J.R.'s Auto Body

Repair or Replace? The Auto Glass Dilemma

It happens every hour of every day throughout the world. In the old days, if you had a chipped or cracked windshield it meant that you would almost definitely need to have it replaced. However, today’s auto glass repair techniques make windshields more repairable than ever--depending on the size, location and severity of the damage.

When deciding whether to repair or replace your damaged auto glass, it is imperative to understand the differences between repair and replacement.

Auto Glass Replacement

Auto glass replacement involves removing and replacing your damaged glass with new glass that has been meticulously tested for safety. In most cases, replacement is the safest way to ensure the structural integrity of the auto glass. When you replace the glass, you’ll characteristically have to wait a few hours before driving your car, in order to let the urethane used to bond the glass to cure. An auto glass replacement is generally more expensive than an auto glass repair.

Auto Glass Repair

An auto glass repair is a more cost-effective option and a faster solution than auto glass replacement depending on the extent of the damage and size of the chip or crack. A professional auto glass repair will prevent a chip or crack from spreading and help hide the original damage without having to remove the original glass. In fact, many insurance companies may waive the deductible on your coverage, covering the entire cost for an auto glass repair. You’ll need to act promptly to get an auto glass repair before the damage spreads, because if your chip or crack grows larger than the size of a standard business card, auto glass replacement will become your only option.

Other Things to Consider

When it comes to the damage from a chip or crack, the position plays an important part in deciding whether or not you’ll need an auto glass repair or replacement. For example, a crack on the edge of your windshield can spread very quickly and compromise the structural integrity of the glass. Also, auto body and glass repair shops may not repair a chip that is located directly in the driver’s line of vision.

The decision to repair vs. replacement is not an easy one, so hopefully these tips, offered by J.R.'s Auto Body, can help you to make a clear decision that will save you time and money.