When to repair or replace the windshield?

THE cracked windshield or chipped from the car is a potential danger for the driver and can be punished by the police. Damage is usually caused by an object hitting the glass violently. Most of the time, these are stones or small debris that you encounter along the way. But if you have a cracked windshield, should it be replaced or repaired? When to do it? \n\n\n

What causes windshields to crack?

\nThe leading cause of damage to windshield of the car is the collision with objects lifted by other vehicles while driving. When rolling, the vehicle's wheels lift stones, metal parts or pieces of asphalt from the road. All these objects that land on vehicles, especially against the windshield which is an easy target. \n\nBut another factor that leads to windshield shattering is the sudden change in temperature. This is why it is strongly recommended not to remove ice from car windows with hot or boiling water in winter. Bad weather can also cause windshield damage, such as heavy hail. \n\n\n

Windshield: repair or replace?

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1- Repair: when and why?

\nTo understand if a chipped windshield can be repaired, there are a few simple rules to follow. First of all, the size of the chip. In fact, we opt for repairing the windshield: \n

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• if the damage does not cover an area greater than a two euro coin,
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• if it is not less than 5 centimeters from the edge of the glass
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• and if it is not aligned with the driver's view.
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\nThere windshield repair in Evreux is done by inserting a special resin into the space, which is then dried. The resin fills the gap and hardens, it becomes part of the windshield, preventing damage from spreading. \n\n\n

Benefits of repair

\nThe advantages of windshield repair include: \n

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• saving time: the repair takes about 30 minutes, while an hour and a half is needed for the replacement;
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• the cost savings: in the case where the motorist has an insurance policy, and according to its conditions, the intervention is free;
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• less environmental impact: the repairs reduce CO2 emissions by 90% compared to the replacement.
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2- What about the replacement?

\nThe law prohibits repairing a broken windshield if the chip is in zone A, the one in front of the driver. In this case, the distraction effect or possible light reflections, although rare, have led the legislator to force the replacement. If the chip is in the screen printing zone, the dark one that delimits the edges of the crystal, it is often difficult to repair. \n\nFinally, a breakage in the car window cannot be repaired when it exceeds the dimensions indicated above or when it turns into a crack. It is important to remember that if a side window breaks, a replacement is almost mandatory. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that damages are always more significant and more complex than they seem. Therefore, relying on experienced professionals is always important.\n