When you protect your windshield, you protect yourself. From what causes cracks to when you should get a windshield replacement, here’s the need-to-know.

So often we’ll see windshield damage that could have been prevented if the driver came to us sooner and requested a chip repair (which is much lower on the dollar count). And there are other instances where we see the car part has done its job and the driver, themselves, can request a windshield replacement.

With that, we wanted to share a bit of windshield know-how so yall’re more aware of when you need crack repair or a full windshield and glass replacement.

1.    Why Your Windshield Might Need Repair

Your windshield has many functions. From protecting you and your passengers from the elements while on the highway to making your vehicle more aerodynamic and lighter on the gas.

But there’s one more way your windshield is a vital part of your drive; it has multiple protective layers that are specially designed and reinforced to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision or even from flying debris.

If these layers are compromised, if your line-of-sight is compromised or if the structural integrity of the windshield, itself, is compromised, then it’s time for a repair.

2.    The Types of Windshield Damage

Windshield damage may need repair or replacement based on the location, size or type of the break.

There are two locations that would warrant replacement or immediate repair and those are if the damage affects driver line-of sight or if the crack is near the surrounding metal frame (which would affect the strength and integrity of the windshield, overall).

In terms of size, any crack wider than a dollar bill will warrant windshield replacement. But this is typically because of the tools used to repair chips. Then, there’s the type of crack to consider (and there’s 5 of ‘em!):

a.    Star-Break

A star break is exactly what is says on the tin. You’ll have a small impact zone with multiple radial cracks coming away from it in all directions. With this, the general look of the crack will be a star shape.

b.    Bullseye

Again, the bullseye doesn’t leave much to the imagination. When something small and round hits the glass very hard and fast, it’ll cause circular damage to the windshield.

c.    Partial Bullseye

Also known as the half moon, it’s just like the bullseye but – instead of showing a perfectly circular chip – it’ll produce a half-circle or moon shape because the impacting object wasn’t completely round.

d.    Crack Chip

The crack ship is generally around the size of a quarter, will have a starting impact zone and will then have one crack that extends from it. This is generally due to the impacting shape being uneven.

e.    Stress Crack

The stress crack is different from the other examples because it isn’t an impacting object that causes it. The windshield will have multiple cracks because of heat or pressure stress.

3.    How Windshield Replacement is Done

Because windshields have such an important role in keeping you and your passengers safe, it’s important to know when a small chip could lead to a full windshield replacement.

As we’ve said, if the impact zone is close to the metal frame, more substantial than a dollar bill or is in your line-of-sight as a driver, you’ll need to go for a full replacement. The latter is especially important when we look at Texas law about obstructed views!

So, here’s a quick break-down of the 13 easy steps our ASE-certified technicians use for windshield replacement:

a.    Fully open both front doors

b.    Inspect the vehicle for damage

c.    Apply protective covers

d.    Remove trims, wipers and cowl panel

e.    Disconnect cameras or sensors

f.     Use a fiber line to cut through the windshield adhesive

g.    Carefully suction lift the glass panel

h.    Clean out the pinch weld

i.     Clean the new windshield and prime the edges

j.     Apply a urethane adhesive layer to the windshield bezel

k.    Place windshield over the pinch weld

l.     Allow adhesive to dry

m.  Replace trims, wipers and cowl panel

And now you know why windshield replacement is needed, what the typed of windshield damage are and how your vehicle’s windshield will be replaced when you roll into the shop here in Carrollton, TX.

To learn more about the offers and services our ASE-certified technicians and engineers can provide your wheels, give the team at Dealership Autoplex Collision Center a call on (972) 242-0092. Alternatively, visit our website to learn more or give the team a holla in the shop.