You can often get windshield repair in Houston for cracks several times before needing a replacement.
Booking windshield repair in Houston as soon as you notice damage can help keep your auto glass in good condition. Windshield repair in Houston helps keep your glass strong and safe after you notice a chip or crack. However, you might wonder how many times you can repair your windshield before you need a replacement. While this depends on your specific windshield and situation, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding auto glass repair.
How Many Times Can I Get Windshield Repair in Houston Before Needing a Replacement?
The great thing about windshield repair in Houston is that it saves you from replacing your windshield every time you notice a rock chip. To repair your windshield, your glass technician injects special resin into the area. This helps bind the glass together. Windshield repair enhances strength, visibility, and safety for your damaged windshield. However, even windshield repair in Houston has its limits, which is why extensive damage usually requires a windshield replacement. This is also true for multiple damaged areas, whether all at once or over time.
Why Not Refill the Crack?
You can repair your windshield several times if you have different chips and cracks in different areas. However, if you get windshield repair in Houston and then notice damage in the same spot, you’ll likely need a replacement. The problem with this situation is that you can’t remove resin or inject more into the same area. The point of resin is to bind the glass together. Therefore, when you already have resin in that area, repair would only make your windshield weaker. If you’ve had windshield repair multiple times over time, it may just be time for a replacement to help protect your car and passengers.
Repair Failures Require Windshield Replacement
Another reason why you may notice chips or cracks in a previously repaired area on your windshield is if the repair didn’t work. While windshield repair in Houston is fairly reliable, there are some circumstances that can cause it to fail. If repair fails, then it’s likely a sign to replace the glass.
Windshield repair in Houston can fail if contaminants enter the chip or crack, as they interfere with the resin’s ability to bond. Getting repairs as soon as possible can help prevent these issues. Also, if you didn’t follow the recommended aftercare, such as staying off the road or keeping out of extreme temperatures, then the resin may not have cured correctly. Once again, trying to refill the crack just simply won’t work. Finally, repairs may also fail if the damage was already questionable. A reputable glass technician will tell you when damages may not be repairable or if there’s a chance the repair may fail. Complex or large damages often can’t be repaired because the resin may not be able to hold. In any case, after repair failure, you likely need a new windshield to keep yourself, your passengers, and your car safe.
How Will I Know When It’s Time for a Replacement Instead of Windshield Repair in Houston?
Just like any other part in your car, there comes a time where it’s time to replace your windshield with a new one. However, when do you know when that time is? Your auto glass specialists can help you decide whether you should repair or replace your windshield.
Unlike many parts in your car, however, you likely won’t need to routinely replace your windshield unless it’s damaged. At some point, you likely will experience windshield damage, whether due to rocks on the road or even just dust and dirt causing pitting. However, if you keep your windshield in good condition, it can last the lifetime of your car. Some common reasons you may need to replace your windshield include:
Multiple Damaged Areas
Generally, if you have numerous chips and cracks on your windshield, then you’ll likely need new auto glass in Houston. Also, if you frequently get chips and cracks repaired, but haven’t replaced your windshield in years, then you might benefit from a windshield. Remember, the resin used in windshield repair works to bond the glass together, it’s not supposed to bond repaired area to repaired area. This can create a weak windshield that may not adequately protect you. Therefore, if you have previously repaired the same area in your glass, your glass technician may recommend a replacement as the safest and most practical solution.
Damage in the Driver’s Line of Sight
Another reason you may choose replacement over windshield repair in Houston is if the damage reduces the driver’s visibility. Damages on the driver’s side can make it difficult to see out of the windshield. Even after repair, some distortion may be visible. Therefore, to ensure the safest driving conditions, we often recommend replacing damage if it impairs the driver’s ability to see.
Chips and Cracks Near the Edges of the Windshield
If you notice damage near the edges of your windshield, then you may need replacement instead of windshield repair in Houston. This is because cracks in this area can affect the bond between the glass and the frame of your car. This makes it structurally unsound and may even lead to vibrations. If this happens, your windshield could be more prone to shattering and may not offer enough stability to protect you in an accident. Remember, your windshield is an important safety feature in your vehicle: it prevents items from flying into your cabin and injuring you. Many cars also use the windshield in air bag deployment. Therefore, it’s best to replace windshields with chips and cracks within two inches of the edge of the glass.
At Apple Glass Company, we offer advanced, affordable glass solutions for your car, home, and business. Whether you need in-shop glass repair in Houston or mobile repair services, our experts will help you have peace of mind that your auto glass is safe. We’ll help you repair your windshield to like-new quality or recommend the best services for your car and your budget for replacement options. Call us today at (713) 680-1400 in Houston or (281) 296-0600 in The Woodlands to get a free quote and schedule glass services today!
