Windshield Repair
A damaged car windshield creates serious stress for any auto owner. It’s easy to envision the chip, crack, ding, or scratch stretching into a larger version of itself, making windshield replacement unavoidable. If you contact Lucy Auto Glass immediately after the damage occurs, you will get immediate service and may discover that your vehicle is eligible for a cost-effective, long-lasting windshield repair.
Damage Assessment for Windshield Repair
It is possible to do windshield repairs for chips or cracks of a certain length. Specially trained technicians assess the damage and determine whether a repair is possible based on the following criteria:
- Chip size: The chip is smaller than the size of a quarter.
- Crack size: The crack is shorter than a dollar bill.
- Depth: The damage is not extremely deep and penetrates only the top layer of glass.
- Location: The damage is not in the driver’s line of sight
Exceed any of the above elements and you should expect to receive a recommendation for a windshield replacement. Even if the damage looks minor, the depth of the problem may make a repair impossible.
If a windshield repair is possible, though, the damaged area is carefully filled with a special resin to restore the windshield’s structural integrity so you and your passengers are safe when driving and can see clearly. There can be discoloration and unevenness from the repair that affects visibility for the driver, so that factor will also be taken into consideration before any decisions are made.
The Danger of Spreading Windshield Damage
A windshield crack can spread quickly. This is not only a visibility issue, but a safety issue. You may feel lucky that a wayward rock or falling debris only peppered your windshield with imperfections rather than destroying it, but any damage can lead to serious fallout.
- The structure of the windshield shifts.
- The corner of each chip or crack is weakened.
- Cracks spread microscopically within a day.
- After a few days, the spreading damage will be noticeable.
Don’t assume that any hit to your windshield is now okay just because it doesn’t look severe. High speeds and major changes in temperature can make a small crack grow quickly – you could even experience a breaking windshield while driving, which could cause a car accident or other life-threatening circumstances.
Cracks That Cannot Be Repaired
It is always worth asking your windshield repair expert whether the glass can be repaired instead of replaced. There are, however, some cracks that are incredibly difficult to repair, which means a windshield replacement is inevitable. While this may not be the answer you were hoping for, safety is the biggest priority, and your trained technician will recommend what is best for you and your vehicle.
Here are some of the reasons a windshield replacement is necessary:
- Deep cracks on both sides of the windshield
- Multiple cracks
- Varying types of cracks
- Extremely long cracks
- Stained cracks
- Cracks in the driver’s line of sight
The purpose of a windshield repair is not just to fix the damage and unsightliness on the windshield, but to restore the structural strength of this critical part of your vehicle. Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, truck, or otherwise, the goal is always to keep you safe from road hazards and ensure that the machine you’re operating is in good condition.
Get Windshield Repair Immediately in Michigan
The windshield repair technicians at Lucky Auto Glass in Michigan offer same-day service for all makes and models of vehicles, including commercial and municipal machines. We are a locally owned windshield repair and vehicle glass repair company in the Detroit Metro area. Contact us today to get a free quote and fast service.