Repair versus Replacement

Repair versus replacement situation #1: A small chip appeared on my windshield.

Windshield chips are small fragments that appear on the surface of the windshield. They are usually round or star-like in shape with several lines radiating from the middle. The appearance of windshield chips on windshields signifies the creation of an air pocket on the outer layer of the glass. Using metal ice scrapers, pouring hot water, throwing small stones, and operating broken wipers are some of the things that can cause the appearance of chips on the surface of the windshield.

What to do: Repair!

Windshield chips as big as a quarter dollar coin can still be repaired. The first thing you have to do upon noticing the small chip on your windshield is to cover it up with a clear plastic tape. Covering the small chip is important because it will prevent the accumulation of dirt and moisture inside the chip. Contaminating the windshield chip with moisture, dirt, or any particle will make the reparation more difficult. To start the reparation process, the air pocket on the outside layer of the windshield needs to be accessed. A bonding agent has to be injected hydraulically into the windshield chip to fill the air pocket. The application of a bonding agent restores the appearance of the windshield.

Repair versus replacement situation #2: A big crack appeared on my windshield.

Windshield cracks are lengthy fractures on the surface of the windshield that signify the eventual breaking of the windshield. Most windshield cracks resulted from the spreading of ignored windshield cracks. Extreme temperature, contamination, door slams, and vibrations are some of the factors that cause the spreading of windshield chips into windshield cracks.

What to do: Replace!

Any type of windshield crack with a size more than 20 inches indicates the need for a windshield replacement. Attempting to repair a windshield crack with a size that spans almost the entire surface of the windshield will only cause more damages to your windshield.