| We have all been there at least once before. Driving | | | | as possible to avoid cold or hot weather from |
| along the highway when something catches our eye; | | | | expanding the crack. |
| a stone is flying straight toward the front of our car. | | | | Once the crack is large enough that you can't stand |
| We sort of duck out of the way and hear a "thunk" | | | | it anymore, it is time to replace the entire windshield. |
| on the windshield. "Oh great," we think sarcastically, | | | | This process only takes a couple hours at a local auto |
| our windshield now has a crack. | | | | glass shop. Better yet are the companies that come |
| Windshield cracks and blemishes can be troublesome. | | | | to your home of office and replace the windshield on |
| You can never really guess what is going to happen; | | | | site. Make sure to call the auto glass shop as soon as |
| they almost always start small and end up spider | | | | possible to make sure they have your windshield in |
| webbing across the remaining windshield. Some rock | | | | stock. They will usually need to order one, but it |
| blemishes only leave chunk of glass missing. If not | | | | does not take very long to get it. |
| treated correctly it can turn into a large crack as well. | | | | Paying for a new windshield can often be a drag, |
| Taking care of small chunks or blemishes is the | | | | especially if it happens often. After all, most cracked |
| easiest fix for a windshield. There are professional | | | | windshields are not the driver's fault, just bad luck. |
| companies that will come out to your vehicle and use | | | | Many auto glass shops will bill your insurance for you. |
| a resin mixture to fill the star or crack that is existing. | | | | However, for many drivers this is not the best |
| By filling the mark the crack is aesthetically more | | | | option. It all depends on your insurance deductible. |
| pleasing, and more importantly the resin prevents the | | | | New windshields can cost anywhere from $300-$700. |
| crack from spreading further. This method is great | | | | If your deductible is more than that, it is easiest to |
| for prolonging the life of your windshield and saving | | | | just pay for the new windshield out of your pocket. |
| you money up front. However, eventually the | | | | This is also the quickest way to have the issue |
| windshield will need to be replaced. | | | | resolved. However, if your deductible is significantly |
| If your windshield has a large crack, the best option | | | | less than the cost of a new windshield, then let the |
| is to replace the entire windshield instead of | | | | insurance pay for it, that is if it is included in your |
| attempting a repair kit. Repairs are meant for smaller | | | | policy. Again, this decision is based solely on the cost |
| stars and chunks, but larger cracks are uncontrollable. | | | | of your insurance deductible and the convenience of |
| The most important thing to do is prevent the crack | | | | making a claim. |
| from getting larger. Avoid temperature change. Do | | | | Repairing or replacing windshield cracks is a fairly |
| not wash your car; the cold water from the hose on | | | | simple process. By assessing the size of the crack |
| a hot or warm windshield causes the crack to spread. | | | | and your payment options you are ensuring the best |
| Try to leave the car in a protected garage as much | | | | possible repair job for your car and your wallet. |