You wouldn't do your own open heart surgery, would you? While automobile windshield chip repair crack repair isn't as complicated as surgery, it's best to leave it to the experts to ensure the job gets done correctly. And with most auto glass repair services offering guarantees on their work, you can be rest assured you won't have problems down the road that could cost even more to remedy.
If you live where it snows, consider what ice, snow, salt, and loose gravel can do to your car. The radiator can corrode without you even knowing it, minor scratches and nicks can turn rusty, and the windshield is subjected to the extremes of interior heat and exterior cold. These factors, and others, affect your vehicle when the weather changes from winter cold to summer hot.
A lot of people are confused between repair and replacement. There are those that opt for ready home kits to repair their windshields only to find out that they could not fix the problem. In essence, simple damage such as chips or cracks that is less than 3 inches can be repaired. However, when it becomes severe, you need to have it replaced. Also, damage within the critical vision area cannot be repaired so no matter how small it is, front window repair is the only solution.
If you have insurance that will cover windshield repair with a low deductible, this may be a good option. Many companies that specialize in windshield repair will pay the deductible for you provided it's under $100. If you call ahead to make an appointment most of these companies can replace the windshield in less than an hour. If you don't make an appointment, you may have to wait a few hours if there are many customers in front of you.
The windshield is also called a windscreen. Your car's glass is very similar to that of an aircraft, or a motorcycle's wind screen. Most cars made in modern times are usually fitted with a laminated kind of glass that is very secure and safe because it doesn't shatter into sharp shards unlike ordinary glass from mirrors and bottles. These laminated glass is a kind of treated glass. It is usually made up of a dual curved sheets of glass and a layer made of plastic sandwiched in between so that it will be safer. These are glued into the car's window frame.
Windshield chips and cracks can usually be patched for under $90. You're going to pay hundreds to replace the whole thing. In this case, your best bet is to keep hunting for auto insurance quotes and pay the repairs out of pocket.