Does Your Cracked Windshield Need Repair?
A cracked windshield isn't safe, but it doesn't necessarily need repair immediately. The AAA points out that damage in the shape of a starburst or spider web is secure and won't pose any safety hazards for the car or its passengers. However, if you see cracks that form other shapes like lines or circles, this can indicate an issue with your vehicle's structure and should prompt you to schedule an appointment for repairs as soon as possible. On the other hand, small hairline cracks are typically nothing to worry about until they become larger over time. Cracks smaller than two inches long will only attract attention at inspection time so wait until then to get them fixed if needed.
An article by expertinsights.com states that the average cost of a windshield replacement is $357. However, this number varies depending on your car and the degree of damage to your windshield. According to autoglassguru.com, repairing a windshield costs around $200 and prices can range from as low as $115 to as high as $390 for more complex cases.
On average it takes about 45 minutes for a technician at an auto shop to replace a windshield so if you invest in repairs early enough, you'll save yourself both time and money. In addition, give us a call right away before driving with a cracked windshield because it can cost even more to have someone come out and fix your car on the side of the road. Of course, if you ever have any doubts about how safe your car is or if you plan on selling it, we can inspect your windshield to let you know what needs to be done.
Experts agree that either way, replacing a damaged windshield as soon as possible is your best option. One of our auto glass experts confirms that "the sight and sound of shattered glass pieces flying throughout the cabin during an accident can be deadly." This is why we recommend taking care of small issues like hairline cracks and chips early because these little issues won't pose any risk until they escalate into something more serious.
What happens if I wait too long to replace my windshield? Can cracks turn into chips or worse? The short answer is yes; those small cracks will eventually grow and turn into chips. Once the crack exceeds the 2-inch mark, the risk of injury due to flying glass increases significantly. What we're saying is that we can't stress enough how important it is to get small issues checked and in some cases repaired immediately.
However, we understand that the average driver has a lot on their plate and can't just jump out of work to get their windshield fixed. Luckily AAA reports that cracks smaller than 6 inches don't pose any risk and you're not required to fix those by law. If your car is more than 5 years old, it's likely safe as well since windshield technology hasn't changed much in recent years.
Still, it's recommended to call us as soon as you see small issues like hairline cracks or chips (less than 2 inches). We'll explain what the pros and cons are of repairing versus replacing your windshield and we can schedule an appointment for you based on your budget and schedule.
If DIY is more your style, try using toothpaste with baking soda and a DIY windshield repair kit. We don't recommend doing this with a hairline crack because it can lead to further damage but for chips, you can try the toothpaste method and use a little bit of luck to get through your next safety inspection.
The best advice we can give you is that if your windshield is cracked at all, it's in your best interest to collect some quotes from local auto shops ASAP so that you'll be able to drive safely with confidence. In addition, paying upfront before repairs will save you money in the long run since most insurance companies charge a deductible when filing claims for replacement auto glass.
Auto glass repair costs often vary depending on which part of town you live in. For example, some areas are known for having more dealerships that charge above the average cost. We recommend contacting us for a quote to see what your car needs before paying any extra fees.
Conclusion
Cracked windshields occur to even the most careful drivers. Repairing a damaged windshield usually costs $200 to $390 and takes 45 minutes to complete. If you drive with a crack in your windshield, it can turn into a serious and expensive issue so we recommend getting problems checked as soon as possible regardless of how big or small they may seem.
Golden Glades, FL