What to do When Your Windshield Cracks
Windshields are made up of multiple layers, and car windshield repairs can usually take care of small cracks. Cracks that go beyond a few inches require a complete replacement because the integrity of the windshield has been compromised.
Even though you can't see it, your windshield is under incredible pressure from the inside of your vehicle. Driving on uneven roads or rapidly changing weather conditions make this even worse as your life and those around you depend on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If for whatever reason one layer in your windshield should fail, you need to understand what to do when your windshield cracks.
Take Action Right Away: Even if it's just a crack, don't ignore it! Trust us; we've all seen humorous memes and videos on the Internet, but the truth is that windshield cracks can actually save your life. If a crack is causing issues with your line of sight, get off the road and find a safe spot to pull over immediately if possible!
Even small chips and cracks in your car window can be dangerous because they provide less protection against flying debris and rocks. This could create opportunities for injury or cause accidents to happen. Cracks usually develop at high speeds; this means you should always travel at a speed where you'll be able to stop safely if necessary (not to mention adhere to local speed limits).
You want anyone riding with you (especially children) as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other drivers around you to be as safe as possible. If you're driving in an area where your line of sight is blocked and you can't pull over to a safe area, it's better to continue driving until you get somewhere safer even if that means driving with the crack through the night.
Your windshield repair professional should be able to provide you with more information on their specific policy regarding repairs to car windshields for this exact reason! You know your family and friends are counting on you; don't jeopardize their safety because of a small crack. The cost difference between replacing and repairing a windshield is usually minimal, but we're sure you would rather spend the money today than pay for an ambulance or medical bills if something goes wrong while using your vehicle.
The Cost of Windshield Repair or Replacement
Keeping an eye on your vehicle's windshield is important, but it isn't always easy. Driving in bad weather conditions puts added strain on the glass in your vehicle which can leave you with cracks and chips that need repairing. When you pay for car windshield repairs or replacement depends greatly on what type of damage you have to the pane of glass. If your crack is large enough that it obstructs your line of sight, then you will have to replace it immediately. If your crack isn't causing any impediments to the view out of the windshield, you can opt for a repair instead.
It isn't inexpensive to replace or fix a car windshield, but it is much cheaper than repairing other parts of your vehicle after an accident. The best way to save money on car glass replacement or repairs is through your insurance company. You are already paying monthly towards this coverage because you want to protect all the other parts of your vehicle in case of an incident, why not use it to cover windshields too!
Of course, if you have full coverage on your vehicle then there won't be any added expense above what you're already paying each month toward that deductible so it's really just a matter of convenience. Your windshield is a key part of your vehicle's safety system so it's important to have in working order at all times.
If your insurance company doesn't cover the full cost of windshield replacement or repairs, there are still ways to save money. You can pay with cash or ask for a discount if you pay the entire amount upfront; however, most companies will offer discounts for timely service which is often measured by how fast they can return your vehicle back to its pre-damage state.
The second way to save cash is by doing the repairs or replacement yourself; however, you must be properly trained in auto glass repair and replacement to do this job safely. We can't stress enough how important it is for your safety to find a qualified windshield replacement service provider in your area who will complete the work for you in a timely manner.
Westchester, FL