Can you fix a cracked windshield without replacing it in North Bergen New Jersey?

The tranquility of a driving experience is often shattered – quite literally – by the sudden appearance of a crack or chip on your windshield. For North Bergen residents, the sight of a gouge in your car's most prominent piece of glass can be both a visual nuisance and a potential safety hazard. But can you avoid the high cost of windshield replacement by repairing the damage instead?

Defining Cracked Windshield

The term "cracked windshield" can refer to a range of issues – from a simple chip caused by a stray pebble to long, web-like fissures that seem to appear overnight.

Chipped Windshield

Chips are small divots in the glass, usually caused by a loose stone or another projectile, with damage that doesn't extend into a "leg" or "arm" of the glass.

Cracked Windshield

Cracks can be classified as short or long, along with the variety of the fissure and the object that caused it.

How do Windshields Crack?

Understanding how your windshield might crack is crucial. The three most common culprits are:

Long crack

These can occur due to a significant impact or from a chip that wasn't repaired promptly.

Edge crack

These tend to originate from the edge of the windshield and can spread further if not addressed quickly.

Stress crack

Without any noticeable cause, these cracks typically result from natural wear and temperature changes.

Reasons To Have Your Windshield Repaired or Replaced

A damaged windshield can impair visibility, weaken the structural integrity of your car, and even lead to a traffic citation in certain states.

Driving With A Damaged Windshield in North Bergen

North Bergen’s traffic and potential weather changes can pose additional risks with a damaged windshield. It's important to address the issue quickly.

When to repair a cracked windshield

Simple chips and small cracks can often be repaired if addressed immediately. These repairs can improve visibility and maintain the structural safety of the windshield.

When to replace a cracked windshield

If the crack is longer than a dollar bill or obstructs the driver's view, immediate replacement is the safest and often legally required solution.

Can you drive with a cracked windshield?

Legally, if the crack does not interfere with the driver's field of vision and the glass integrity is not severely compromised. However, your safety should always be the priority.

Does insurance cover a cracked windshield?

Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover the cost of damaged windshield repair or replacement, though it's best to confirm with your provider.

Cracked Windshield Repair: Steps to Fix Your Windshield

If you're dealing with a chip or small crack, and insurance doesn't cover the repair, you might consider a DIY approach. Here’s a guide to the process.

DIY Windshield Repair Steps

If you’re comfortable, these six steps can help you repair a minor windshield issue.

Step # 1: Prepare the Affected Area

Ensure the area around the damage is clean and dry.

Step # 2: Place the Mount

Position the provided mount directly over the damage.

Step # 3: Screw in Resin Tool

Screw in the resin tool until tight against the mount.

Step # 4: Add 6 Drops of Resin

Add six drops of the provided resin into the tool.

Step # 5: Put the Plunger in the Resin Tool

Place the plunger in the tool and slowly pull to create a vacuum.

Step # 6: Place Plastic Strip

Cover the area with the provided plastic strip and allow the resin to cure in sunlight.

Remember, while DIY kits are available, it’s often recommended to seek professional assistance. In North Bergen, Taylor Auto Glass Repairs offers expert auto glass solutions to ensure your windshield is in top condition.