A minor crack or chip in your windshield might not seem like a major issue, but it can negatively impact the stability of the glass. When damage is significant, the windshield’s stability may continue to be compromised even after repairs take place.
In this case, replacement is the better option. While a repair specialist can help you make the right decision, here are a few reasons to consider having your windshield replaced.
Improved Safety
In a rollover accident, your vehicle’s windshield absorbs the majority of the impact. Even a minor imperfection could cause the whole windshield to collapse and potentially harm the inhabitants. With a replacement, you can rest assured that your windshield will offer the proper protection in the event of a crash.
Cracks can also compromise safety in other ways. If a crack is located directly in the driver’s line of vision, repair may result in distortions that reduce visibility on the road. That’s why repair specialists consider the location of the defect when making recommendations.
Reduced Expense
Some people choose repair over replacement because it’s the less expensive option. While this can help you save money initially, in the long run you might end up paying more to replace the windshield. Bad cracks can sometimes spread, even after repairs have been made.
You may also be subject to fines and tickets for traffic violations. There is no specific law that prohibits vehicles from having cracked windshields in New Mexico. However, you can be cited for driving a vehicle that is in an unsafe condition, which is up to the discretion of law enforcement.
Peace of Mind
Taking a chance on repair when replacement is the better option will leave you wondering whether your vehicle can actually withstand a car accident. Even safe and conscientious drivers get involved in accidents, so it’s imperative that your vehicle is properly maintained. Safety is especially important if you frequently have children in your vehicle, and windshield stability plays a huge role in vehicle safety.
How to Choose Between Repair & Replacement
Is your windshield cracked and you’re not sure whether repair or replacement is best? The skilled specialists at Astro Auto Glass can help you decide. Call 505-766-5176 to get started on your quote or contact us for more information.
While it might seem unlikely, ceramic is a great option for tinting windows. Made up of tiny particles imperceptible to the human eye, ceramic tints offer an increased level of visibility while also providing shade from the sun. In fact, ceramic blocks approximately 90% of infrared light rays, which makes the insider of your vehicle far cooler on hot days. It also blocks up to 99% of damaging UV rays. Additionally, ceramic tint is less likely to fade over time, resistant to shattering, and reduces glare and reflection to make for a safer driving experience. 
Winter is the season of auto glass abuse as people try to minimize the time they spend in the cold restoring visibility through their windows. Unfortunately, many time-saving tricks damage your auto glass, making it more susceptible to chips and cracks you have to pay to get repaired.
When you need a windshield replacement, you always have options—OEM or aftermarket glass. If you look just at the price tag, it may seem like an easy choice because aftermarket glass is typically less expensive. But, sometimes, cost savings come at the cost of safety. Before you choose your replacement auto glass, you need to know how to carefully evaluate your alternatives. 
For optimal visibility, you need to keep your windshield clear of water, dirt, bugs and anything else that flies at or gets stuck on your windscreen. That makes your windshield wipers extremely important to your safety. But did you know that the very fixtures you depend on to clean your windshield can damage it?
Likely you know or have been told that if you have a chipped or cracked windshield, you need to get it repaired before it becomes a big problem. And that’s sound advice. There are a number of environmental conditions that can turn a small chip or crack in a car window into a safety threat and/or expensive repair job. 