Many Northeastern PA residents are fairly proficient at vehicle upkeep, such as changing their oil or swapping out spark plugs, but auto glass typically requires a specialized service for repair.
With little knowledge about the parts and processes required to change their auto glass, many people fall victim to pervasive myths in the industry that end up costing them money and putting their safety in danger.
From driving with small cracks that spread over time to going to low-quality shops that don’t perform proper calibrations, here are eleven windshield repair myths we’re busting.
Myth #1: A Small Chip Can Be Ignored
A rock chip or small crack can be a frustrating thing for a driver, especially if the damage forms through no fault of their own. Many people may even ignore the damage, thinking it to be merely cosmetic.
Unfortunately, even small, surface-level chips can invite moisture and debris that slowly expand over time. Since windshields are made of multiple layers of laminate glass wedged together, any damage can allow the deeper layers of glass to become exposed to the elements and react to vibrations in your vehicle, thus threatening its structural integrity.
Myth #2: Windshield Repair Is Too Expensive
This leads us to our second misconception: windshield repair is always a massively expensive purchase that will set your budget back hundreds of dollars. Here’s the thing: if you address cracks and chips early, you can get your windshield repaired relatively inexpensively and save hundreds on future repairs.
Some minor forms of repair may even be covered under your insurance policy, which we’ll discuss later.
Myth #3: A Windshield Crack Out of My Line of Sight Isn’t a Problem
This myth strikes at the heart of one of the biggest misconceptions about your windshield: windshields are merely cosmetic. Not only is this false, but it’s also dangerous.
Windshields play a pivotal role in preventing your roof from caving in during an accident. Cracks that penetrate far into the glass’s structure can compromise its integrity and cause the windshield to shatter and fail in the event of an accident.
The lesson? Don’t ignore windshield cracks or chips!
Myth #4: DIY Repair Kits Work Just as Well as Professionals
DIY kits offer a cheap and easy fix for surface-level cracks because they are cheap. In some instances, a DIY kit can provide adequate protection for a short period of time. Still, eventually, the resin used in these products will deteriorate and invite back moisture and debris.
Furthermore, a professional can ensure that cracks are filled to restore the original glass’s strength to 99% and ensure that your crack won’t spread or penetrate deeper.
Myth #5: Windshield Repair Takes Too Long, I Don’t Have the Time
You may think money is the number one reason people forgo windshield repair, but often it’s convenience. Fortunately, windshield repair is a fairly quick process, totaling anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to repair or replace glass, depending on the extent of the damage and if ADAS recalibration is necessary.
If time is a worry, you will always save time working with an auto glass shop instead of going to a dealership. Furthermore, many auto glass shops also offer mobile repair, which saves you time driving to a physical location.
Myth #6: My Insurance Won’t Cover Windshield Repair
This myth depends on the level of your coverage. Fortunately, drivers with comprehensive coverage or specific policies that include auto glass repair are typically covered by their insurance and will only have to pay a deductible. Shops like Northeast Auto Glass always work directly with insurance companies to create claims and help drivers save money.
Myth #7: Replacing the Windshield Is Always Better Than Repairing It
Many people are relieved when we tell them that their windshields with cracks and scratches all over the surface can be repaired for less money than a replacement.
Unfortunately, many of us are so used to mechanics and dealerships upselling us on every basic service we buy that we expect our auto glass shop to do the same.
However, if a crack does not lie on the edge of the windshield and compromises its bond to the frame or penetrates beneath the top layer of glass, it can almost always be repaired.
Myth #8: Windshield Repair Can’t Restore Original Strength
This leads us to another important myth, which is that windshield repair is only a temporary fix. However, most resin fills can restore a windshield back to around 95% of its original strength and fix most cosmetic issues–though some cracks may still be partially visible. Nevertheless, under fairly normal driving conditions, you can expect your windshield repair to hold up for years to come.
Myth #9: My Mechanic Can Handle the Problem
Listen, we get it. You have a trusted mechanic who handles every part of your vehicle and charges less than the chain stores or dealerships. However, auto glass repair is a specialized service, and often, you will pay more for it from a mechanic if they even handle the service.
Like a dealership, most mechanics use OEM glass, which is more expensive and requires long delivery times. On the other hand, an independent auto glass shop typically offers OEM and aftermarket options with competitive pricing that are always in stock for quick and easy repair.
Myth #10: Windshield Replacement Always Requires a Trip to the Shop
We previously discussed time as a major obstacle to windshield repair. However, one ingenious and cost-saving innovation that has developed in the auto glass market is the use of mobile windshield repair vans.
These vans can handle auto glass repair and specialized services like full replacement and ADAS calibration, getting you back on the road quickly.
Myth #11: All Auto Glass Shops Are the Same Quality
Pull up a quick Google search, and you’ll find a couple of shops that perform auto glass repair in your area. However, the big chains tend to charge more, while you can find some pretty good deals at some of the little shops.
Here’s the deal: auto glass repair is essential to the safety of your vehicle and should be done by a shop you don’t trust. Some of the many loopholes that some of the lower-quality shops use include poor-quality glass that breaks after the first rough pothole or rock chip and forgoing ADAS recalibration.
The latter has led to several customers making their way to our shop to help to get their vehicle’s safety features from going haywire!
Clearly, quality matters when it comes to auto glass repair, and damage should not be ignored. If you need fast, efficient, and friendly auto glass service in Northeast Pennsylvania, trust the experts at Northeast Auto Glass. Contact us today for a free quote on in-shop or mobile auto glass repair services.
FAQs
Can all windshield cracks be repaired?
No, cracks that are larger than a few inches or located at the edges of the glass often require full replacement.
Will my insurance premium increase if I file a windshield repair claim?
Many insurance policies cover windshield repairs without affecting premiums, but you should confirm with your provider.
Is mobile windshield repair as reliable as in-shop services?
Yes, as long as certified technicians and quality materials are used, mobile services can be just as reliable.
