are at any increased risk for collisions.
