The windshield of your car is a workhorse that doesn’t often get the credit it deserves. It is essential for your driving safety, protecting you from rocks and debris that could be dangerous. Your windshield helps to regulate the temperature in your vehicle, blocks wind and keeps things quiet, protects you from damaging UV rays, and even plays a part in your safety if you get into a car accident. Since your windshield is so important for driving safely, keeping it in good condition should be a top priority. Repairs and, when necessary, replacement should be done when needed, and knowing when to look into windshield replacement in Tacoma, WA, can help keep you out of unsafe situations. Chips and Cracks: Repair or Replacement? Even the most careful of drivers will experience rock chips and other minor damage just from regular driving. Trucks that spit out rocks, falling debris, and wind or hail storms are common culprits. Once the chip appears, what should you do about it? Small chips or cracks may not merit full windshield replacement. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is that if the chip is smaller than a quarter, is not in your direct line of sight when driving, and is not within 2 inches of the edge of the windshield, it is probably okay to have your windshield repaired instead of replaced. Resin can be used to seal a small chip or crack, keeping things intact. Unfortunately, using this process on larger damaged areas (think larger than a credit card) compromises the safety of the windshield, so large cracks and chips should be addressed immediately. Windshield replacement should not be put off, since so much is at stake. Other Windshield Problems In addition to cracks and chips due to rocks and other flying objects, other common windshield problems include scratches, cold weather damage, and even shattered glass. While scratches may only seem cosmetic, it is important to have them checked by a professional, since they could compromise the integrity of the entire windshield. If your windshield ever shatters, have it replaced immediately, since a broken windshield can result in roof collapse. Will Insurance Cover It? Often, windshield repairs and replacements are covered under your insurance policy. Insurance companies recognize the absolute importance of a structurally stable windshield, so look at your specific policy to get the details of your coverage. Prevention and Precaution The best way to deal with windshield damage is to avoid it in the first place. Avoid driving directly next to or behind large trucks that are likely to shoot rocks in your direction, never use hot water on a cold windshield, and try to park your vehicle in a covered space during storms when hail or debris could damage the windshield. Since not all cracks and chips are avoidable, be quick about getting repairs done as needed. What starts as a small crack can easily spread into a major problem, and instead of a minor repair, you could be looking at a complete replacement. Along those same lines, if you wait too long, the crack or chip could fill with dirt or other small particles, making it impossible to easily repair. Covering chips immediately with clear tape can help keep it clean in the meantime. Safety First At the end of the day, your safety is not worth ignoring the cracks and chips in your windshield. Windshield replacement in Tacoma, WA, can literally be a life-saver, so keep a watchful eye on your windshield and act quickly when problems arise.
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