Imagine driving on the highway and a stray stone or pebble hits your windshield and leaves a crack or chip. With your already hectic schedule, you might be worried about how long it will take for the repairs. Well, the good news is: not long at all.

In this article, we’ll explain why it is important to repair your windshield, how long windshield repair takes, and when you should consider a replacement.

Why is Prompt Windshield Repair Important?

You might be thinking that a small chip isn’t a big deal. But here’s the thing, even that minor chip can expand and turn into a major issue if you don’t get it repaired promptly. Here are some reasons why you should get your windshield repaired promptly:

• Prevent Further Damage

A small crack or chip can grow into a larger crack if you don’t get it repaired. Temperature changes, road vibrations and even just regular driving can make the damage worse. If you don’t fix it, the windshield might need to be replaced. 

• Safety First

Driving with a crack in your windshield not only makes it difficult to drive but also riskier. Even if the crack isn’t large enough to reduce visibility, the structural damage to the windshield might cause it to shatter while you’re driving, putting you and the passengers at risk. That’s why it’s recommended to get even the smallest chips repaired —safety always comes first.

• Saves You Money

If you don’t get the damage repaired while it’s still minor, it might lead to bigger issues. Repairing a small chip is much cheaper than replacing the entire windshield. The longer you delay the repairs, the more likely it is that the windshield will get further damaged and cost you more to repair.

• Avoid Legal Troubles

Many places have regulations that don’t allow you to drive a car that has a damaged windshield due to safety concerns. Violations can lead to fines or other legal problems, depending on the location. You certainly don’t want that and getting your windshield repaired might be necessary to prevent these troubles.

How Long Does a Windshield Repair Take?

Now that you know why windshield damage should be repaired as soon as possible, you might be worried that it’ll take too long.  But don’t sweat it—it doesn’t take that much time. While the exact time required to repair depends on the extent of the damage, on average moderate damage can be repaired within 30 minutes to an hour. It’s a pretty quick process given the benefits of the repair. It is definitely worth putting some time aside for it as prompt repairs can help protect yourself, your wallet and your vehicle. Knowing the estimated time for repair and what goes into the process, can be helpful to make the repair less stressful. Here is a simple guide to the windshield repair process:

• Assessment

When you take your car to an auto glass repair service, they’ll first assess the windshield to determine the extent of the damage and to see if the damage is repairable. They’ll check the size and location of the chip or the crack to advise whether you should opt for the repairs or full replacement would be a better solution.

• Cleaning and Prepping

Next, the repair service cleans the area around the damaged part to make sure the repair resins they’ll apply adhere properly. They might also use some special tools to clean out any debris and prepare the surface for the repair.

• Filling the Crack or the Chip

After cleaning the area, the technician might inject a clear resin into the crack or chip. This resin adheres to the windshield surface and helps restore its strength to prevent the damage from spreading.

• Curing the Resin

Once the resin fills the crack or chip, UV light is used to cure it. This process hardens the resin and makes it securely bonded to the glass. This step is important for making sure the resin stays in place and provides strength to the windshield structure.

• Polishing

Finally, the technician will polish the area where resin was applied to smoothen any rough spots and help make the repaired area blend with the windshield. Although you might still see a faint mark, the repair is usually much less noticeable and your windshield gets safer and stronger after the repair.

How Soon Can You Drive After Windshield Repair?

After the repairs are complete, you might be eager to drive away. But letting the resin settle in is important if you want long-lasting results. Once the repair is complete, it’s advisable to wait at least one hour before driving your vehicle. However, the exact time depends on the extent of the damage, and the service that repaired your windshield might be able to provide a more precise timeline. This waiting period allows the resin to cure fully and makes sure that the repair is secure, much like letting cement dry after a home renovation.

When to Consider a Full Windshield Replacement?

While repairing a damaged windshield might be a more affordable solution, windshield replacement is needed for chips or cracks that are too large to be repaired. The auto glass repair service might be able to provide advice on whether you should opt for repairs or replacement but here are some tips to help you decide:

• If the crack or chip is larger than a dollar bill, you would need to go for a replacement.
• Damage near the edge of the windshield is more likely to spread and cause more harm so a replacement might be a good idea in this situation.
• Long cracks or complex combinations of cracks might be too severe to be repaired and a replacement would be needed.
• If the damage reduces visibility, it might be a safety issue and full replacement would be a better option for ensuring clearer vision.
• Damage that affects the windshield’s structural integrity requires a replacement to maintain vehicle safety.

Looking for a Reliable Windshield Repair Service?

A damaged windshield can cause you much stress especially if you’re very busy. Whether you’re facing a small chip or a major crack, delaying repairs can lead to bigger problems and higher costs.

At San Leandro Auto Glass Repair, we provide quick, reliable service to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Our team of well trained and certified experts use proven techniques and tools to restore your windshield to its original strength.

Don’t let a small chip turn into a big problem—contact us today for a fast and reliable solution!