Determining Factors of RV Windshield Repair Vs. Replacement

Driving along and having a kicked up rock or fallen debris from the vehicle in front of you smash into your RV can be a dangerous and frightening experience. If you are ever in this situation, the first step is to stay calm and stay on a stable path, as jerking the wheel can cause an unnecessary accident. Your RV windshield is extremely strong and capable of withstanding most debris impacts such as those. But while the glass won’t shatter from such impacts, it may develop a crack and a cracked RV windshield needs to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent that crack from growing and compromising the glass’s integrity. The following is a look at three factors that can be used to determine whether that windshield can be effectively repaired or if it needs to be replaced altogether:

The 3 Factors That Determine RV Windshield Repair Vs. Replacement

1. Location. In general, all windshield cracks will eventually grow over time as the glass expands and contracts with road vibrations and changing temperatures. However, caught in time and with small hairline fractures around the edges of the glass, you can do repair instead of replacement. However, windshield cracks in the center or directly in front of the steering wheel often means that the whole windshield needs to be replaced. Any windshield damage that obstructs the driver’s view should be addressed as soon as possible.
2. Size. As you might expect, size also plays a role. Large cracks and impacted glass often require replacement while smaller cracks that are less than three inches in length can be fixed with a simple repair. There is also the difference between a small webbing fracture and a large tentacle-like fracture. The latter can severely impact the integrity of the entire windshield glass and should be replaced immediately.
3. Severity. While severity is similar to size, it goes a bit further and the severity of a cracked windshield will also impact how much time you should let pass before repair or replacement. Minor chips and tiny side cracks are generally not a big risk and if you are traveling with your RV, then this is a job you can delay until you find a preferred shop. More severe chips, multiple dings, and cracks that spread out like spiderwebs should be addressed more quickly and will often require replacement.

Fixing Your RV Windshield Problem

While we noted that there are factors that can lead to you delaying your windshield repair, in general, you should get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent the issue from becoming a safety hazard. Your RV insurance will generally cover windshield repair and sometimes replacement. The only thing your insurer will often require is that you go to a qualified auto body shop or contact a licensed mobile repair service. If you are in our neck of the woods, then our team at Premier Coach Works is well-equipped to work with your insurer and get your RV windshield either repaired or replaced. Contact us today.