When you’re driving, the last thing you want to see is something hit your windshield. And when it does, the damage could range from a little pit that can be repaired to a crack that will require replacement of the entire glass. The type of damage and where it’s located can determine whether you can repair or replace the glass, but even small pits and cracks can spread if you wait too long to have them fixed. The best way to decide is to have a professional look at the damaged area and determine if it can be repaired or will need to be replaced.
Repairing a Windshield
The most common way to repair a windshield is to use resin. Resin is a liquid that’s injected into the affected area to fill in any gaps and prevent the damage from spreading. This is done with special tools, including a bridge and injector, that are found in many windshield repair oakville kits. The bridge is placed over the damaged area and the injector forces a clear resin into the windshield pit. The resin is then cured using ultraviolet light. Once the repair is complete, you won’t be able to tell where the pit or crack was.
However, this method is not ideal for extending damage to the edge of your windshield or other areas that will be difficult to reach with the injector and resin. It also isn’t suitable for craters, which are small indentations on the windshield that don’t cause any structural damage and usually can be removed with water or cleaner.
In addition to the resin method, some shops use a process called “pushing.” With this technique, a technician places a plastic pedestal over the damaged area and pushes air out from underneath the glass. The pressure from the pedestal can cause the crack to close. This is often used to repair cracks that are less than 18 inches in length and can be completed in a single session.
Whether you can repair or replace your windshield depends on the size and location of the damage as well as any state regulations that may apply. For example, some states require replacement if the damage is directly in the driver’s line of sight or if the crack reaches both layers of your windshield. In general, though, it’s best to fix a damaged windshield right away to avoid potential safety issues and save money in the long run.
RS Auto Glass
210 North Service Rd W, Oakville, ON L6M 2Y2, Canada
(289) 291-0988