Repair or Replace Your Cracked Windshield?


Car windshields are a very important safety measure in a vehicle. However, windshields get cracked or broken all the time when they are hit by pebbles, rocks, and especially hailstones. In Denver, there are many occasions where all of us need expert help with windshield repair and replacement.

Most chips and scratches in windshield glass can be repaired, but if the windshield is seriously cracked it should be replaced to restore the structural integrity of the vehicle. This is because a cracked windshield poses a danger to the occupants of the vehicle if not repaired or replaced immediately. The cracks might worsen and eventually cause the whole windshield to be damaged.

The reason some individuals prefer repairing their windshield instead of replacing the thing in its entirety is due to the high costs involved. Windshield repair costs much less compared to Windshield replacement. However, a trained technician will usually assess several factors before offering advice on the next step of action.

The location of the crack plays a huge factor in determining whether your windshield needs to be repaired or replaced. If the side of the windshield is cracked, vibration and resonance will definitely cause the crack to widen and spread through the glass when the vehicle is driven on the road. Therefore, it is much safer and cost-effective in the long run to nip the problem in the bud, and replace the windshield.

Next, the size of the crack is also a determining factor. There are certain techniques that can be used to fix a small crack as long as 12 inches. Cracks can be repaired so that your windshield is as good as new, depending on the skill of the window repair technician.

Thirdly, windshield cracks spread rapidly in extreme temperatures. Cold weather stress and hot weather stress both have the effect of changing the shape of the glass, which leads to an increased likelihood of crack occurrence. Driving and fatigue stress such as driving over speed bumps also cause the glass to vibrate, and cause cracks to spread more quickly. Therefore, if the weather conditions are bad and you are using your car frequently, you should get your windshields looked at as soon as possible.

Whether you are looking to repair or replace your windshield in Denver, trained auto technicians are available to help you expert windshield repair and replacement. The strategic and clever thing to do is to assess the damage done to your windshield and consider the different factors mentioned above before deciding whether you need to replace your windshield.