The windshield of a car is one of the most important elements responsible for the safety of the driver and passengers. But no driver is immune to sudden damage to the glass. Therefore, when such a situation happens, you start to think whether you have enough money for replacement or (if you are lucky) just repair. Let’s analyze the situation together and calculate how much this service can cost. And if you are a person who has suffered such an unpleasant fate – we recommend you to have your windshield repaired by the guys from GlassFix.
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Why is timely repair so important?
The windshield is subjected to constant stresses and environmental influences, which makes it vulnerable. Any damage (cracks) tends to increase with shaking or small stones hitting the surface. A small problem grows into a big one, so timely repair is not only a matter of safety, but also a way to avoid additional costs.
What does the cost of repair depend on?
The cost of windshield repair or replacement depends on several factors:
The size and type of damage
The most common windshield damages are chips, stars, and cracks. Small chips are usually repaired quickly and inexpensively, while long cracks require more time and resources. Repairing a chip up to 2 cm in diameter will cost less than repairing a crack that is more than 10 cm long.
Location of the damage
If the chip or crack is within the driver’s line of sight, it can be more expensive to repair. This is because in the visibility zone it is important to achieve near-perfect clarity after the repair, and this requires more precise work and high-quality materials.
The type and quality of materials used
Windshield repair uses special polymers that fill in damaged areas and harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. The quality of the polymer affects the strength and durability of the repair, so more expensive materials will provide better results, but will also cost more.
Urgency of repair
Some auto repair shops offer express repairs that can be completed within an hour. There is usually an additional charge for expedited service, but it is well worth it in case of an urgent need.
Approximate prices for windshield repair
On average, the cost to repair a small chip ranges from $20 to $50. If we are talking about a crack up to 10 cm long, the price can increase to $100 or more. Damage exceeding 15-20 cm is usually difficult to repair, and in such cases a full glass replacement is recommended.
Repair can save you a lot of money compared to glass replacement, which will cost about 10 times more. For example, the average price of a new windshield with installation can range from $200 to $500, depending on the make and model of the car, while a repair will cost only a few dozen dollars.
You and I have found out that glass repair can be much cheaper than a full replacement. So, don’t let the problem grow and do everything on time!