Myths & Misconceptions About Windshield Repair
It pays to understand the auto glass industry if you’re ready for windshield repair or replacement. However, there are a few pervasive myths surrounding the windshield repair process. If you take these inaccurate pieces of advice seriously, you could end up overpaying for unnecessary services—or doing even more damage to your windshield by mistake.
Do you want to make sure you’re on the right track when it comes to windshield repair? Here’s a list of eight windshield-related misconceptions you should be aware of and a look at the truth.
Myth #1: A Cracked Windshield Should Always Be Replaced
It can be easy for people who have never dealt with a damaged windshield before to start panicking. After all, finding cracks in your windshield can be alarming—and they need to be dealt with properly to protect you and your passengers. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should shell out for a full-fledged windshield replacement.
Qualified technicians like the team at Max Auto Glass can often provide cracked windshield repair. While larger cracks may require a total windshield replacement, cracks shorter than a dollar bill can usually be fixed with a simple resin repair.
Myth #2: You Can Ignore Minor Damage
On the other hand, you may assume small-scale windshield damage doesn’t need to be fixed at all. It’s easy enough to understand why you’d need to repair cracks in your windshield. But is the same really true for dings or chips?
The answer to that question is “yes.” Even a tiny chip in a windshield can reduce its overall strength, and these types of damage can eventually worsen if you ignore them for long enough. To avoid more extensive (and more expensive) windshield damage in the future, treat chips and dings with the same amount of caution you would apply to a cracked windshield.
Myth #3: DIY Repair Kits are “Good Enough”
Have you been doing some research on chipped windshield repair? If so, you’ve likely encountered a wide selection of DIY repair kits claiming to offer a cheaper approach to fixing your windshield. While these products can certainly be appealing, you should know what you’re really getting for your money when you go down this road.
Most windshield repair kits are used for installing windshield patches. These are small, transparent patches you can place over chips, dings, and other types of low-level windshield damage. You can think of these products as the equivalent of bandages—they can help you deal with a cut in the short term, but they won’t help you heal. You’ll need resin repair from a trustworthy auto glass shop for that.
Myth #4: Only Large Objects Can Damage Windshields
When a big, heavy rock hits your windshield, it’s easy to imagine what could happen. But much smaller objects can also damage your windshield—even pieces of gravel.
The amount of damage an object can do to your windshield can be influenced by many factors. These include:
- The weight of an object
- The speed your vehicle is traveling at
- The shape of the item
- Where it contacts the windshield
Myth #5: All Chips are Identical
It’s common to refer to “chips” as if they’re interchangeable—in fact, you may have already noticed this earlier in the article! However, there are really six primary types of chips:
- Half-moon
- Bull’s-eye
- Cloverleaf
- Bee’s wing
- Combo break
- Star break
These chip varieties can affect your windshield in different ways and spread in various shapes/speeds. Ensure the company taking care of your car’s auto glass needs employs technicians who can tell the difference.
Myth #6: Auto Glass Repair Is Inconvenient
Scheduling any type of auto repair can feel like a pain, even when the setup process itself is straightforward. If you’ve owned a car for long enough, you know how long even a seemingly-short fix can take. With that in mind, it’s easy to assume the same holds true for cracked windshield repair.
If you have a damaged windshield but want to get back on the road ASAP, we have good news: our windshield repair services take just 30 to 40 minutes to complete. Better yet, you won’t even have to bring your vehicle to Max Auto Glass for service. Instead, our mobile service lets us come to you—and you won’t have to pay extra for the privilege!
Myth #7: Windshield Repair Will Increase Your Insurance Costs
As you can see, there are countless myths surrounding the field of cracked and chipped windshield repair. The most persistent misconception is that placing claims for these services will cause your insurance to skyrocket. Like many misleading “facts,” there’s a kernel of truth to this belief: your insurance company will probably increase your rates if you get in multiple accidents and need expensive repairs.
Despite this, a single windshield repair shouldn’t cause problems related to your insurance. Your insurance company knows how easy it is for you to switch, so they won’t bother raising your rates over something as small as chipped auto glass.
Myth #8: There’s No Difference Between Auto Glass Repair Companies
It’s not hard to find companies offering windshield repair in Tucson, AZ. Since the number of available options for these services can feel overwhelming, you may want to just pick a business at random. But when you do so, you won’t be able to ensure you’re getting the quality service you deserve.
Max Auto Glass is the Tucson area’s number one choice for auto glass repair and replacement. We stand apart from the competition with our team of AGSC-certified technicians, our unmatched commitment to quality, and our convenient mobile service.
Schedule Your Windshield Repair Today
Have you been dealing with cracks, chips, or dings in your windshield? If so, there’s no time to waste—get in touch with the experts at Max Auto Glass. They’ll get your Tucson-area windshield repair taken care of as soon as possible!