When Is Windshield Replacement Needed After An Auto Collision?
After you have been involved in an automobile accident, you will likely take your vehicle to a collision repair center. While your car is here, the repair center will examine your entire vehicle and make recommendations on what should be fixed or replaced. In some cases, they will recommend replacing your windshield after an auto accident. You may ask yourself when or why they may make this recommendation. Here are a few of the reasons why auto glass repair is needed after an auto collision.
The Glass is Cracked
If you are involved in an auto accident and your windshield is shattered, you know that the windshield has to be replaced. But if the windshield simply cracked, you may find yourself wondering if windshield replacement is warranted. While you can often repair windshield cracks as long as they are smaller than the size of a dollar bill, it is not recommended that you repair windshield cracks caused by an accident. It is too hard to gauge how much force was exerted on the windshield, and if you are involved in another accident, the windshield may more readily shatter because its strength has been decreased.
The Air Bag Has Been Deployed
Another reason a windshield may need to be replaced after an auto collision is because the air bag has been deployed. When you are involved in a collision, the air bags in your car may deploy to help protect you. However, as they expand, they exert pressure on your windshield. This weakens the integrity of the windshield and in many cases, the windshield should be replaced, as well as the air bags.
The Seal Has Been Broken
The last reason why windshield replacement is needed after an auto collision is because the seal has been broken. Windshields are held in place with the use of seals. After you have been involved in an accident, the seal around your windshield may be broken. Because the seals are embedded between the car and windshield, a repair company cannot physically see a broken seal. But when they push or put pressure on the windshield, the windshield may shift or move. Also, if the car is driven on a rocky road, the windshield may bounce. This indicates the seal is broken. Seals cannot be repaired, so replacing the windshield is the only option.
If a collision repair shop recommends that the windshield be replaced, you have the option of having them make the repairs or taking it to a certified auto glass repair shop. Both are covered by your insurance after an auto accident.
Share