One of the most common questions that vehicle owners often ponder is, “Does my damaged windscreen need to be repaired or replaced?” If you’re fortunate enough to have a choice in the matter, our advice is usually to opt for a windscreen repair. Why, you ask?
Well, not only is it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to a complete windscreen replacement, but it can also save you both time and money.
But before we dive into the world of repairs, let’s first explore whether your windscreen chip can actually be fixed.
Can My Windscreen Chip Be Repaired?
The good news is that minor windscreen damage, often in the form of a small chip, is typically repairable. However, there are certain scenarios where replacing the entire windscreen is the better course of action:
Impaired Visibility:
If the chip obstructs the driver’s line of sight, it’s a clear indication that replacement is necessary to ensure safe driving.
Proximity to Previous Repairs:
If your windscreen has undergone multiple repairs, and the new chip damage is near one of these previously repaired areas, replacement might be the safer choice.
Excessive Repairs:
If your windscreen has been patched up numerous times before, another repair may not hold up well. In such cases, replacing the windscreen is often more reliable.
Multiple Glass Layers:
Some windscreens have multiple layers of glass. If the chip damage extends through more than one of these layers, it’s typically beyond repair and necessitates a replacement.
Whether your windscreen chip is repairable depends on three primary factors:
1. Location of Damage
If the damage is situated in the driver’s critical vision area, only small chips are recommended for repair under the UAE’s Standard. This is because the chip repair process, while effective, may leave a small blemish in the glass. This blemish must not be of a type or size that could distract the driver’s vision.
Chips near the outer edges of the glass can present challenges when attempting to apply repair tools, making it tricky to achieve a good repair, especially near broken edges of the screen. Additionally, chips in the small viewing area of cameras, which look through the windscreen, are generally not recommended for repair by most vehicle manufacturers.
However, in most cases, minor windscreen chip damage can be repaired, and if the damage is on the passenger side (outside of the driver’s critical vision areas), slightly larger chips can often still be repaired.
2. Size and Depth of the Chip
A windscreen chip with a diameter of approximately 2.5 centimeters (which is roughly the size of a coin) can generally be repaired, especially if it’s on the passenger side. However, if the chip has managed to penetrate both the outer and inner layers of the windscreen glass, it will likely require replacement.
It’s essential to address a chip in your windscreen promptly. If left unattended, it could unexpectedly develop into a crack, often at the most inconvenient moment. We recommends seeking the services of an expert vehicle glass technician for repair as soon as damage occurs.
Quick repairs not only reduce the risk of further damage but also improve the overall cosmetic quality of the repair. Over time, debris can accumulate in the chip, diminishing the finished repair’s visual appeal.
3. Severity of Windscreen Damage
It’s crucial to understand that if your windscreen has endured a severe impact, it may be beyond the point of repair, making replacement the only viable option. When in doubt, it’s best to contact our windshield experts for guidance on the available solutions.
When Do I Need to Replace My Windscreen?
There are specific situations where windscreen replacement becomes a necessity:
Damage Beyond Repair:
If your windscreen is damaged to a degree that it cannot be safely repaired according to the UAE’s Standard, replacement is the only viable option.
Obstructed Line of Sight:
Any significant damage that obstructs the driver’s line of sight should be addressed with a replacement to ensure safe driving.
If you discover that your windscreen is leaking or causing whistling noises but remains intact and undamaged, it’s advisable to have it assessed by a vehicle glass expert. In such cases, the issue often lies with the adhesive not performing correctly, necessitating the removal and refitting of the windscreen rather than a complete replacement.
Windscreen Repair: Benefits Beyond Your Car
As mentioned earlier, choosing a repair over replacement offers several advantages. It’s not only environmentally friendly but also easier on your wallet and quicker. How, you ask? Well, let’s break it down.
It’s Also Greener:
Opting for a repair means you get to keep your existing windscreen. Windshields are relatively heavy, weighing around 15 kilograms, and their production and transportation consume substantial resources. Moreover, the repair process requires only a small amount of resin to fill micro cracks and reinforce the glass’s strength in the damaged area.
It’s Also Faster:
A chip repair typically takes just 30 minutes to complete, while a windscreen replacement can take around 90 minutes. Choosing repair means less time spent waiting.
It’s Also Cheaper:
By preserving your existing windscreen, you avoid the added expense of purchasing a new one. Plus, if your vehicle is equipped with advanced safety features like auto braking or lane detection (ADAS), a full windscreen replacement may require a costly recalibration of your forward-facing camera. This recalibration is not necessary for a chip repair.
About Us
Now, let’s answer the big question: Repair or replace? Well, it all comes down to your specific situation. If your windscreen can be fixed, we have three strong reasons to recommend repair over replacement. Repairing is our top choice whenever possible.
No matter which option you go for, remember that our skilled team at Car Recovery Service Dubai is here to assist you in both scenarios, ensuring you can hit the road with confidence.
