It happens to everyone. You’re driving down the road and suddenly…WHACK! Something bounces up from the highway and leaves you with a damaged windshield. Now what?
For a long time, having even a small chip in your windshield meant having to replace it. Today you have other options. Rather than replacing a damaged windshield, there’s a chance you could simply have it repaired instead.
A chipped or cracked windshield isn’t just an eyesore–it could actually be dangerous to drive around with a damaged windshield, and you could be violating North Carolina driving laws depending on the size and location of the damage. If you have a crack or chip on the driver’s side of your windshield, it could be considered an obstruction and will earn you a traffic violation ticket if you’re pulled over. That’s why it’s important to get your windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Can my damaged windshield be repaired?
Whether or not your windshield can be repaired depends on the size and type of the damage. A windshield isn’t actually just a layer of glass; it’s actually made up of three separate layers. Two pieces of tempered glass surround a laminate center, which keeps the glass safely in place even when it breaks.
Most damage only penetrates the outer layer of auto glass. If this is the case, your windshield may be able to be repaired. The damage must be smaller than 6” in length and 1” in diameter, and it must not be in your direct line of sight when you’re driving. If you aren’t sure whether to repair or replace your windshield, ask your auto glass specialist.
There are several reasons to repair your windshield rather than replace it:
- Windshield repair is more affordable than a full replacement.
- Windshield repair is quick. Most repairs take an hour or less.
- Having your windshield repaired will prevent the crack or chip from getting worse. If you wait too long, the damage may no longer be repairable.
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