5 Most Common Auto Glass Repairs and When to Look for a Shop Nearby
Auto glass is a significant component of safety and functionality for any vehicle. However, in most cases, it breaks easily and gets damaged sometimes. Be it a small chip, a wide crack, knowing when to get auto glass repair near me can avoid further repairs that may be expansive. Here are five common auto glass repair types and when best to get a local repair shop near you.
1. Chip Repair
Chips happen to be one of the most common forms of auto glass damage and typically arise due to the impact of small rocks or debris hitting the windshield at high speeds. Though seemingly superficial, a chip can weaken the strength of your windshield. On the whole, small chips are relatively easy to repair if caught early, as repair technicians may inject special resin that fills the chip and prevents further damage to the windshield from spreading. Too long of waiting can convert the chip into a crack, which then has to be repaired at a higher cost, even up to changing the whole glass.
When to Go: The best time to visit an auto glass repair shop is within several days once you see a chip, because small chips are effortless in repair if noticed early.
Generally, cracks occur when the glass is subjected to extreme temperature change, impact or stress. They may be small ones at the surface or even enormous. Tiny cracks which usually measure not more than three inches may be treated with a kind of resin. Nonetheless, the comprehensive cracks will always call for complete windshield replacement as it compromises your view and will reduce the windshield's capacity to protect you during an accident.
When to Go: Any time you find a crack, especially one over a few inches in length, you should visit an auto glass repair service. Cracks are not the kind of thing that you want to allow to continue spreading. They spread fast in hot or cold weather.
2. Star Break
A star break is a type of chip that resembles a star. The star shape is created by small cracks radiating out from the center point. Star breaks are usually caused by a rock or other debris hitting the windshield with enough force. These breaks are typically repairable if the damage is minor but larger can weaken the windshield and, in some cases, necessitate a new windshield.
When to Replace: Visit an auto glass repair shop when there are signs of a star break. These types of breaks spread very fast and, once expanded, become more difficult to fix; thus, they are likely prospects for windshield replacement.
3. Bullseye Crack
Bullseye crack: Round, circular damage pattern that is like the bullseye on a dartboard. Those generally happen when small stones or rocks hit your windshield, along with other objects that are not too sharp. For the most part, bullseye breaks in star patterns will be fixable if the cracks are relatively small and have been found relatively early. Otherwise, it spreads or further damages.
When to Visit: Bullseye cracks should be treated as soon as possible because they tend to expand and weaken glass more.
4. Edge Cracks
Edge cracks are usually longer cracks running along the edge of the windshield. These are mostly caused by stress, temperature changes, or pressure on the glass. They can grow rapidly across the windshield, which may make repairing them challenging. Edge cracks undermine the integrity of the windshield and raise the likelihood of requiring a windshield replacement.
Edge cracks must be attended to right away since it would compromise the windshield, hence perhaps faster spreading than any other type of crack. These would be best brought to a local auto repair collision expert.
Conclusion
Whether you're dealing with a tiny chip or a larger crack, getting prompt attention for any kind of auto glass damage is important. The staff at Mander Collision and Glass offer expertise in auto glass repairs to ensure your safety and visibility on the road.
If you've spotted some signs of auto glass damage, don't delay as things continue to get worse. Call up us today to schedule your repair, and keep your windshield in the best of its condition!