Auto Glass Repair

Safety is the primary reason to fix your windshield as soon as reasonably possible. The windshield is an important part of your car's integrity, stability, and other safety systems.

Airbags deploy at a speed of between 150-200 miles per hour usually. They were designed for usage when a windshield is present. Windshields act as a back prop for airbags. Without a windshield, airbags will not deploy in the same manner and can be potentially less effective.

Depending on the study, windshields account for anywhere from between 40% to 70% of the structural integrity of your car in instances of a rollover or other high impact type of crash where force is applied to the protective frame. In fact, part of the Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards requirements is that after a controlled collision at 30 miles per hour, the windshield must still be in place. In rollover tests, the integrity must be sound enough to handle either 5,000 pounds of pressure or 1 1/2 times the weight of the car (the lesser of the two is used). This pressure is applied to the front sides of the roof of the car, where the windshield is located.

Cost is another reason to fix your windshield sooner rather than later. As far as some people are concerned, cost is much more of a motivating factor. By tending to any cracks or chips as soon as they occur, you are actually able to spend less money than if you wait as long as possible.

Windshields can only be repaired if the cracks are smaller than a certain size and have not been exposed to the weather for a certain amount of time. So basically it is a time sensitive issue. The longer you wait, the more likely you will have to replace the entire windshield as opposed to simply being able to repair it.

Some insurance companies will cover the cost of repairing a windshield as long as you have more than simple liability coverage. If your insurance company will cover the cost, there is still the matter of a deductible. If the deductible is more than $50 then it is safe to assume the insurance company will not have to become involved as most window repairs fall well below that price range. However, even if there is a deductible, in order to save money some insurance companies will waive the deductible and pay for the cost of a window repair to avoid having to pay for an entire replacement.

Additionally, the less intact your windshield is, the more damages there will most likely be in the event of an accident. The less visible your windshield is due to cracks or chips, the more likely an accident will occur. This might primarily be a safety concern, but it will also result in greater cost in the end.

Some people take extreme pride in the appearance of their car. A cracked windshield generally does not impress people nor does it give a general sense of safety or financial security. Or perhaps you find it visually repulsive yourself. Either way, there is something to be said for a smooth, clear windshield that is so clean it seems like it is not even there.

One of the many features of a windshield is being able to see through it. It is important that the windshield is not be too dirty or otherwise visually impaired. This is the whole purpose behind windshield wipers. The more dirt, cracks, and other distractions in the field of vision between the eyes of the driver and the road the more likely an accident can occur. This relates back to safety.

There are certainly a few very compelling reasons to make the repair of your car's windshield a priority. Whether you are motivated by your concern for safety or whether you are trying to save a few bucks, addressing the problems of your auto's windshield is in your best interest.

If your windshield has suffered any damage it is important to repair it as soon as possible, not only for the aesthetics but more importantly for your own safety.