Is there some magical windshield repair kit on the market that can guarantee your success? The short answer is NO! The truth is that there are many good repair kits on the market right now that offer you the ability to do nice repairs. There are many reputable companies to choose from... companies that have been in business for many years now. These same companies offer ongoing support for those that need it.
Any of these stone chips can be repaired. Beyond looking for these types of common chips, it is important to take into consideration the size of the damage. If the damage cannot be covered by a half dollar, the chip is too large to be repaired. Another important piece of information to consider is the acute area. The acute area is the area of the automobile windshield chip repair directly in the drivers line of vision. It is the same size as a piece of paper being held horizontally in front of the driver. In this area, the National Glass Association does not recommend a repair being done unless it is no greater than .95 of an inch. An easier way to imagine this is that a quarter should be able to cover the entire area of damage in the acute area.
By having a look, they can decide if you need windshield auto glass replacement or whether an adhesive will do. Smaller cracks are fixed with adhesives that stick to windshields and reinforce the material. They can also let you know how long it will take to fix and how much it will cost you.
Many of us may not be concerned with all the small details that go into fix auto glass, but those trained to do the job know that missing a detail can be fatal. The purpose of the windshield is not just so you can see. There are other very important functions like keeping the car roof from caving in on you if you have a rollover; or, protecting you in a serious accident. It helps the airbags deploy properly as well.
Now you have 3 options. You can pay out of pocket, you can have your insurance company cover the cost, or you can do the repair yourself. The cost out of pocket will vary from $30-$60, depending on the company you chose. Filing with insurance is easy because it is no cost to you, and the auto glass repair company deals with the paperwork. You can also attempt the repair yourself, but if you do not feel comfortable, i would suggest calling a professional. There is a good step by step windshield repair Instructable available, as well as other information online.
Learn how to perform basic maintenance on your vehicle. It is very easy to do a tune up or change your oil so there really is no reason to bring your car to an auto repair shop to have these things done. Instead, just watch tutorials online to learn what you need to do it on your own.
So when that stone comes flying down the highway and lands right in the middle of your windshield, be sure to wisely choose your course of action. Save yourself the aggravation and simply repair it yourself. Just make sure you get yourself the right kit!