Windshield repair - gluing or replacement? Guide
Minor cracks or broken glass can be removed by a mechanic. This is a faster and, above all, cheaper solution than replacing the entire glass.
While rear and side windows usually last the life of a vehicle, the front windshield is much more prone to damage. This is mainly due to the fact that it is the front of the car that is most often hurt by pebbles and debris, which abound on our roads.
The greatest force also acts on the windshield during movement. Therefore, chips and cracks appear on a flat smooth surface, which can grow rapidly. Especially if the driver often drives on rough roads.
Cracks, chips...
Glass can be damaged in several ways. From loads and impacts, “spiders”, “stars”, “scratches” or “crescents” may appear on the glass. Each of them, even if small, can make it difficult for the driver to control the car. On sunny days, this loss scatters the sun's rays, blinding the driver.
Remember that if the windshield is damaged, the car will not pass inspection. No wonder - riding with such damage can be dangerous. Airbags have been known to not deploy properly due to broken glass. In addition, then the car body becomes less rigid, which can be dangerous in an accident.
Wrapping car windows instead of replacing them
In a professional workshop, we will eliminate most defects without the need for costly replacement of the entire glass. However, there are certain conditions. First, the damage should not be in the driver's line of sight and should not be too old. The chipping diameter should not exceed 5-20 mm (depending on the repair technology), and the crack length should not exceed 5-20 cm.
– Repair will also be impossible if the crack ends at the edge of the glass or under the seal. Then it remains only to replace the glass with a new one, says Karolina Lesniak from Res-Motors from Rzeszow.
Professionals do not recommend repairing severely damaged or scratched glass. It is important that only chips from the outside of the glass are removed. Repair - so-called. bonding looks like this.
First, with the help of a special device, moisture, dirt and air are removed from the cavity. The damage is then filled with synthetic resin, hardened and polished. It usually doesn't take more than an hour.
Cheaper and faster
According to NordGlass specialists, the repair restores 95-100 percent of the windshield. strength in the damaged area. The main thing, unlike the replacement, is that the trims and clips remain in their factory places.
The price difference is also important. While a new windshield for a popular car model costs around PLN 500-700, restoration should not cost more than PLN 50-150. The price depends on the size of the damage and the time required to fix it.
