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, one must consider replacing the entire windshield if there are multiple chips on the windshield and are already covering the driver’s view while driving. Multiple chips can impair visibility on the road, and deep or large chips can lead to additional cracks, weakening the strength of the windshield. Furthermore, damage near the edges of your windshield, particularly if it extends to the outer edge, can weaken the glass and reduce its ability to withstand impact. If damage of this nature occurs, it poses the risk of leading to a more severe issue in the event of an accident or even a simple impact on the windshield, potentially causing the glass to instantly shatter.
According to Horizon Auto Glass & Tint’s article titled “Understanding the Importance of Windshield Replacement,” it states that a windshield with a chip or crack can have negative implications for the proper functioning of the airbag system. The windshield plays an important role in the effective deployment of airbags in the event of an accident, a reason why it must be free of any chips and cracks. And if the windshield is damaged or not installed correctly, failure to do its job of absorbing the required pressure during airbag deployment can put the safety of the driver and passengers at risk. Considering these factors, it is advisable to opt for windshield replacement when such signs of damage are evident.
Factors to Consider in Deciding on Windshield Repair or Replacement in Summary:
Repair Considerations:
Chip size and depth:
- Repairable if the chip diameter is smaller than 40mm and not deep.
Number of chips:
- Two to three chips can be repaired, not covering a wide area.
Location of chip:
- Repairable if the chip is away from the driver’s side and doesn’t obstruct the view.
Invisible cracks:
- Repairs may remove visible blemishes, but invisible cracks can worsen over time.
Replacement Considerations:
Crack length:
- Replace the windshield if the crack is longer than approximately 12 inches (30 cm).
Spider Web-like cracks:
- If multiple cracks resembling stars or bull’s-eyes are present, replacement is likely needed.
Visibility impairment:
- Replace the windshield if multiple chips obstruct the driver’s view.
Deep or large chips:
- Multiple chips can weaken the windshield’s strength and may lead to additional cracks.
Damage near the edges:
- Damage extending to the outer edge weakens the glass and reduces its impact resistance.
Risk of shattering:
- Certain types of damage pose the risk of the glass shattering instantly.
Importance of Windshield Replacement
Proper airbag system functioning:
- A damaged windshield negatively affects airbag deployment.
Safety of the driver and passengers:
- Cracked or improperly installed windshields may fail to absorb the required pressure.
Just remember, that whenever your windshield is damaged, Comglasco Aguila Glass is a one-stop shop for everything that’s autoglass. With years of experience in the automotive industry, they deliver unmatched quality and precision, guaranteeing a seamless and reliable replacement process for your vehicle’s windshield.
Ensure a safer driving experience by prioritizing vehicle maintenance and timely replacement of damaged autoglass. Take the first step towards this goal by visiting the branches of Comglasco Aguila Glass, where expert assistance awaits. For detailed information about their products and services, visit Comglasco Aguila Glass’ official website or contact them to schedule an appointment today.
