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