Should you Repair or Replace?
We are often asked why not just replace the windshield when it gets a break in it. While not every break, crack or chip can be repaired under the ANSI standard, majority of the time when the "break" repaired as soon as possible after occuring, drivers can take advantage of the several benefits of the repairs.
We believe in a repair 1st, replace second philosophy. As anytime you remove the windshield, you risk introducing wind noise, leaks, corrosion and other issues related to a replacement. However, when a windshield is properly installed, these issues won’t occur. Unfortunately, we tend to see more improperly installed windshields than we would like. Even some are done by large national brands.
Here are four reasons, you should always prioritize repair over replacement when ever possible.
01
Environmentally Friendly
Of the roughly 15 million windshields replaced each year in the United States, the vast majority of these replaced windshields, equivalent to about 600 million pounds of glass and plastic, have been ending up in landfills. While technology exists to recycle windshields, it is expensive and not very popular yet. By repairing your windshield, you are avoiding it ending up in a landfill.
02
Safety
Preserving the factory seal. If you are in accident the windshield is a major part of the airbag system and the roof support. Your best chances to avoid injuries or death is with the factory seal.
03
Cost Savings
A windshield repair is hundreds of dollars less than a replacement. While most of the time insurance will cover a full replacement, there are several things that many people forget:
- Deductible
Unless you live in a state where your insurance is required to waive the comprehensive deductible for glass repair and replacement, you will have to meet your deductible before insurance will cover any costs. Unless you have a $0 deductible policy, or your insurance waives the deductible for glass repairs, majority of repairs will be cheaper than your deductible.
- Insurance Rates
Insurance rates continue to climb and while most comprehensive claims don't impact your rates, states and companies vary as to what goes into pricing policies. Of course this is something that is not always publically available. While insurance is always an option
A chip repair prevents a crack and crack repair prevents a replacement. Whether you have a chip or a crack get it repaired ASAP.
04
Quality
Saving your windshield preserves the higher quality Original Equipment Manufactured windshield. OEM windshields have precise surface control so the wipers remove rain; are solar optimized to block UV and reduce heat buildup in a parked car by as much as 45 degrees F and while driving which reduces use of the air conditioner saving gas mileage and; have acoustic attenuation which give a quieter ride by reducing road, tire and wind noise.
