Ready for Holiday Travel? Remember to Check Your Windshield

PITTSBURGH, March 14 -- As the weather warms up, more and more people will be taking to the roads for spring holidays or vacations. And, if you're one of them, you're probably going to give your car a good safety check-up before you leave ... tires, brakes, transmission. But what about that rock chip in your windshield? Whether you plan to visit relatives, go to the amusement park, or head to the beach, auto glass experts recommend you should have glass damage taken care of before you leave.

If you think the entire windshield needs to be replaced, you may be relieved to know that in many instances, the damage can be fixed ... saving your windshield and your money. According to Bob Beranek, president of Automotive Glass Consultants, ``Repair can be a smart alternative to replacement under certain circumstances, and if it's done properly.''

Beranek also says that not all glass damage is repairable, but if it is, there are four excellent reasons to opt for repair:

1) It's covered. If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, your policy will probably pay for the cost of the repair. 2) It's fast. Repairing minor windshield damage takes about 20 minutes. And, auto glass shops will handle the paperwork. 3) It's smart. If the damage spreads, you will need a new windshield, and that could cost hundreds of dollars. 4) It's safe. Repair restores the structural integrity of your windshield, and keeps the original factory seal intact.

The most important thing to remember about minor glass damage, Beranek notes, is not to procrastinate. ``Vibrations from the road and rapid temperature changes can cause chips to spread into cracks. And that may prohibit a windshield repair.'' He also says it's easier to fix glass damage before dirt and grit get in.