The Difference Between Auto Glass Repair & Replacement

We know how important it is for you to find a trustworthy and reputable auto body shop. At Kirmac Collision & Autoglass, you can rely on us to bring your car back to life again. Located in Vancouver, Richmond, and its outside areas, Kirmac strives to bring quality service to everyone who walks through our doors. Our specialty in collision and auto glass repair allows us to give you a comprehensive treatment your car needs in any condition. 

Our auto glass services, especially, are one of a kind. Kirmac prides in having the best glass repair and replacement specialists on our team. You may be wondering whether or not a repair or replacement is necessary, or what to expect when a technician handles the damage. Here are things to know when you get your windshield and auto glass repaired or replaced.

Glass Repair

If you notice a small crack in your windshield, a technician can possibly repair the damage without having to replace the entire windshield. The technician will inspect the damage first before the repair. If the damage is small, you must go to an auto glass specialist as soon as possible before the damage spreads. If not, the chip or crack will become larger, and a replacement will become your only option (and become more costly as well). A good quality auto glass repair will prevent the chip or crack from spreading and help hide the original damage. If the job is done properly, a repair is a permanent solution to the damaged windshield.

The glass repair usually involves a process of injecting a polymer resin into the damaged area in a vacuum, allowing it to dry, and then smoothing the surface.  Depending on the quality of tools or materials, a good-skilled technician can make the chip/crack nearly invisible. The most important thing to remember is to stay away from do-it-yourself glass repair kits. Professional auto glass technicians are qualified and better equipped to repair the damage. If left improperly treated, the damage can’t be undone, and safety concerns can arise when a driver’s vision is impaired by a larger, untreated crack. 

Glass Replacement May Be Needed If The Crack Is Too Large

If your windshield is too badly damaged, and the chip/crack is too big for a repair, an auto glass technician might recommend a replacement instead. An auto glass replacement involves removing and replacing your damaged glass with a new glass sheet that has been tested for safety. Replacement, in most cases, is the safest way to ensure that your window is structurally placed. Windshield replacement can take a longer time to install than a simple glass repair. If we do find that windshield chip repair is not an option, we will let you know as soon as possible so we can set up next steps for installing a new windshield for your vehicle. 

Get Your Autoglass Repaired With Kirmac

With Kirmac, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you find yourself in need of a collision or auto glass repair/replacement, please contact us for more information or questions you need answered. You can also check out our locations to see which is closest to you. We strive to bring excellence to our customers, and we want everyone to be satisfied with our work. We can’t wait to meet you and bring your vehicle back to life!