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You’re driving home on the Massachusetts turnpike when – BANG – a rock hits your windshield and chips the glass. 

Uh oh. You instantly start to worry about the whole windshield cracking. 

You know you need to get this problem fixed fast, but how do you know if you need a simple windshield repair or a full windshield replacement? 

Read on to find out.

Windshield Repair

Depending on the size of the damage, your windshield might only need a repair rather than a full replacement. 

Just like with damage to the body of a car, sometimes a bumper needs some buffing, and other times it needs full collision repair.

The rule of thumb for chips is anything smaller than half an inch can be repaired. The exception to this rule are chips that are on the very edge of the windshield.

Benefits of having your Windshield Repaired

  • Cost: If you get a chip in your windshield you should definitely use insurance to get it repaired. In most cases replacing windshields will not affect your premium, meaning a much lower cost than a full replacement.
  • Convenience: Repairs typically are usually completed in less than an hour, in contrast to replacements that take up to three hours or more. 
  • Eco-friendly: By repairing your windshield, you’re keeping it out of the Westfield landfill.

 Windshield Repair Aftercare

  • No aftercare necessary: Unlike a full replacement, you don’t need to take any extra precautions with your windshield after a repair. The solution used to fill windshield cracks finishes curing rapidly, so once we hand back your keys you’re good to go. 
  • Appearance: Even the most perfect repair job will leave a small amount of “scarring.” However, the fact an area has been repaired is only noticeable with very close inspection. 

Windshield Replacement

If your chipped windshield has grown into a cracked windshield, it can no longer be repaired. Don’t worry, we’ve been doing windshield repair in Westfield for over 35 years.

Benefits of having your Windshield Replaced

  • Aesthetics: If you love your car, you want it to look good. Replacing your windshield gives you a chance to switch to a solar-coated or tinted option.
  • Structural safety: You keep you and your family safe. In a front-end collision, the windshield comprises up to 45% of your car’s structural integrity. A car with a cracked windshield could be completely crushed from the force of impact.
  • Visibility: A large crack at eye level will limit a driver’s field of view and reflect sunlight into their eyes. Both of those problems are avoided by replacing the cracked windshield. 

After Windshield Replacement Care

  • Car Washes: You must wait at least 24 hours to take your car to the car wash. The cleaning solutions might interfere will the adhesive’s curing process.
  • Air pressure: To prevent air pressure from affecting the adhesive, be sure to keep your windows rolled down at least an inch for the first 24 hours.
  • Tape: Do not touch the retention tape on the windshield until at least 24 hours have passed.

A Small Chip or Big Crack, We’ve Got Your Back.

It’s too risky to wait to get your windshield fixed.

Contact the professionals at Cloot’s to schedule a windshield repair or replacement. The faster you call, the higher the chance you’ll only need a repair. Of course, if a repair isn’t possible, we’re experts at replacing windshields too.

Call us today (413) 568-3441.