Car Glass Crack- Replace or Repair? The Better Choice!
Your car takes you to different places, and provides you comfort and safety.
But what if this safety is compromised? That too with a single crack in the ‘glass’. Yes, even a minute crack in the glass can be fatal. For a layman, the glass can mean windshield, front and rear glasses, or door glasses. They are all the same, but an expert can tell you the difference.
What is a Windshield?
The windshield is made of laminated safety glass — a specially manufactured glass that provides adequate safety to the drivers and passengers, in case of an accident. The laminated glass comprises of two separate pieces of glass bonded together with a layer of Poly-Vinyl-Butyral (PVB) sandwiched between them. So, in case of an accident or if a small object (rock, pebble, etc.) hits the windshield, it causes damage only to the first layer of glass. Even if the impact is considerably severe and causes the glass to shatter, the PVB layer prevents the glass pieces from falling in the driver’s or passengers’ face.
When should you Repair/Replace the Windshield or Car Glass?
In case of a minor crack, the windshield can be repaired, but if the crack is long or deep, then it definitely requires a replacement. Although repairing a windscreen is cheaper than replacing it but, if the crack is directly in the line-of-sight of the driver, then it definitely requires replacement. Also, if a rock or pebble punches a hole in the windshield, it will require a replacement. Sometimes, the inner layer of plastic can get discolored if exposed to the elements too long. This can be repaired, but it is better to get the windshield replaced.
All in all, whether it needs a repair or a replacement, it totally depends on the type, location, size, and thickness of the crack.
Rear and side windows of the car are not made of laminated glass. For them, curved tempered glass is used, which is made by heating ordinary glass and then quickly cooling it, which makes it 10 times stronger than regular window glass. When met with an accident, the tempered glass shatters into tiny pieces. These pieces may not be fatal as they have dull edges. But the glass is impossible to repair and, hence, requires replacement.
Final Thoughts
An important thing that should always be kept in mind is that cracks aggravate within a matter of days. So, it may get repaired initially, but will definitely require replacement if the car is taken to an expert late. Also, cracks weaken the entire structure of the windshield. A damaged windshield also thwarts the optimal deployment of airbags.
Don’t wait before it’s too late, and get the glass repaired or replaced as soon as possible. And, before an emergency arises, keep the number of an Auto Glass Repair Company that offers their service on your location of choice handy on your smartphone.
