Car Glass Repair

car glass repair specialists fill and bond the void left by chips or cracks. High-quality resins are injected into the damaged area and air is extracted to remove bubbles.

Generally, chips that are less than a quarter inch wide and cracks that do not interfere with the driver’s line of vision can be repaired. However, cracks close to the frame may compromise safety.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Kits

Many auto parts stores sell kits designed to repair small chips and cracks. These typically consist of a resin and a small tool that can inject the resin into the damaged area. If done correctly, the repairs are almost undetectable and will help to prevent the crack from spreading further.

While these kits may be useful for limiting the spread of cracks, they aren’t appropriate for all types of damage. Most DIY windshield repair kits use water-thin resins that only add cosmetic value and do not restore the strength of the glass. Additionally, the tools included in these kits often apply too much pressure and can push the cracks closed rather than filling or spotting them.

It’s also important to remember that performing DIY windshield repair could void your insurance coverage. Most comprehensive policies include windshield coverage that would waive your deductible if you took your vehicle to a professional shop for a repair.

In addition to saving you the cost of a professional repair, myWindshield makes it easy to find reputable auto glass shops that offer competitive rates for all of your car’s glass repairs. The myWindshield network includes a wide range of experienced, locally-owned and family-operated shops that are eager to work with your insurance company to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Windshield Resin

Windshield resin is used to fill the microscopic cracks and craters that make up your windshield. Its purpose is to bring the glass back to its original state in terms of strength, appearance and safety. In order to do this, it must bond properly with the glass and cure properly. This happens when the monomers in the resin are exposed to UV light, causing them to harden. The curing process takes place through the use of specialized equipment that is specifically designed for windshield repair.

Resin comes in many different types. Some are formulated for specific styles of damage and others for general use. Generally, the differences are in how the resin is mixed and what tools come with it for positioning the material. Some kits also have special features such as suction cups for holding the resin in place or a kit that is specially designed to correct bullseye-shaped cracks.

Another difference in resin is that some are acid based while others are not. Some manufacturers, like Delta Kits, offer acid free resins that are safer to handle. They do, however, have a slightly lower adhesion strength. This is a trade off that some technicians and their customers are willing to make to ensure safety while also preserving the integrity of the glass. Even with the best resin, there is no way to completely fix a windshield with a crack or chip. Some cracks are simply too large and a full replacement is the only option.

Windshield Repair

Most professional windshield repair companies use a method called “resin injection” to fill the cracks or chips. A clear resin is injected into the damaged area and then cured with heat to seal the cracks or chips. This prevents the cracks from spreading and also helps to strengthen the glass.

The location and size of the damage are factors that determine whether it can be repaired. For example, a crack that extends in the driver’s line of vision may not be suitable for repair because it can cause distortion and affect visibility. The depth of the break is also taken into consideration. A break that penetrates only the outer and inner layers of glass is usually repairable, but a crack that goes into the plastic layer beneath is often not.

Windshield professionals can usually tell whether a crack or chip is repairable, and they will recommend repairs that meet industry standards and follow all safety measures. If a repair is not possible, it will be recommended that the damaged windshield be replaced.

It’s a good idea to keep the car out of extreme temperatures after a windshield is repaired, because changes in temperature can make a small crack or chip expand. It’s also best to avoid washing the vehicle with a high pressure washer or going through a drive-through car wash, as these actions can place too much stress on the glass and could further crack or chip it.

Windshield Replacement

In many states, a car’s insurance company will pay for repair or replacement of a windshield that is damaged. However, the location of the crack or chip can influence whether an insurer will cover it. Cracks that are near the edge of a windshield can worsen quickly due to the vibrations of driving and added stress from bumps in the road. This type of damage often affects the structural integrity of the glass and may compromise safety features like automatic breaking or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) camera recalibration.

Repairing a windshield crack or chip is usually more cost effective than replacing the entire glass. Additionally, if the crack is fixed in a timely manner it can prevent the damage from spreading. Using an approved auto glass shop that is in your insurance provider’s network will help ensure you receive the highest quality of service.

Most drivers add comprehensive coverage to their car insurance policy, which typically covers repairs to glass and other damages to the vehicle not related to an at-fault accident. While it may be more expensive than a collision policy, the premium and deductible will vary by state and insurance carrier. In addition, some companies offer a separate auto glass policy with a low or no deductible for glass claims. Talk to your agent or insurance provider to learn more about these options.