Repair or replace your windshield: which is the right solution ?

Repairing a damaged windshield: When can it be repaired ?

"Professionals such as Glassdrive will consider windshield chip repair to be possible in the following cases:

• If the damage to the windshield is less than 25 mm in diameter;
• If it’s more than 5 cm from the edge of the glass;
• If it’s not in the driver’s field of view;
• If it’s a single chip in the windshield and not a crack;
• If there are no more than 3 damaged areas on the windshield, they meet with the conditions above and they are not close together in one area.

What should I do if my windshield is chipped? All you need to do is to make an appointment with a professional car glass company like Glassdrive. A chip in the windshield is repaired by injecting a special resin which solidifies the glass and restores its original appearance (some trace may remain, depending on the situation). The procedure takes about 30 minutes.

But be careful: try to have the damage on your windshield repaired as soon as possible. Even a small chip in a windshield can turn into a crack if it undergoes a shock (such as driving over a speed bump too quickly) or a sudden change in temperature. If it’s too late, then it can’t be repaired: then the windshield must be replaced."

Windshield replacement: When must you replace the windshield ?

Replacing a car windshield with a new one is essential if a repair isn’t possible. When should I change my windshield?

• If the windshield has a chip that’s too big (more than 25 mm) or too close to the edge of the glass (closer than 5 cm);
• If the chip has turned into a crack in the windshield;
• If it’s a chip that reduces your visibility while you’re driving;
• If there are 4 or more damaged areas;
• If any of these conditions apply, there’s no choice: you must have your windshield replaced. Fortunately, car glass professionals can perform a windshield replacement in as little as two or three hours, depending on whether your car has driver assistance cameras, which we will need to calibrate. At Glassdrive, we replace the windshield with glass that matches the original.

Windshield replacement or repair: What’s the best option ?

At Glassdrive, we always strive to repair the damage to your windshield rather than replace the entire windshield. It’s cheaper, which means you and your insurer pay less, and it’s quicker for everyone. It’s also more environmentally friendly! Changing a windshield creates about 99 times as much waste as repairing the damage to one. What’s more, the glass has to be recycled. We prefer to repair the windshield whenever possible.

Rest assured: In both cases, the cost of the operation is covered by your glass breakage warranty if it’s included in your car insurance. Contact your insurer to check if your glass breakage cover includes repair or replacement, according to your situation. All you have to do is get back on the road... in complete safety!