When is it time to replace your windshield?

There are two main deciding factors that indicate when it is time to totally replace a car windshield. The first is the size of the crack. If the crack is more than two feet in length, the windshield needs to be replaced. No reputable professional will repair a crack longer than twenty four inches, and none of the “do it yourself” kits can handle a large crack. The reason is simply safety. A crack of that proportion significantly weakens the integrity of the windshield. A rock thrown up by a moving vehicle could cause the whole windshield to be destroyed if a large crack has been repaired because the glass is no longer a whole piece. The windshield, even if repaired, does not offer the safety and protection the drivers and passengers need in a car windshield. The other deciding factor is the location of the crack or chip. If the crack or chip, no matter how small, is in the driver’s line of sight, it can greatly impair the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. Also, cracks that are in the driver’s vision range are illegal and can be cause for a traffic ticket if a police officer sees it. These two factors will help a car owner decide whether to replace or repair a car windshield. And, lastly, many car insurance companies will pay for car windshield replacement. It does not hurt to consult the insurance policy, and if the company will cover replacement, then it would be most feasible to go ahead and replace the windshield. This way, the driver will not have to worry about the integrity of the windshield in the future.