This is the era of the DIY'er. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this type of ambition, it's important to be able to recognize your own limits. Sometimes you need to leave it to a professional, and a windshield repair is something that fits into this guideline. Although you might see online tutorials and self-help kits in the automotive store, many of these methods only do more harm than good.
Insurance Violation
Say you purchase a self-help repair kit. You follow the guidelines, but not only were you unable to repair the glass, but it also looks like the damage has gotten worse. You then decide to contact your insurance company to have them send someone out to repair the glass. Don't be surprised if you're left holding the full bill.
Some insurance companies can deny coverage if your tampering is the reason for the more extensive damage. This violation of coverage can leave you spending more money than you would have needed to if you would have just relied on a professional in the first place.
Air Bubbles
Most of the kits you can purchase for repairs contain the bare minimum—only a fraction of the tools a professional has at their disposal. For instance, the kit might include resin for you to fill in the chipped area. This is great, but if you don't have a tool to smooth it out during application, you will be left with air bubbles.
For a large crack, air bubbles can be unsightly, and if they are on the driver's side, they can obstruct your view. An obstructed view isn't just dangerous for you and other motorists, but it will also likely lead to a failed safety inspection.
Crack Expansion
The greatest risk these kits present is that you can actually make the crack expand. The tricky thing about resin is that it's both good and bad. If you know what you're doing and accurately fill the crack, you can permanently eliminate the problem.
On the opposite end, if you don't apply enough resin, this will only put more pressure on the glass. Glass responds to pressure in the form of cracking. With a poor application, a small crack can turn into a much larger problem.
If your windshield is damaged, it's a good idea to leave your repair needs to a professional. This won't just save you time, but it will also save you money in the long run. For more information, contact a company like Econo Glass Company.
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