Any of these stone chips can be repaired. Beyond looking for these types of common chips, it is important to take into consideration the size of the damage. If the damage cannot be covered by a half dollar, the chip is too large to be repaired. Another important piece of information to consider is the acute area. The acute area is the area of the automobile windshield chip repair directly in the drivers line of vision. It is the same size as a piece of paper being held horizontally in front of the driver. In this area, the National Glass Association does not recommend a repair being done unless it is no greater than .95 of an inch. An easier way to imagine this is that a quarter should be able to cover the entire area of damage in the acute area.
Also, flush your radiator and change your engine coolant every two years. The summer season can be very hard on a vehicle's cooling system so inspect your radiator for signs of leaking or corrosion. If you're not sure, have your mechanic check the radiator core to make sure it is not plugged or at risk of imminent failure. Check and fill other fluids necessary for your vehicle's performance, to recommended levels. These may include power steering, transmission, brake, radiator, and battery. Also, top off windshield wiper fluid. Don't wait until you need it, to do that!
Replacing a car's windshield can be quite a costly affair. An alternative could be to try to repair your windshield, although this will only be feasible for smaller cracks. For any large cracks, you'll have to replace your windshield. There is however a number of steps you could take to ensure that you find a good and cheap windshield repair deal.
Now you have 3 options. You can pay out of pocket, you can have your insurance company cover the cost, or you can do the repair yourself. The cost out of pocket will vary from $30-$60, depending on the company you chose. Filing with insurance is easy because it is no cost to you, and the auto glass repair company deals with the paperwork. You can also attempt the repair yourself, but if you do not feel comfortable, i would suggest calling a professional. There is a good step by step windshield repair Instructable available, as well as other information online.
Jolt your car or windows. Try to avoid slamming doors or shutting doors with the windows all the way up. Creating extra pressure inside the vehicle in this way can cause the crack to spread.
The entire cost can be paid out of pocket to avoid involving the insurance company or a person can choose to go through the claims process. When going through the insurance company, the deductible often needs to be met before the insurance company will take care of any costs and there is a chance that a driver's rates will go up in the next year.