Repair Cracked Windshield: What You Need to Know

Apart from providing the driver with a clear view of his surroundings, windshields perform several vital functions for your car. A standard windshield is a home to several drivability features in modern vehicles. Moreover, safety functions like airbag deployment are dependent on your windshield. Above all, windshields maintain the structural integrity of your car.

All the features mentioned above make windshields an integral part of your car. Any damage to your car’s windshield is dangerous to both you and your vehicle. You may either get your damaged windshield repaired or opt for windshield replacement depending upon the severity of the damage. Here are the basics for dealing with windshield damage -

Reasons You can’t Drive Around with a Cracked Windshield

Chipped windshields come with much trouble and must be attended to promptly. Here is why you should never neglect even the smallest chip or crack on the windscreen of your car.

Worsening of Damage

Even if your windscreen has a minor chip, it will extend and worsen every time you drive. This happens because as you drive along bumpy roads, the windshield faces pressure, and chips tend to get worse with it. Since glass is easily affected by sonic energy, playing loud music inside your car could also result in a simple chip or crack widening. Temperature conditions, further impact, and weather situations like heavy rain or hailstorms are more factors that contribute to the worsening of an already damaged windshield.

Compromised Visibility

Visibility is perhaps the most critical aspect of driving. Anything that compromises your visibility as a driver must immediately be removed from your car, and this includes windshield cracks and chips. Do not attempt to drive with a chip or a crack that falls directly in your line of vision and makes you strain your neck for view. In case of chips, get your windshield repaired, and in case of a cracked windshield, opt for windshield replacement.

Compromised Safety

When rollover accidents happen, windshields prevent passengers from being thrown out of the car. Moreover, it also maintains the structural integrity of your vehicle and prevents the roof from collapsing on your head in case of such an accident. The successful deployment of airbags inside your car also depends on the health of your car’s windshield. A broken windshield will not be able to perform any of those mentioned above.

Decreased Market Value of Your Car

Your car might be brand new for now but do not ward off the possibility of selling it someday. In case you decide to sell your car in the future, a damaged windshield will make it unattractive to buyers. No customer would like to invest in a used car only to run to the service centre and spend thousands on windshield replacement. Windshield Experts provides you cashless facility where you can get your glass replaced without any hassle. A damaged windshield, therefore, will make you compromise on the price you can charge for your vehicle. It is always a good idea to get your cracked windshield repaired or replaced to ensure a high market value for your car.

Factors Deciding the Repair of Your Windshield

Since not all types of chips on your windshield can be repaired, there are ways to determine whether you need repair or windshield replacement. The following factors influence the repair capability of your windscreen crack.

Size

Here, it is crucial to keep in mind that cracked windshields cannot be repaired adequately, as this would compromise the structural strength of your car. Hence, do not be duped by companies that offer windshield repair services even for cracks. Only minor chips (at the most two) can be repaired. Anything beyond that warrants windshield replacement. Moreover, if the chip has a diameter greater than an inch, you need to get your windshield replaced.

Location

Some windshield repairs tend to leave a slight mark on the windscreen. This is why chips falling directly in the driver’s line of vision cannot be fixed. This is done to prevent visibility discomfort to the driver.

Complexity

Windshield glass is laminated, i.e., it is made of two layers of durable glass sandwiched using a poly-vinyl butyryl layer. Any damage that extends beyond the outer surface of the glass cannot be repaired since it usually harms the PVB layer. Chips occurring on the inside of the windscreen cannot be fixed but warrant windshield replacement.

The AIS Windshield Experts Advantage

AIS Windshield Experts specialises in windshield replacement and repair. We prioritise your safety and therefore suggest immediate repair or replacement for damaged windshields. We use only the best quality products and offer you the highest-rated services. We have products available for numerous vehicle models used across the country. Our experts choose the best-suited replacement or repair options for your windshield and observe world-class safety standards while deploying their services.

We value both your time and money. Since we have tie-ups with all the major car insurance providers of India, we ensure hassle-free and quick claim resolution for you.

At AIS Windshield Experts, we will not suggest replacement over repair whenever the damage is reparable. Our Repair-First Policy prevents you from spending unnecessarily extra. Moreover, our presence in over 80 conveniently-located service centres in 50+ cities nationwide and several mobile vans allow us to serve you in a fast and efficient manner.

Contact us for a doorstep windshield replacement and repair service.