5 Windshield Terms to Know When You Need a Repair

A chip or crack in your windshield isn't just ugly; it is unsafe. Not only can it affect your vision, but a damaged windshield is more likely to fail in the event of an accident. For these reasons, if you spot windshield damage, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. Check out these five terms that will help you along the way.

1. Aftermarket

Aftermarket refers to any auto-part that is not made by the manufacturer who made the original part. Aftermarket windshields are much more affordable, and they are required to meet the Department of Transportation's (DOT) minimum safety standards. On the downside, however, aftermarket products are no regulated by any other quality standards.

An OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part will cost you more, but they follow DOT's minimum safety standards and the manufacturer's quality standards.

2. Edge Crack

One type of damage is a crack, but depending on the location and size of the damage, you can find many different types of windshield cracks.

An edge crack is any crack that reaches all the way to the edge of the windshield. On the other hand, a floater crack is in the middle of the windshield and does not reach the edge.

A long crack is any crack that is 15cm or longer, and anything shorter is a short crack. Long cracks typically require windshield replacement. Shorter cracks, however, can often be repaired, which is much cheaper and faster.

3. Combination Break

Different types of windshield chips have their own terms. For example, if a small rock hits the windshield, it may cause a chip (where a small piece of glass comes off the windshield), or it could cause a star break (where lots of small cracks come from one point of impact). Other types of cracks and chips include stone break, bulls-eye, and half-moon.

A combination break is a term used when the windshield has many different types of chips and cracks. Along with large cracks and chips, a combination break will likely require a total windshield replacement.

4. Deductible

Ideally, your insurance will cover the total cost of your windshield replacement or repair, but if you haven't met your deductible yet, you may have to pay out of pocket. A deductible is the amount you have to pay for services before the insurance carrier will start to pay, and it's usually not much more than the cost of a windshield replacement. For this reason, you may have to pay for the replacement yourself.

Some states allow windshield repair companies to waive the deductible for windshields. Even if you don't waive the deductible, you can get around it in a few ways. If the accident wasn't your fault, your collision insurance should cover it. If you have comprehensive insurance, it may also cover the windshield replacement despite the deductible.

5. Safe Drive Away Time

After your windshield is replaced, it's not safe to drive your car until it has fully cured. Safe drive away time refers to how long you have to wait before you can drive the car without worrying about the new windshield failing. Depending on the adhesive, temperature, etc. this curing time can take as little as thirty minutes or as long as a few hours.

The phrase minimum drive away time is also commonly used instead of safe drive away time. This is designed to stress the importance of waiting until the windshield is fully cured to the vehicle's frame.

If your windshield has damage, get it fixed as soon as possible. Even a small crack can grow into a long one, which can affect the safety of the car and be expensive to replace. For more information about windshield repair and replacement, contact us at Affiliated Auto Glass today.