The glass on your car offers safety and visibility while driving. Whether you’re going to the store or just out for a cruise, you don’t want your vehicle’s windshield or window to get damaged. Unfortunately, auto glass is vulnerable to road debris and weather conditions like hail.
The good news is that windshield repair and replacement services are often covered under your comprehensive insurance policy. The most common type of damage is a crack or chip in your windshield, which can be easily fixed by an auto glass technician.
Depending on the size and location of the damage, your specialist may decide to repair or replace your windshield. The key to determining this is the extent to which it affects your visibility while driving. Generally, chips and cracks that don’t interfere with your view should be repaired. This will prevent them from worsening and possibly requiring replacement, which is more costly and inconvenient.
Windshields are made from laminated safety glass that is bonded to an inner vinyl layer. This design helps the glass stay together on impact and prevents it from separating into pieces. Despite this, the Auto glass repair & replacement still experiences stresses from the road that can cause small fractures. These can be the result of a rock or other debris hitting your windshield, a bump in the road, or even normal driving.
Auto glass specialists can fix most chips and cracks in less than 30 minutes. It is important to have these repairs completed as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading further. It’s also recommended to remove moisture from the area. This includes avoiding sprinklers or rain, and keeping the vehicle parked in a cool place.
While new tools and techniques are always being developed to fix windshield damage, there are limitations on the sizes of cracks and chips that can be repaired. The most commonly used technique is injecting a clear resin into the damaged area. This will fill the crack or chip and restore its strength and clarity.
If your windshield is cracked or damaged in other ways, it’s important to have the damage assessed by a professional. An expert can advise on the best course of action and help you file an insurance claim if necessary. They can also provide a free, no-obligation estimate to see how much it will cost to have the damage repaired or replaced. Typically, these quotes will be based on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of damage. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to pay an insurance deductible if the repair isn’t covered by your comprehensive insurance policy. If this is the case, it’s important to speak with a Gerber representative about your options and deductibles.