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Windshield damage is often unavoidable. Road debris or rocks get thrown into the air by passing vehicles, and they can hit hard and loud. The resulting crater or crack may begin to spread rapidly over the glass, often making driving unsafe or difficult. When a quick fix is needed, a call to a local mobile windshield replacement service will bring the repair to you, often saving time and money. The front window of a modern car consists of two layers of safety glass with a middle layer of clear plastic laminate sandwiched between. During an impact, the safety glass forms small blunt pieces, rather than shattering, and the middle layer prevents the entire structure from falling inward. If a small crack affects only the exterior layer, repair may be a sensible option. Modern repair technicians commonly employ a polymer-based resin, which dries invisibly and smoothly. When a crack is less than three inches long, or a chip is smaller than a quarter, this method works well, and is often less costly. When choosing between repair or replacement, the location of the damage is a prime determining factor. If the damage is directly in the line of vision, a repair might initially look clear, but will inevitably cause some distortion. Replacing the entire unit may be advisable, rather than risking impairment. When a crack or chip is located towards the edges, repair is usually acceptable if caught in time. Most damage spreads quickly, encouraged by the normal impacts of driving. Knowing the extent or type of damage can also help determine if repairs will be adequate. An impact leaving a chip or crater that can easily be felt or seen from the inside has damaged all three layers, and simple repair will not be suitable. For safety purposes alone, total replacement is advised, because the structural strength of the windshield acts to protect passengers in a rollover accident. Other factors may also affect repairs. Exposure to certain water repellents can cause the chemicals they contain to enter the crack. Even in residual amounts, they may impeded the hardening process of the polymers, and the damage may reappear and become worse. Sometimes a stress-related crack may appear for no apparent reason, indicating a lack of overall structural integrity, and a brand new unit is recommended. No matter how minor the damage, it should be corrected immediately. Glass that is weakened or sealed incorrectly can be blown out if the airbags are deployed, causing the airbag protection to become ineffective. Front windows that are beyond simple repair may not require a lengthy stay at the shop, however. Many services now specialize in bringing the repairs to you, and completing them rapidly. Most new windshields can be installed in less than sixty minutes, with additional time to harden and dry. When damage happens, contact your insurance company immediately, and then get in touch with a mobile windshield replacement service, which can complete the work wherever your car is parked. Driving safety is the primary consideration, and repairs should be made as soon as possible.
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