Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Your Windshield Fixed

Many of us have been there: You’re driving down the highway behind a big truck when all of a sudden, you hear the smack of a rock colliding with your windshield. When this happens, there is usually just a small chip or crack visible in the glass.

Because the damage seems so minor, you may be tempted to leave it be and deal with the situation when you have more free time to schedule a windshield repair or more money to pay for it. However, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t wait to get your windshield fixed, no matter how minor the damage appears to be.

1.   Your Insurance May Cover Windshield Damage

Why wait to have your windshield repaired when your insurance may cover it? You make insurance payments every month, so you’re protected from incidents like this.

Depending on your policy, windshield repair might not cost you anything, so check with your insurance agent as soon as possible. In most cases, if a collision didn’t cause the damage, it won’t affect your rates.

2.   Chips and Cracks Spread

The damage might be small now, but over time, it will likely spread and become larger, especially if the damage happens during the winter. Fluctuations in temperature can cause cracks to worsen because glass expands in hot weather and contracts when it gets cold.

If a heating vent is directed at your chipped or cracked windshield during a cold Minnesota winter, this may cause the damage to spread abruptly.

3.   A Damaged Windshield Can Compromise Your Safety and Visibility While Driving

If there’s a chip or crack in the driver’s line of vision, that can obstruct your view while driving, which is safe for no one. Additionally, a damaged windshield is more dangerous in a wreck.

Windshields are built to be strong and maintain the frame of your vehicle in the event of a crash. When your windshield is in a weakened state due to damage, the glass may not be able to support the roof, and it is more likely to break into dangerous shards.

4.   Windshield Repair is Cheaper Than Windshield Replacement

A lot of small windshield damage is repairable, but if you ignore it and cracks spread, your windshield may become unrepairable. The longer you wait, the more your options diminish and the cost climbs higher to restore your windshield.

5.   You Could Get a Police Citation

It’s illegal to drive with a damaged windshield. This is because lawmakers recognized that not only do damaged windshields distract drivers, but they’re also more dangerous in a crash.

Who wants to get pulled over by a cop and pay a fine on top of repairing your windshield? It’s true that you can often get the citation expunged if you fix your windshield within a set number of days, but it’s better not to get pulled over in the first place.

6.   Mobile Windshield Repair Services are Quick and Convenient

If life and work are hectic for you right now, it’s understandable that you want to prolong fixing your windshield. However, now that you understand the reasons above, you can see why it’s important to make the time.

Many auto glass companies, including Zenith Auto Glass, offer mobile windshield repair services whenever possible. If we can, we’ll come to you, so you won’t even have to bring in your vehicle for an appointment. We’ll do whatever we can to make the repair process quick and convenient!

      7.   Ignoring the Damage Can Mean More than a Repair

If you have a small chip or break, this could result in the windshield becoming completely unrepairable. If the crack is larger than a dollar bill, a repair is not an option in you will most likely have to have a replacement.

The crack can worsen quickly due to external elements while driving, which means the longer you wait, the fewer options you have, leaving complete replacement as the only choice.

      8.  The Expenses Can Grow Over Time

A small chip isn't that costly when you weigh out the difference in prices between repair and replacement. And when it comes to you and your passenger's safety, there is no price on this. This means the more expensive it will be, even with insurance, the policy may not cover the replacement.

How Do You Know When You Need a Repair or Replacement?

Knowing when it's time to get a replacement or repair will also help you understand your options and make the right decision for your situation. A few considerations include:

●        How large the damage is

The area's size on the windshield will be one of the biggest factors as to whether it needs a repair replacement. If you're dealing with a chip larger than a bullseye or a crack longer than a dollar bill, chances are you will need a replacement.

●        The location of the damage

The area where the damage has occurred is also essential, particularly if it obstructs the driver's view; it will need a replacement.

●        How much damage is involved

The level of damage is also a concern, and the more there is, the more likely your windshield will need replacement. If there are less than three chips, the repair is possible, but more than that makes it vulnerable to shattering and a safety issue.

Zenith Auto Glass Where Quality and Performance Meet

If you have any type of damage to your windshield or other auto glass components, Zenith Auto Glass is here to help! Our seasoned technicians can take care of all your auto glass needs, including ADAS recalibration when necessary. We are located in Duluth and serve the entire Northland area. Call us today for a free quote: 218-275-5555.