Orange is the color of summer, because everywhere you go there's orange cones and barriers blocking the roads for construction. When you drive through those zones, road projectiles like rocks and debris can damage your windshield and cause a chip or crack.
So what do you do when you get a crack in your windshield? How do you know when it's time to replace or repair the glass?
Belle Tire auto body expert Scott Clayton says that as a general rule, the windshield should be repaired if the chip is bigger than a quarter. When the chip or crack has begun to spider out into larger cracks, the entire windshield needs to be replaced.
Not only windshield chips and cracks unpleasant to look at, but they can be dangerous. With a cracked windshield, you can lose structural support during a front-end collision, you compromise your safety in the event of a rollover accident, and you're susceptible to vehicle ejection and ineffective airbag deployment.
It you get a chip in the windshield, here's few tips to make sure it doesn't get worse:
- Fix the Chips: A chip can quickly turn into a crack which warrants a full replacement. The cost of a chip repair is often covered by insurance and only takes about 30 minutes.
- Keep It Clean: Make sure your wiper blades are in great shape. They should be replaced every six months/6,000 miles. Also, keep your washer fluid full as optimal visibility is key for safe driving.
- Call to Action: Our auto glass mobile unit can complete your auto glass repair or replacement service at your home or office, or you can visit any Belle Tire location.
Belle Tire not only fixes tires, they fix windshields too! Their Auto Glass service is convenient for customers' lifestyles, so they can travel to you to repair your windshield. Many insurance companies will waive your deductible for a windshield repair.
Call 800-NEW-GLASS to learn more or visit your local Belle Tire for more information.
