Repairing a windshield requires specialized knowledge and is always done under the care of a professional organization. Although a self repaired job might not give you a professional work result, it will be relatively cheaper. However, it is important to understand the risks of doing a repair yourself from getting it done professionally. Mentioned below are several factors to keep in mind when doing so.
Check the insurance and repair contracts of the vehicle
Depending on the type of repair that is needed, the cost of a repair or a windscreen replacement can vary greatly. This is because the location, insurance covers and types of windshields can differ. Usually most auto insurance covers will include the cost of the repair or the replacement of the windscreen. If this is not the case, you are likely to pay some or the entire cost of it on your own.
Check the type of damages
If there are damages such as cracks or chips on the corners or edges of the windscreen there is a big possibility of the structure being compromised and this can deem a major safety concern. In this case, a repair will not be a long term solution and a replacement is the best remedy to avoid major risks. Small scratches and cracks on the body of the vehicle, is not usually concerning as these can be quickly tweaked and repaired even at a car repairs at Onslow.
One of the other important areas to check for damages is in the direct line of sight of the driver. Cracks in this area will most definitely interfere with the driving even after repair; therefore it is recommended to replace the entire screen if damages are seen directly over the driver’s seat. For example, two areas of damage that are approximately four inches apart will definitely require a replacement as this can easily obscure the line of sight from both eyes while driving.
Measure the damages
Most cracks that are roughly shorter than six inches could be repaired on your own provided the right tools and equipment are available. It also depends on the position and place of the windscreen, however for any crack more than 18 inches, consulting a professional and getting a recommendation is the best option or you could end up making the damage worse. Certain chips and dents from accidents cannot be repaired as well. For example, circular cracks that are less than one inch could be considered to be repaired instead of a full replacement. Overall, considering these details will help you decide on what option is best for windscreen damage.