Before you get your vehicle to the auto glass specialist or call your mobile windshield repair provider, here are a few tips for ensuring your safety and your vehicle's functionality.

If you do decide that windshield replacement is your best bet, you have a few choices. First of all, make sure you check to see if your insurance covers it. In a lot of instances it does. The problem is that many policies have a deductible that is higher than the cost of the replacement or front window repair job. If that is the case, you will have to pay for it yourself.
 

Some technicians might rip you off by suggesting a brand new windshield when in fact all you need is have the crack fixed, so make sure you examine the damage. A small crack of up to six inches long can definitely be repaired. Repairing the crack or chip rather than replacing the whole windshield especially when you can help it is best because it's safe and less expensive. In addition, you can maintain the factory seal of the windshield. Windshield repair can take no more than 30 minutes of labor. If it suspiciously takes longer, be careful because the technician might be tricking you.

Check for irregularities. If you're at the fix auto glass or rear of the car, look along the car to see if there are small dents. These can be seen as distortions in the reflection. If the paint is not smooth in one place, then this could be a place where there has been some damage. Dents as large as a coin can be restored by a panel beater. Dents that are not thoroughly repaired are often filled with polyester resin or fibreglass paste. Tap the surface, or go along it with a magnet. Know whether the panel is made of steel, not plastic, fibreglass or aluminum. If there are places where the magnet will not adhere, then in all likelihood, the panel has been repaired. Ask the owner why the part has been repainted?

Unfortunately, not all windshield chips are created equal. There are four main types of chips: star break, combo break, partial bullseye, and bullseye. Each one may spread differently or at different speeds, so it's important to take your car to an expert as soon as possible to determine if you can have windshield chip repair done.

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Replacing your windshield can be a pretty hefty investment. Once you've spoken to a windshield specialist as well as your insurance company you will know where you stand on what repairs or replacement services will be covered. This is also a good time to consider after-market options such as window tinting which may help reduce the chances of needing to repair or replace it again in the near future.