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Windshield Repair
Automobile windshields are made primarily
of glass, and though strengthened by an interior
layer, they can suffer in a high speed collision
with small particles of stone or debris.
If the windshield cracks, it loses all integrity,
and there are no options other than replacing
it. But, if the damage is just a pit or star
burst with only small radiating arms, you
may be able to repair rather than replace
it.
What should you consider when
going about
repairing it?
- Determine if the windshield can be repaired
or if it has to be replaced. A small pit
or chip is easy to fix, and you may choose
to do it yourself. A star burst up to the
size of a quarter or so is manageable, but
probably would benefit from professional
repair. Anything larger than that or a crack
running a couple of inches may present a
real challenge. Outright holes, a long crack,
or a split that reaches one of the edges
of the windshield requires full replacement.
- Act quickly. Dust, dirt, and water attack
a crack, and after a while, they will prevent
a quality repair because they pollute the
repair solution.
- Choose whether to do it yourself or have
it done professionally:
- Home repair kits are simple to use, only
take a few minutes, and produce
satisfactory
results on small problems.
- Professional repairers have the benefit of
the experience of making hundreds of repairs.
Compared to the cost of a windshield replacement,
even a professional repair looks very cheap.
In addition, many repair teams will come
to you. The repairs can be done while the
car sits parked at work, and you will save
the time it would have taken to make the
repair somewhere else.
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| Where to Shop (click to visit) |
PartsAmerica - The on-line presence for two of the largest
auto part retailers in America:
CSK Auto
(Checker, Schucks and Kragen)
and Advance
Auto Parts. PartsAmerica provides
quick and
easy access to nearly $1.5B in
inventory
and 3,000 locations in all 50
states. Search
their real-time inventory, purchase
items
on-line, pick up and return at
a local store,
or have products delivered to
their home
or business. |
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