The Real Reason You Need to Repair a Chipped Windshield
That chipped windshield may have been caused by a small stone, but it could spell big trouble if you don't have it repaired.
Got a Chipped Windshield? Here’s What to Do Next
Sadly, a chipped windshield is part of life as a vehicle owner. Windshields get chipped and cracked all the time, and although they’re often inopportune, they can’t be neglected and should be attended to in short order. (Here are more essential car maintenance tasks that are often overlooked.)
Even though they may seem minor, small stone chips can quickly develop into a costly repair job. Chips grow when pressure is placed on your windshield. Pressure can come from a variety of sources, even something as minor as taking your car though the car wash or when changes in temperature occur. And, once they grow into a crack, they can no longer be fixed and your windshield will need to be replaced.
“Most insurance policies will cover the cost of stone chip repairs without impact to your policy rate,” says Wayne Ross, an insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “So people don’t need to be afraid to contact their insurance company about it.”
Being proactive and repairing a chipped windshield can save drivers a significant amount of money. A windshield replacement can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to $1,500, and therefore, fast action is crucial.
A cracked windshield is also a safety hazard. If the glass is cracked it could break and impact your ability to drive safely. What most people don’t realize is that the windshield is part of the structural framework of the vehicle. A cracked windshield has a greater chance of shattering or causing an accident.
Ross suggests taking the following steps if you notice a stone chip in your windshield:
- Contact a reputable and licensed supplier for glass repair. Many have mobile services and they will come to you.
- Talk to your insurance company and find out if the repair is covered.
- Be aware of insurance fraud scams. Never give your insurance information to anything less than a reputable repair shop with a long standing presence. Temporary repair stations should be avoided.
By being proactive you’ll save money, keep the inconvenience to a minimum, and—most importantly—stay safe.
Now that you know why you need to repair a chipped windshield quickly, find out what these strange car noises mean, according to a mechanic.
