Being a car owner comes with many responsibilities and risks. At some point, you may have experienced some damage to your car windows, such as your windshield. Your windows are important to your car's safety because you need to see from all angles when you drive. Therefore, even a small chip or crack can become a safety issue that makes driving on a road dangerous. The question you may have is whether you need your auto glass repaired or replaced. Let's review this topic in depth below so you know what type of appointment to make with a professional.

Visibility

You should never drive a car that you can't see clearly out of. Whether it's your front windshield, your side windows, or your rearview mirror, you need visibility all around you; there could be obstructions or dangers lurking from any corner. Your ability to react quickly is dependent upon what you see in terms of other cars or obstructions. A lack of visibility puts you, your passengers, other drivers, and nearby pedestrians in danger. Driver visibility is already in danger when on the road, at night, or during inclement weather. While you can't control the weather or time of day, you can control how well-maintained you keep your car and its windows. If you can't see, you likely need auto glass replacement services immediately.

Damage Level

Think about how badly damaged your windshield or window is. Is it a little chip or a small crack? If so, repair may be enough. However, if the crack is so extensive that you can barely see through half of the window, then it's time to replace it. If the crack is longer than a dollar bill, it cannot be repaired and will require a full replacement. Similarly, if the chip is located directly in the driver's line of sight, it’ll likely need to be replaced for optimal visibility. However, you shouldn't always judge damage based on what you see. Instead, consider how the window reacts to touch. When you touch your auto glass, fragility and caving indicate the need for replacement.

Cost

It's no secret that making auto repairs or replacements isn't the cheapest thing. Therefore, cost is a major factor for any car owner who needs to make a judgment. It's more cost-effective to repair a chip or a small crack. However, a full replacement is worth the money if your safety is involved. It can also save you in terms of attracting the attention of the law. States and cities have different traffic and driving laws, so driving with obviously damaged auto glass can cause you to be pulled over, questioned, and ticketed.

Safety

A vehicle isn't just something to get you from point A to point B. It's also not just something to show off because it's the latest model. An automobile comes with a great deal of responsibility despite its convenience. However, it's also something that can be a great deal of danger if you don't manage it properly. Anytime you get behind the wheel of a car, you have to think about your safety, the passengers, people driving in other cars on the road, and any nearby pedestrians. The slightest level of invisibility can impact the safety of anybody on the road.

While going to an auto shop to repair your chipped auto glass might be inconvenient at the moment, doing so can save lives. An unattended chip or crack can develop into a much bigger one that can end up leading to a replacement when it could have been repaired. When the windshield is compromised, it can no longer protect you. Shattered windshield glass can cause injury and possible fatality in the event of an accident.

Insurance Coverage

Have you reviewed your auto insurance policy lately? If not, you should do so after auto glass damage. All insurance coverage isn't the same and will cover different things, so check to see if your auto insurance will cover the cost of repair versus a full replacement. As long as you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance policy should make the necessary repairs with no out-of-pocket expenses for you to worry about. Even if your insurance doesn't cover it, you should make the effort to get the repairs done. After all, it's an out-of-pocket expense that can ensure your safety.

Time Constraints

You likely have a busy job and other responsibilities to handle on a day-to-day basis. Of course, certain car upgrades can take longer than others. Repairing a chip or crack on your car may only take a few minutes and shouldn't take too much time out of your day. However, if you need a replacement, that may take a few hours, but if there are other cars ahead of the line in the shop, you may have to live without your car for a day. If you're extremely short on time and want to make sure you can drive safely, see if you can quickly go in for repair services.

Type of Vehicle

All auto glass isn't created equally. You must consider the type of car you have, as it can determine how long the repair or replacement will take. For example, do you drive a high-end luxury car or a rare model? A Mercedes may require specialized glass at a specific dealer. If you're driving a high-end car, always know the ideal dealer or repair shop to go to so you don't waste time going to someone who can't handle the problem.

Future Problems

Before repairing or replacing any part of your car, like auto glass, think about the potential future problems that you can prevent or cause by making such an update. Has your car windshield already had several repairs? The more repairs you have on your car, the more it'll depreciate over time. You want all of your auto glass, especially your windshield, to be as strong as possible. Therefore, after a significant number of repair services, it may be time to opt for auto glass replacement to ensure that you have the strongest glass possible.

Remember, weakened auto glass can affect not only you but also other people who may be in your car or standing nearby. Failure to keep your car as safe as possible could result in a major liability issue. This can cause legal fees and a mark on your record that you don't want to deal with.

When a driver has auto glass damage, there are several factors to consider before deciding between repair and auto glass replacement. Ultimately, it's important to prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road by getting any necessary repairs or replacements done in a timely manner. With approximately 14 million windshields being replaced in America annually, according to Newsnow.com, you can rest assured that you’re not alone in facing this issue as a car owner. The next time you encounter auto glass damage, remember to consider visibility, the amount and type of damage, cost, safety, insurance coverage, time constraints, type of vehicle, and potential future considerations before making your decision. For an auto glass professional you can trust, contact our skilled and experienced team at Two Bros Auto Glass today.