It is not safe for you to drive with a damaged windshield, but you may not have time to go get it fixed. If you have a damaged windshield, use this simple guide to determine if you need to take your car in today to get the window repaired or if you will be safe waiting a couple of days to get your windshield fixed.

Clean Your Windshield

First, when you think you have a chip on your windshield, you need to clean that area on your windshield. Sometimes, regular dirt and debris can look like a crack in your windshield, but when you wash the area, you discover that it comes right off. This is also a great way to ensure that any dirt that may have gotten into the crack is removed, which will help with the repair process.

While cleaning your window, keep your eye open for any other imperfections in your windshield. Sometimes, the presence of one small crack makes you more aware of other similar cracks.

Figure Out The Size Of The Crack

Once you have cleaned the area and determined that there is in fact a crack on your windshield, you need to determine how large the crack is. This will help you determine if you need to get your windshield fixed as soon as possible or if you can wait a couple of days.

A small crack in the windshield repair world is generally considered any chip or crack that you can put a quarter over and the crack is no longer visible. This type of crack can be fixed rather quickly; if you take your vehicle in, a small crack can be very quickly repaired.

A large crack is any crack that is larger than a quarter. If the crack surpasses a quarter, it may take more time for a windshield repair tech to fix it. If the crack is extremely large and deep, you may even need to have your windshield replaced.

Determining When To Go In

If you have a small crack, you are probably okay waiting a few days to get it repaired. Keep in mind though that the crack could spread and get larger while you wait to fix it.

If you have a large crack on your windshield, you should take it in right away. If the crack is not too large, they may be able to repair your windshield. However, if it is too large, you are going to need to have your windshield replaced. If your windshield needs to be replaced, you are going to need to be able to wait a few hours for the glue to settle before driving again. When your windshield needs to be completely replaced, it can be better to get someone who will come to you and fix your windshield at your home or place of work so the windshield has enough time to sit and settle. 

For more information and assistance, contact an auto glass repair shop, like Buy-Rite Auto Glass.