Is your auto glass chipped or cracked? Driving with damaged auto glass is dangerous, so call Speers Auto Glass in Oakville immediately if your auto glass is damaged. Our auto glass technicians can even come to you, with our chip windshield repair.Below are the three main factors which go into deciding whether it requires repair or replacement.
Size
Auto glass repair technology is always advancing, making it easier to repair chips and cracks faster. Chips that are smaller than a quarter or cracks that are up to three inches long can be repaired easily, meaning there’s no need for a windshield replacement. Not only will this be less expensive for you, but it also means you won’t have to wait as long for your vehicle to be repaired, as most windshield repairs take roughly half an hour for a repair.
Different types of damage, such as chips, cracks, pits, bulls-eyes, have different upper limits on repair-ability. A crack, for example, can be repaired when it is up to 14 inches long. These sizes vary depending on the location of the damage, as well as the shop’s capabilities.
Depth
Depth is a deciding factor in replacing or repairing your auto glass in Oakville. The windshield auto glass is made up of three layers. Two layers of glass, with a thin layer of plastic sandwiched in between. The damage that has penetrated both glass layers requires a replacement. If the damaged has only penetrated the first layer, repairs are often possible, depending on location and size.
Location
When your windshield is chipped or cracked in Oakville, the location of the damage is a vital factor when deciding between replacement or repair. Replacements are often required when the structural integrity of the auto glass is compromised; so if a crack extends to the outer edges of the windshield, a replacement is necessary. The windshield is an important safety feature in any vehicle, taking on a great amount of weight in the event of a rollover, so replacements should not be put off.
Windshield repairs are essentially just filling in the crack or chip with a clear adhesive to seal it and keep the damage from spreading. While effective, this can often leave some distortion on the windshield, so auto glass replacement is often recommended when the damage is in the line of sight of the driver. Damage which impairs features like rain sensors or lane departure warning systems on newer vehicles may also require auto glass replacement.
The windshield provides up to 60% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle in a rollover. It’s important to ensure the structural integrity of your auto glass, so call Speers Auto Glass in Oakville at (905) 339-0339 as soon as you notice any damage.