Author name: Top Tech PH

Individuals who own a car, in general, know that auto glasses, especially windshields, are necessary to protect drivers and passengers from external elements. However, there is more to it than just that. Windshields are not just your typical glasses that are very fragile and easily break when hit with a less powerful impact, rather, these glasses are considered safety glasses due to their design that minimize the risk of injury if they break in an unfortunate incident. Safety glasses such as laminated and tempered glass which are used in crafting windshields can withstand greater amounts of force. Though these glasses can still possibly break, they have a distinct way of breaking that minimizes injury and keeps the driver and its occupants safe. Thus, if a windshield happens to break but did not shatter or get punctured in the process, let’s say, it only got scratches, cracks, or chips, then a windshield repair or replacement is to be considered. The question now is, what is the difference between the two? Comglasco Aguila Glass, the top and leading distributor of automotive glass in the Philippines, will point out the key differences between the two methods of fixing a windshield, providing our dear customers with a clear idea of what to choose if one notices a distinct windshield damage. On windshield repairs, one should choose this type of windshield fix if the damage is just on the outer layer (chips). A crack can also be repaired as long as it is not more than 12 inches, and if the chip or spider web-like glass fracture is smaller than an inch. Considering that the chip or cracks are not close to the edges of the glass because these areas are what keep the glass intact in the car window. As for the windshield replacement, this type of fix is required if the damage on the windshield has become an obstruction to the driver’s visibility. A crack is no longer repairable if it is longer than 14 inches as well as if the chip and spider web-like glass fracture is larger than 3 inches. Not to mention, that the inner layer of the glass has been broken, which caused the glass to separate altogether. And another is if the cracks are close to the corner and edges of the windshield, compromising the stability of the entire car glass. It is obvious that the distinction between the two, concerning the type of damages, provided only contrasts with one another when determining the factors in knowing when to replace or repair. A windshield repair is generally fast and budget-friendly, but a windshield replacement is often considered despite being expensive in terms of budget, as it assures that the autoglass is as good as new and offers security for the car owner.Here are some of our key takeaways: Windshield Repairs: Convenient for minor damage, such as scratches, chips, and small cracks. Cost-effective solution compared to windshield replacement. Can be completed quickly, allowing for minimal disruption. Windshield Replacement: Necessary for severe damage, extensive cracks, or shattered glass. Provides a brand-new, factory-standard windshield. Required when damage obstructs visibility or compromises driver’s safety. Replacement is necessary if the inner layer of the glass is broken, leading to separation. Cracks near the corners and edges of the windshield jeopardize overall stability. Key Distinction: The decision between repair and replacement depends on the extent and type of damage. Safety, visibility, and the condition of the glass are primary considerations. Benefits of Windshield Repair and Replacement: Repair: Fast and budget-friendly, preserves the original glass, and resolves minor damage efficiently. Replacement: Ensures maximum safety, visibility, and quality with a new windshield. In conclusion, even though windshield repair may be appropriate in some circumstances, replacing the windshield is always the best option, mainly because driver safety is guaranteed, and it can even end up being more economical in the long run. When faced with a cracked windshield, drivers should seek professional help and consider having it replaced rather than repaired. For expert windshield replacement, visit our nearest Comglasco Aguila Glass’. The expert and professional staff are always ready to provide personalized and transparent estimates to address your auto glass needs.

