Cracks are common in automotive windshields, and while some are too large to repair, many of them are ones technicians can take care of with a little work. Just a few years back, a crack in the windshield might have meant replacing the whole glass but not so much anymore. Find out more regarding the kinds of cracks, along with when you should fix the crack, the options for fixing the crack, and the costs.
What kinds of cracks exist?
When evaluating a crack, checking the size is among the first things you will need to do. Repair is possible for the majority of cracks under 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Talk to your technician to see if a crack bigger than that is repairable. One easy way to check the crack is to put a quarter over it. If the whole chip or crack is under the quarter, this falls within the size requirements.
A windshield that has long cracks, cracks close to the edge of the glass, previously fixed cracks, or large spider cracks emerging from the chip will not be a good candidate for crack repairs. Some individuals will attempt to repair these cracks if they are borderline, but the repair might not last, and the windshield will eventually need replacing.
When should I fix a crack?
When you have a chip or small crack in your windshield, get it repaired as quickly as you can. Once the glass is cracked, this will allow water to work under the glass and damage it. Temperature changes throughout the day, changes in humidity, or even running the heat or AC in your car can make the crack expand.
What are the options for repairing a cracked windshield?
There are two main options for repairing a cracked windshield:
– Option One: You can repair the cracked windshield yourself. This option is usually less expensive than replacing the entire windshield. However, it does require some time and effort on your part.
– Option Two: You can take your car to a professional who will repair the cracked windshield for you. This option is usually more expensive than repairing the cracked windshield yourself, but it will save you time and effort.
If you decide to repair the cracked windshield yourself, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the crack is not too big. If the crack is too big, then it will be difficult to fix without replacing the entire windshield. Second, you need to make sure that the crack is not in a place where it will obstruct your view while driving. Third, you need to make sure that the crack is not in a place where it could cause further damage to your windshield.
If you take your car to a professional to have the cracked windshield repaired, they will usually use one of two methods:
– Method One: The professional will inject a resin into the cracked area of the windshield. This resin will fill in the cracks and make the windshield stronger.
– Method Two: The professional will replace the cracked piece of glass with a new piece of glass. This method is usually more expensive than repairing the cracked windshield with resin, but it will make the windshield look new again.
How much does it cost to repair a cracked windshield?
The cost of repairing a cracked windshield will vary depending on the method that you choose and the severity of the crack. In general, repairing a cracked windshield yourself will be cheaper than taking your car to a professional. However, if the crack is severe, it is best to take your car to a professional.
If you choose to repair the cracked windshield yourself, you can expect to pay around $50 for the supplies that you need. These supplies include resin, curing strips, and gloves. If you choose to take your car to a professional, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 for the repairs.
At Precision Auto Glass, we specialize in installing auto glass. If you need windshield repair or replacement services, ask for a quote today. In addition to chip or crack repairs, we can replace the whole windshield if needed. Let us help with any glass services you need.
Image source: Depositphotos
