Six Things To Do When You're Dealing With Windshield Damage

Dealing with a damaged windshield can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, you need to deal with this issue to get your vehicle back into optimum condition again. The following are six things to do when you're dealing with windshield damage. 

Take care to avoid safety hazards

The first thing you should do after you experience windshield damage is to gauge the resulting hazards. If your windshield has become severely cracked or smashed in, chances are there is a risk of injury from falling glass in your vehicle.

If your windshield is badly damaged, it's important to stop driving your vehicle and to have your vehicle towed to a safe place. If the damage is minimal, you may be able to temporarily continue driving your vehicle. However, you definitely need to be wary of safety hazards and make sure that your windshield is secure before getting too close to it after damage occurs. 

Avoid further damage

Damage to your windshield can become worse in a number of ways. If you expose a damaged windshield to precipitation or extremely cold weather, cracks and chips can expand due to freeze-thaw damage. If you continue driving your vehicle despite a crack in your windshield, your windshield will be weaker than it should be and easily damaged by even the slightest impact against it. 

It's important that you take care to avoid further damage. Avoid driving your vehicle and exposing it to any hazards so that you don't make windshield damage more extensive and more costly to repair. 

Schedule an appointment for auto glass repair immediately

Don't delay when it comes to scheduling repairs for your windshield. Too many motorists continue to drive their vehicles despite a damaged windshield. Driving with a damaged windshield can be hazardous because the windshield is weak and can shatter more easily. It can also be hazardous due to visibility issues if cracks and chips make it harder to see out of your windshield. 

Find out whether you need repair or replacement

If damage to your windshield is minimal, repairs might be adequate. Small chips or cracks can sometimes be repaired with epoxy or acrylic compounds. Having your windshield repaired might be less expensive and faster than having a complete replacement job done. 

Make alternative transportation arrangements

You don't want to be driving with a damaged windshield, You also don't want to drive your vehicle immediately after windshield repairs have been done. Auto glass technicians recommend that you let your vehicle sit long enough for the adhesive set before driving after windshield repairs or replacement. For this reason, it's important to make alternative transportation arrangements at least until your windshield is ready for driving again. 

Look into warranty details

Ideally, any repair or replacement work you have done on your windshield should come along with a warranty. A warranty ensures quality work and is a good thing to have for peace of mind when you're driving your vehicle after repairs. 

For more information about auto glass repair or replacement, contact a local repair service.