To drivers who have been driving for as long as they can remember, it is pretty much an unspoken understanding or shared feeling whenever a rock bounces off the windshield of their car. They experience a sense of dread, knowing that there is a high chance of windshield chips or cracks occurring. This often happens when driving along construction areas with loose gravel or debris on the road, in rural or mountainous regions with gravel or unpaved sections, or off-road on unpaved trails. The risk is especially high when driving behind another vehicle, particularly large trucks or construction vehicles, as they can kick up rocks or debris that may hit the windshield. If a small piece of debris causes a chip or crack, every car owner and driver has the same question in mind: Can it be repaired, or does the entire thing need to be replaced? Though the wording may vary, the underlying idea remains the same. When this question arises, the answer is not as simple as a straightforward “yes” or “no,” or a definitive “this” or “that.” It is because of this complexity that Comglasco Aguila Glass, the leading distributor of automotive glass in the Philippines, is here to provide the information that will clarify things and answer the question that has been bothering people every time their windshields get damaged due to unfortunate events. How to determine chipped and cracked surfaces on a windshield? Understanding the difference and characteristics between chipped and cracked surfaces will help in deciding whether to replace or repair a windshield. In general, a chip is like a small breakaway piece of glass that is caused by a certain force but is not strong enough to actually become a crack. While a crack on the other hand is where parts of the glass have separated altogether that is caused by a stronger force, enough to almost shatter it. In a nutshell: Chip characteristics: Small breakaway piece of glass caused by a certain force. A result of a certain force not strong enough to develop into a crack. Crack characteristics: Parts of the glass are separated altogether. Caused by a stronger force, nearly shattering the glass. Why should a damaged windshield be immediately fixed? Before we go deeper into the topic, it would be best to address the question — why should a damaged windshield be immediately fixed? A windshield’s purpose is not only to protect the occupants from external elements but also to provide structural support to the car’s roof and contribute to the overall stability of the vehicle. So, whenever the windshield is damaged even if it is just a small crack or chip, the safety of the vehicle’s occupants is already at stake. Because this is already a sign that the glass is now prone to shattering or further damage, increasing the risk of injury in case of a collision or rollover. Not only that but it also becomes a distraction for the driver, impairing their visibility on the road. In brief: Immediate Windshield Repair is important because it: Protects occupants from external elements. Provides structural support to the car’s roof. Contributes to overall vehicle stability. Safety Concerns: Even small cracks or chips pose a risk to occupants’ safety. Indicates vulnerability to shattering or further damage. Increases the risk of injury during collisions or rollovers. Driver Distraction: Damaged windshield impairs driver visibility. Becomes a distraction while on the road. What are the things to consider in deciding on a Windshield Repair or Replacement? Now that it is understood why it is necessary to have a damaged windshield replaced or repaired, one must consider several factors before making a final decision on which option to choose. To start, one should know if the damage to the windshield calls for a replacement or repair as these choices are going to depend on these matters. Damage to a windshield comes in many sizes and thicknesses, considering as well its location to the windshield, but one rule that one must take note of is that it is best to have the windshield repaired if the chip on the glass is not deep and has a diameter smaller than 40mm, not to mention that two to three chips are to be repaired and not more in a way that is covering a wide area of the windshield. It is also worth noting that if the small and shallow crack or chip is in the middle of the windshield, away from the driver’s side where it won’t obstruct their view, it can usually be repaired by an autoglass technician as long as it still aligns with the considerations when determining the repairability of windshield damage. Out of all the things mentioned, one must keep in mind that repeated repairs only remove the blemishes on the glass, making it almost look like a brand-new one. However, beneath the well-done repair, there may be cracks that are not visible to the naked eye. Unaware of these invisible cracks, they can worsen over time, and within a few days, they can become more severe. Why? Various factors such as temperature changes, pressure, or further impacts can put additional strain on the glass, causing the invisible cracks to spread and worsen gradually. Moving forward, let’s consider the factors to keep in mind when choosing to replace a windshield. The length of a crack is one of the important aspects to consider. If the crack is longer than approximately 12 inches (30 cm), it is generally recommended to replace the entire windshield rather than attempt repairs. This is because long cracks can obstruct the driver’s view while driving, which poses a significant safety concern. Another factor to consider is the presence of multiple spider web-like cracks on the windshield, resembling stars or bull’s-eyes. If there are many of these cracks, the entire windshield will likely need to be replaced. These types of cracks tend to spread and cover a large area, making it difficult to see clearly while driving. Additionally,