It’s easy to assume that a small crack in the windshield might lead to a total front window replacement, but that is far from the truth. There are many options for getting a chip or crack repaired, but you must understand what exactly you’re getting into when you opt for one option over another.
For example, you might think that windshield replacement kits are a great way to circumvent the need for professionals, and in some cases, you’d be right. Here’s what you should know about windshield repair kits:
They’re Affordable… Until They’re Not
One of the main reasons that anyone opts for a DIY windshield repair kit is the cost. Repair kits can be bought off the internet or at a local shop for less than twenty dollars in some cases, and that is often a lot more attractive if you think you’re facing a bill that’s going to run you hundreds of dollars.
However, the thing to keep in mind about this affordability is that it comes at the price of responsibility. You depend entirely on the instructions and could void the warranty on the vehicle if the repair ends up requiring the help of a professional down the line.
They’re Quick but Messy
Hands down, a DIY windshield repair kit seems to be the faster option because there’s no shop to take it to. You’re able to set your repairs in motion and then let it go without deviating too far from your daily chores list.
There are a couple of caveats to this speed, though. In some cases, the repair might not have been done correctly, and the time you spend letting the DIY kit’s resin dry will be added on top of the time you need to devote to a total windshield replacement. Failing to complete the repair properly may end up requiring a replacement because there’s no way of undoing the damage done with a DIY kit without breaking the windshield entirely.
They Impede Growth
Very few people talk about car ownership as being a growth opportunity, but the reality is that, like owning a home, owning a car requires you to understand better how different parts of the car work. Expanding your knowledge of how to repair various parts of your vehicle will go a long way to saving you money, but using DIY windshield repair kits make it harder for you to learn because they establish an artificial end-point that doesn’t fix what’s wrong.
If you’re a trained professional, then using a DIY windshield repair kit can be an excellent opportunity to correct a minor problem in your windshield quickly. If you’re not a professional, though, it stops you from learning about the intricacies of windshield repair and just how easy it is to have a mobile repair service do the job for you. Plus, when you get a professional repair done, you save time and money in the long run by avoiding issues around liability, faulty repairs, and more.
To consult with an auto glass mobile service in Lancaster, PA, call Auto Glass Fitters today!
