Windshields suffer damage in many ways that cause them to become chipped, cracked, or both. Another vehicle throwing a stone or another hard object at your windshield could damage it. So could a large hailstone or another larger object that might strike your windshield – even while it is parked at your home. No matter how the damage happens, windshield repair or replacement can fix the problem. The following will help you to know when you should have your windshield serviced.

Your Insurer Will Cover the Repair

Motorists who have full-coverage insurance protection often have policies that will pay some or all of the cost to repair or replace a damaged windshield. Some insurers might even require it. For example, according to Progressive Insurance, a windshield with a chip that is more than three-fourths of an inch in diameter or that is within 3 inches of another chip or crack must be fixed. If your insurer will cover the cost to fix or replace your windshield, you should have an authorized service take care of it.

Your State Requires Repair or Replacement

Many states also have laws that require windshield repair or replacement with the size and location of the damage determining the type of service that is required. Your state might require a crack that is too long, a chip that is too deep, or damage that interferes with your ability to see the road to be replaced. When the state requires windshield repair or replacement, you need to do it or risk getting a fix-it ticket that might cost even more than a windshield replacement service if you were to ignore the problem.

The Damage Might Spread

Many cracks start off as relatively minor chips that could be fixed to prevent cracks from developing. Delaying service might result in multiple cracks developing into a pattern that resembles a spider's web. If you have a small chip, fixing it right away is a good idea before the damage spreads and triggers a state law that might require the full replacement. You also might prefer to replace a damaged windshield right away to avoid other potential problems.

Your Windshield Is Deformed

A large crack or an especially bad chip might cause the windshield to become deformed. It still stays in place, but one or more low spots might make it impossible for the wiper blades to fully clear water from the windshield. That could cause a major problem if you are driving in the rain and especially if it is dark and another vehicle's lights cause a blinding glare. The windshield also might develop a dirty spot that the washer fluid and wiper blades cannot remove. A deformed windshield should be fixed or replaced to ensure the best possible visibility while driving.

Moisture Enters the Passenger Cabin

A bad chip or crack might enable moisture to collect on the inside of the windshield. That moisture also might accumulate on the side or rear windows, which could make it especially difficult to see out your windows. Poor vision in any direction might result in an accident for which you might be liable. Whenever a damaged windshield enables moisture to enter the cabin, you should get it fixed right away or replace it to restore your good vision and protect the interior against moisture accumulation.

Frost Develops on the Inside

Another problem that is closely related to moisture accumulating inside the passenger cabin is the frost that might result from that moisture. When the outdoor temperature is cold enough, moisture on the inside of the windshield could cause it to frost over. If you sit inside your vehicle and notice there is frost on the inside, a damaged windshield is what enables it to happen. The damage also might be to the seal that holds the windshield in place while keeping moisture outside the cabin. An affordable windshield repair service could fix it and stop the frost from forming inside your vehicle.

You can learn more about windshield repair or replacement services by calling Aaron Auto Glass! We can inspect your windshield and tell whether it can be repaired or should be replaced to take care of the problem and restore your full vision and comfort while you are driving.