When the windshield or a window of your car is chipped or cracked, sometimes a simple repair will do the trick. However, there are some situations when an auto glass replacement is necessary. It’s not always easy to know when something can be repaired or needs to be replaced, so our team at Ocean Glass has put together a handy guide to help you.
Can you repair your auto glass, or do you need a replacement? Here are some guidelines to help you determine the best course of action.
Damage That Requires Replacement
Some types of damage definitely require replacement rather than repair. If the damage to your auto glass looks like any of the following, you need to replace it.
- Cracks that are more than 6 inches long or in the driver’s line of sight
- Chips that are larger than 3/8 of an inch
- Cracks or chips that are located near the edge of the windshield
- Damage that is caused by a collision or other impact
- Auto glass that is delaminating or separating from the adhesive that holds it in place
- Auto glass that is scratched or pitted, making it difficult to see through
Additional Factors
Sometimes, damage to auto glass doesn’t fall into any of the categories we listed above but still requires replacement. If you have auto glass damage that could be repaired, you should check for these additional factors to determine if you should replace it instead:
- The age of your auto glass: Auto glass typically lasts 5 to 10 years. If it is older, it is more likely to need to be replaced.
- The type of damage: Some types of damage, such as cracks and chips, can be repaired. However, other types of damage, such as delamination, require replacement.
- The location of the damage: Damage in the driver’s line of sight or near the edge of the windshield is more likely to require replacement.
- The cost of repair vs. replacement: In some cases, the cost of repairing auto glass may be comparable to the cost of replacement. However, in other cases, replacement may be the more cost-effective option.
Auto Glass Replacement and Repair | Ocean Glass
Damaged auto glass is more than just an inconvenience. Small cracks can expand and obstruct your view or even shatter while you’re driving. Rather than take that risk, call our team to repair or replace your damaged auto glass.
