When Should You Repair or Replace a Cracked Windshield?

The windshield might be the very first piece of safety equipment used on automobiles. They prevent wind, dust, and much more from impeding your vision and progress. They also help keep you warm and dry while driving through the snow or rain.

Modern windshields are designed to stay together even when another vehicle slams into yours. If your windshield is cracked or chipped, it might not hold up as designed. Some damage is repairable, but replacing the window might be necessary.

Fortunately, windshield repairs are very affordable. Even replacing a windshield is relatively affordable when done properly by a trained and experienced technician. Knowing when a repair is all your windshield needs versus a full replacement will help you make the right decision if your windshield is damaged.

How To Tell if I Need My Windshield Repaired

Stone chips and small cracks are common occurrences with windshields. A small chip that does not cause cracking could be filled and made reasonably strong. Small cracks also might be repairable, but they are harder to contain than a small stone chip.

New Jersey law says any defect in a windshield should cause the owner to replace it with a new or undamaged windshield. So any chip or crack could result in an equipment violation if a police officer in the state decides to write one.

A repaired windshield could give you a better chance of avoiding a ticket. If you wind up being ticketed, you should have the opportunity to replace the windshield and cancel the ticket.

What Are the Signs I Need to Replace My Windshield?

Aside from the existence of damage, many factors could create the need to replace your windshield. Knowing the signs to replace a windshield could help you avoid being ticketed for an equipment violation. It also might save your life by preventing a tragic auto accident.

If a crack or stone chip is located on the driver’s side and within the normal viewing area while driving, you should replace it. A repair would still leave a small spot that would obscure your vision while driving.

Multiple cracks or chips could weaken the windshield’s structural integrity. Even a single crack that grows to be very long could weaken the windshield. Such defects also could enable moisture to enter the cabin and frost to develop on the windshield on very cold nights.

Call for Help With Your Damaged Windshield

Lentz Auto Body in Belford, NJ, can perform windshield repair or replacement as needed. Our highly experienced and certified technicians can help you to know the signs to replace your windshield versus having it repaired.

You can call us at (732) 787-0800 and speak with one of our friendly and professional staff members to learn more. Lentz Auto Body is open from 8 a.m. to5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays and major holidays.

Categorised in: Auto Body Repairs

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