Most drivers know the experience of speeding down the highway when suddenly a small rock or road debris crashes into your windshield. Once you recover from the shock, you realize there is a small chip in your windshield. The chip does not look bad and is not impeding your vision in any way so you decide just to leave it alone. Unfortunately, that chip can quickly spread into a crack, requiring you to replace your entire windshield.
Chips on your windshield can happen very easily. Rocks and debris from the road or from other vehicles can crash into your windshield, causing small chips or cracks to occur. Even when parked, your windshield can be at risk from hail, falling branches, and other falling debris causing small chips or cracks. Sometimes these chips are so small, they may be difficult to see.
Just like routine maintenance and inspection are needed for your brakes, engine, and tires, your windshield should be thoroughly inspected for small chips and cracks. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your windshield thoroughly each time you re-fuel. Pay special attention to edges, as they are most affected by driving stress. If left untreated, those small chips can turn into a large crack, impeding your vision and compromising your safety.
If left untreated, a small chip can quickly spread into a crack. Changes in temperature, rough driving conditions, and windshield stress can cause a small chip to spread into a large crack. Once it a large crack forms, your windshield will no longer be able to repaired, it will need to be replaced.
Another reason to fix a crack or ding in the windshield right away is for safety reasons. The windshield is more than just a "shield" from wind and road dirt, it's an important safety element of the car. It helps keep you and your passengers in the car in a front impact accident, and keeps your car's airbag in the optimum position so it can function as designed. If your windshield is weakened due to damage, it could be dangerous to you and your passengers in the event of an accident. Also, damaged glass may cause optical impediments when driving, particularly at night, which is a significant safety hazard.
The good news is that a professional auto glass company can easily repair windshield glass chips, preventing them from spreading and saving you from having to replace your windshield. It is a simple repair. First, all of the air is removed from the chip. Next, the chip is filled with resin. The resin is then cured with ultraviolet light. Once it sets, the chip will barely be visible and the integrity of the windshield is restored. The whole process usually will not take longer than 30 minutes to an hour.
Depending on the size of the chip, most damage can be easily repaired without windshield replacement. Plus, if you have comprehensive insurance coverage, your out of pocket expenses will be minimal. Most insurance companies would rather repair your windshield than pay for a replacement later. As a courtesy to you, some auto glass installation companies will even offer to submit the necessary paperwork to handle your claim.
