American culture has long been focused on the freedom and romance provided by the open road. Car ownership is seen as a symbol of that freedom, and keeping your car in good shape is an essential part of that ownership. Unfortunately, your auto glass is often exposed to a variety of road hazards, and the damage can require extensive repairs.

Whether your glass has been damaged in a collision, an unfortunate interaction with debris, or any other incident, you should know about all of your repair options. Below, you'll find a guide to deciding whether a piece of auto glass should be repaired or replaced, providing you with the peace of mind you need to seek the best possible outcome.

Size and Depth

Chips and fractures are the two most common types of auto glass damage, and they are also frequently able to be repaired. The size of the damage, however, goes a long way in determining whether it's possible. Extremely long cracks that have to be filled by epoxy will tend to weaken over time, decreasing the efficacy of patches.

Deep damage also features similar challenges. If your glass has been completely penetrated, it will often be impossible to patch the damage. Some deep cracks also require too much filler to remain truly transparent, making a repair unsafe.

Shape

The shape of your damage also affects whether or not it can be adequately filled. Generally speaking, narrow but long fissures are more difficult to fill, as they cover a larger surface area on the windshield. They also require a great deal more skill and accuracy than other types of damage, as the repair must be precise.

Cracks that radiate out from a central point of damage, however, are often easier to patch. Your glass repair specialist can apply a filler to the center of the damage and move it outward with the cracks, allowing you the opportunity to have a repair that looks as good as new.

Location

Most glass fill products rely on attaching to the surrounding area to allow for a strong repair. For this reason, cracks near the edge of a pane of glass are often harder to repair, as they are typically foundation points for the rest of the window. Additionally, many glass technicians would prefer not to fill any damage that could be in the driver's line of sight, as the potential for warping or otherwise distorted vision can create a potential for road hazards.

For more information about your repair options, contact a company like River's Truck Center.