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Does your auto glass have any cracks or chips? If so, then it may be time to replace it. However, before making any replacements, you should first assess the damage. Depending on the severity, you may be able to repair your auto glass instead.
In this article, we’ll go over the top 8 warning signs that indicate you need an auto glass replacement. By being aware of these signs, you can take action before the damage becomes irreparable.
1. Cracks or Chips
The most obvious sign that you need an auto glass replacement is if there are cracks or chips in the glass. Depending on the size and location of the damage, a crack or chip can significantly impair your vision while driving. If the damage is located in your line of sight, then it’s best to replace the glass as soon as possible.
2. Bullseye Damage
Bullseye damage is a type of glass damage that looks like a small circle with a crack radiating from the center. This type of damage is caused by an object striking the glass at high speeds. While bullseye damage may not initially impair your vision, it will eventually spread and cause the glass to crack.
3. Star Damage
Star damage is similar to bullseye damage, but instead of a circle, it resembles a star shape. Like bullseye damage, star damage is caused by an object striking the glass at high speeds. Star damage can also spread over time, so it’s best to replace the glass as soon as possible.
4. Combination Damage
Combination damage is a type of glass damage that combines both cracks and chips. This type of damage is usually caused by an object striking the glass at high speeds. Combination damage can be difficult to repair, so it’s often best to replace the glass entirely.
5. Punctures
Punctures are another type of glass damage that can be caused by an object striking the glass at high speeds. Unlike other types of damage, punctures create a hole in the glass that cannot be repaired. As a result, if your auto glass has any punctures, you will need to replace it.
6. Scratches
Scratches are another type of damage that can impair your vision while driving. While most scratches can be buffed out, deeper scratches will require you to replace the glass.
7. Stone Damage
Stone damage is a type of glass damage that is caused by small pebbles or rocks striking the glass. While stone damage may not seem like a big deal, it can actually cause the glass to crack or chip. If your auto glass has any stone damage, it’s best to have it replaced.
8. Water Damage
Water damage is another type of glass damage that can be caused by driving in inclement weather. If your auto glass becomes foggy or opaque, it’s likely due to water damage. In most cases, water damage can be repaired; however, if the damage is severe, you may need to replace the glass entirely.
If your auto glass is damaged, it’s important to have it assessed as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to repair the glass, or you may need to replace it entirely. By being aware of the warning signs, you can take action before the damage becomes irreparable.
Learn the Risks of DIY Auto Glass Repairs
While it may be tempting to purchase a fix-it-yourself kit from your local auto parts store and save some money, we strongly advise against it. Working with auto glass is dangerous, and even a small mistake can result in serious injury.
Auto glass is made of laminated safety glass, which means that it consists of two layers of glass with a plastic inner layer. This construction makes the glass more resistant to shattering; however, it also makes it more difficult to work with.
If you attempt to repair your own auto glass, there’s a chance that you could crack or chip the outer layer of glass. Once the outer layer is damaged, the inner layer is no longer protected and can shatter easily. If this happens, you could be seriously injured by flying glass shards.
In addition, DIY auto glass repairs are not always effective. Even if you’re able to successfully repair the glass, there’s a chance that the repair will not hold, and the damage will reoccur.
It’s best to leave auto glass repairs to the professionals. Auto glass technicians have the training and experience necessary to safely and effectively repair or replace your auto glass.
If you’re in need of auto glass repair or replacement, contact your local auto glass shop. Most shops offer free quotes, so you can find out how much the repair will cost before making a commitment. Once you receive a quote, you can decide whether to move forward with the repair or replacement.
For drivers local to our area, we invite you to reach out to our team of dedicated auto glass experts. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free quote. Give us a call today!