This post is the third in a series on the basics of auto glass, auto glass repair, and mobile windshield replacement. If you haven’t read parts 1 and 2 yet, I recommend you do before continuing.

How does mobile windshield replacement work?

So, you were stuck driving behind a dump truck, and wouldn’t you know it, a tiny rock came flying your way and put a crack in your windshield. What comes next? Well, it depends. We’ve already discussed the crucial role your windshield plays in vehicle safety, so we know it needs fixing. But windshield repair and mobile windshield replacement gets complicated pretty quickly, and is governed by many laws and regulations. Let’s take a look at some of the basics pertaining to auto glass repair and mobile windshield replacement.

To repair or to replace?

A windshield repair can be a great way to save money over a replacement. However, given the critical importance of windshield strength, there are strict guidelines for when a windshield must be replaced rather than repaired. The general policy for windshield repairs used to be that if the damage can be covered by a dollar bill, then it could be repaired rather than replaced. However, in recent years, windshield repair technology has come a long way. Nowadays, it may be possible to repair a crack as long as fourteen inches, but it depends on a few other factors. The National Windshield Repair Association publishes a set of rules for windshield repair under the Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard (ROLAGS) guide. To better understand what kind of windshield damage can be repaired, let’s go over a few different types of windshield damage.

Chips, bulls-eyes, stars, and half moons

When a rock hits your windshield and a piece of glass is missing, you’re dealing with a chip. Bulls eyes, stars, and half moons are all types of chips, named for what the chip looks like.

Check back soon for Welcome to the Chapman Auto Glass Blog, Part 4! In the meantime, check out our page on mobile windshield replacement.