When your windshield sustains damages, there are a lot of nuances that will influence how you should handle the auto glass repair. Depending on several characteristics of the damage, you’ll either be able to schedule a simple repair or need to look into a full glass replacement. Here’s a guide to what you should know about these situations. 

What’s the Degree of the Damage?

Whether you have a crack or chip, the first variable to consider is the magnitude of the damage. Specifically, that means how big and deep is it? A chip with a 1-inch diameter and cracks less than 3 inches are all considered repairable. Usually, when the damage is more severe than those thresholds, it is too significant for auto glass repair, and won’t ever be strong enough to be safe. As a result, full windshield replacement is what’s called for in those cases. 

What Area of the Windshield Is Affected?

Another important variable is where the crack or chip occurred. If it’s at the windshield’s edge, that can be fatal for the glass, since the periphery is so crucial in maintaining the overall integrity of the windshield. When the edge gets damaged, it makes it much more likely that the glass will shatter upon impact, endangering passengers. The other thing technicians look out for is if the crack or chip is directly in a driver’s line of sight. Even the most skillful repair will sometimes leave a slight blur, and if that is in too central a spot, it can make even basic driving dangerous. 

What’s the Variety of the Damage?

Part of the assessment is the form that the crack or chip takes. A technician will quickly be able to diagnose the name of the damage pattern. For instance, bulls-eyes, star breaks, and pits are usually not difficult to repair. However, when a crack reaches the inside of the windshield, that often means a replacement is needed. Another example of replacement-worthy damage is when one impact point generates several long cracks; in that case, the strength of the glass won’t be able to be reformed.  

If there has been any damage to your windshield, contact a top auto glass repair specialist like Tracy's Collision Center in Lincoln, NE. In business for over five decades, the collision center holds certifications from Honda ProFirst, I-CAR Gold Class, FCA, and Assured Performance. Call to schedule an appointment with the body shop at (402) 441-4820. Learn more about the center by visiting their website.