Often your windshield may either get cracked or it may chip due to an impact, which is generally caused by the impact of debris. All these cracks and chips can be of many different types.
Can you repair the glass?
When we talk about repair in Tucson then it is mostly done only on windshields. That is because all these windshields are made out of laminated glass. In case of side windows or back glass, it is necessary to replace as they are usually tampered glass and hence cannot be repaired.
Even in case of windshield repair, it will depend on 3 main factors:
- Size
- Depth
- Location
If the crack is too large and deeper then it will be better to get the windshield replaced. There is a windshield repair and replacement shop in Tucson where there are expert technicians available who can decide whether your windshield will be repaired or to be replaced.
Let us now consider the above 3 factors about repairing of windshield.
Size
The technology of windshield repair is rapidly becoming an industry, hence the possibility of repairing large cracks and chips changes often and may vary based on the repairing company.
Typically, any chips that are smaller than just a quarter size and cracks that are up to 3” long can easily be repaired.
As per the guidance provided by The Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard (ROLAGS) which is administered by National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA), usually specifies repair size limits based on the damage type e.g. bulls-eye, crack, pit etc.
The upper limit for the chip is allowed up to 3” and the limit for crack is up to 14”. Again, all these sizes may also vary based on the damaged area and also the capabilities of shop.
Depth
This repair is very closely based on the size of damage, particularly how deep this damage has penetrated into the windshield. You can consider the windshield basically as a glass sandwich with an outer layer with glass and plastic interlayer and again an inside glass layer.
In case, the damage is found through the inner/outer layer of glass, then it is much too deeper to perform windshield repairing.
Location
The damage location can greatly influence the repairing ability of windshield glass. In case, the damage extends up to the glass’s outer edge then there is much better chance that its structural integrity will be compromised.
Also, if the location of damage is within the line of sight of driver then repairs may cause little distortion that can impair the view of the driver.
Lastly, damage within the view of any sensors e.g. rain sensors, automatic braking systems, warning systems for lane departure or some other related components near Automated Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) cannot be repaired.
When the auto glass should be replaced
You need to replace your windshield if all above factors cannot be met. As a thumb rule you may replace under following conditions:
- If the glass is not laminated and is tempered glass.
- If the crack found to be longer than dollar bill.
- If the chip or crack penetrated more than 50% into the windshield.
- If the chip or crack extends up to windshield ‘s outside edge.
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