Repair or Replacement: Autoglass Shop for Windshield Chip Repair

August 10, 2023
Auto

You should remember that some cracks and chips can undergo repair, while others cannot. Generally, they come in numerous sizes and shapes. Dealing with the type of windshield damage is crucial to determine whether you can repair it or not. At the same time, location and size are two essential factors that professionals will consider before choosing the option.

For instance, Chilliwack is an area with dozens of different technicians that will assess the windshield chip problem.

Insta Glass Chilliwack

45478 Yale Rd #102, Chilliwack, BC V2R 3Z8

604-792-1884

https://www.instaglass.ca/chilliwack-auto-glass-repair/

Before you understand the different factors that will help you determine the best course of action, you should check out the local options to find the best repair person. Still, you should learn how to detect whether it is time to invest in repair or replacement. In the upcoming article, you will learn more about the factors.

Location

The first factor to determine is location. Generally, the place a chip happened will help you determine whether you can repair it or not. For instance, if the damage extends to the outer edge of the windshield, the most important consideration is a replacement. The main reason due to compromised glass structure.

At the same time, if the chip happened within your Primary Viewing Area, meaning you cannot see anything vividly, even after the windshield chip repair, the best course of action is to replace the entire thing. You can determine the Primary Viewing Area as the place where the wipers are sweeping on the driver’s side.

Damage Types

When it comes to dealing with chips, you should know that chip is a completely different than a crack. Chip is a small damage on a part of a windshield, while the crack is the damage that runs through the entire thing.

According to standards, we can differentiate various types of damages with specific repair standards. Some of them are beneficial for small chips, while others can handle other problems as well.

  • Bullseye – We are talking about the damage, which is completely separated in the outer layer of glass, meaning it features a dark circle after an impact. In usual situations, diameter and size will determine whether you can repair this issue. The main idea is to check out whether it is in your field of vision while driving or not. If you wish to learn more about windshields, we recommend you click here for more information.
  • Combination Break – Similarly as the name suggests, it is a damage with various characteristics. If the diameter of the break does not exceed two inches, you can repair it with ease.
  • Crack – It is a single line that separates two sides away from the impact point. If it is fourteen inches or less, it can undergo repair. However, it must not be in the field of vision.
  • Half Moon Chip – We can also call it a partial bullseye. If the chip is an inch or smaller, you can take it to repair without any additional problems.
  • Star Break – You have probably seen the damage that features a wide array of legs that go from the center of impact. In some situations, it can undergo repair, but the break should not exceed three inches. It should not be in the driver’s field of vision.

When Should You Repair a Windshield

Repairing a cracked windshield is a much more affordable solution compared with the replacement. At the same time, a technician or professional can handle the problem depending on the factors mentioned above. The most important ones are location, size, whether it is crack or chip, depth, and number of chips.

The general rule states that the cracks that can fit beneath a single dollar bill can pass the repair process. If the problem is smaller than two inches and shallow, then you can do it without spending too much money on new ones.

In the worst case, you can repair chips that go up to three inches in diameter, while cracks can go up to fourteen inches. The main idea is to find a proper service in Chilliwack that will provide you peace of mind.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Insta+Glass+Chilliwack/@49.1480194,-121.9643547,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x54843f5ff86a5059:0x8fa80854403b6d16!8m2!3d49.1480194!4d-121.9643547!16s/g/1thggqgs?entry=ttu

Finally, you should remember that the placement of damage will affect your ability to see while driving. Therefore, if the break happens in the middle, you can choose to repair instead of replace. Still, the best course of action is staying as safe as possible, meaning you should choose wisely and based on an assessment of a certified professional.