Car windshield repair or replacement

Time for a cracked windshield repair or car windshield replacement? The decision isn’t always clear — sometimes it’s a judgment call, but in other situations, it’s definitely better to simply do the repair. Here’s how to figure out when to replace the windshield or when to repair it.

Factors determining windshield repair or replacement

You see your windshield every time you get behind the wheel, but do you pay much attention until a problem appears? Most of us do not. A rock chip while driving, hitting an animal or vandalism suddenly puts the front glass in the forefront of our minds. Besides being unsightly, a damaged windshield can impair your vision and even compromise your safety. So when the time comes for your car windshield repair or replacement, you will definitely want to do it the right way. A car windshield does not do this because of its laminated construction. Think of it as a sandwich. Two layers of glass, with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer in between. And it protects you from more than the elements. In a severe crash, an undamaged, properly installed windshield is critical to front passenger airbag deployment as well as structural rigidity in the event of a rollover. So while a small rock chip may appear as little more than a cosmetic annoyance, there’s a lot riding on car windshield repair or replacement done the right way. Here’s how to know if you need to repair or replace windshield damage. 

When to get your windshield repaired

Can you fix a cracked windshield? A damaged car windshield will often appear and behave differently than damaged glass elsewhere on the vehicle. This is because most vehicles have side and rear windows made of tempered glass that tends to shatter into tiny pieces, or at least crack entirely. As a general guideline, windshield damage smaller than the diameter of a quarter and shorter than the length of a dollar bill is usually repairable, provided it does not encroach into the driver’s straight-ahead line of sight. However, there are some different scenarios, so here’s how to evaluate a cracked windshield repair. If a crack penetrates both layers of the windshield glass, or runs all the way to the edge of the windshield, that means the glass is more structurally compromised. If you’re wondering if you need windshield repair or replacement, it’s best to err on the safe side.

How to repair a windshield chip

Using cycles of vacuum and pressure, a technician removes air from the break and injects a liquid resin that will cure under ultraviolet light. This can come courtesy of the sun or under a portable lamp in less than 30 minutes. Restoration of structural integrity is the primary benefit, though the appearance is usually improved also. A DIY windshield chip repair uses a kit to inject resin into the chip, but it’s a much lower quality repair.

When to get your windshield replaced

Windshield replacement is necessary when the damage is larger in size than safely repairable or is in the driver’s line of sight. For this, a technician must cut through the urethane adhesive around the existing windshield’s edges and remove the windshield from the car. The tech will then inspect, clean and prepare the pinchweld area around the car’s windshield opening, as well the replacement windshield itself. Fresh urethane adhesive is applied and the new windshield is carefully set in place. Naturally, windshield replacement takes more time than windshield repair. You’ll often need to wait at least an hour for the urethane to cure and properly bond for safe driving.

Risks of postponing windshield replacement and repair

The more severely a windshield is damaged, the higher the risk of postponing repair or replacement. There is always a risk when the driver’s vision is impaired, because it may lead to a collision. Delaying repair to a crack or chip means it will get worse, eventually necessitating a replacement where a repair would have sufficed. The biggest potential consequence of delaying a windshield replacement is that the windshield could cave in while driving, which is extremely dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it to replace the windshield?

Yes, it’s worth it to replace a windshield when it needs to be replaced. The risks of driving a car with a significantly damaged windshield are considerable.

Does insurance cover a chipped windshield?

In need of cheap windshield replacement? Car windshield repair or replacement often involves an insurance claim. Provided you carry appropriate coverage, many insurance carriers will waive the deductible when a windshield can be repaired. For windshield replacement, a deductible will usually apply. Some insurers may offer special coverage specifically for windshields.

How much does it cost to repair or replace a windshield?

Though technically, you can buy a windshield repair kit, it’s not advisable for all but the smallest and least consequential chips. So, do-it-yourself types, take note: though car windshield repair or replacement is possible on your own, so is dental work. Without proper training and the right tools, there are too many considerations to list here in order for you to do it the right way on your own. To ensure safety and avoid air and water leaks, defer to trained technicians with the proper equipment, brand-new glass and fresh supplies. The cost to repair a windshield can range from a few bucks for a DIY chip repair kit, to hundreds or even upwards of a thousand dollars. A windshield for an older car can still be replaced for about $500 or so, but those with newer cars with advanced safety systems should bear in mind that many of these cars’ cameras and sensors require special glass, and that these sensors must be recalibrated after the new windshield is installed. That increases the cost substantially, both in parts and labor.

Is a replacement windshield as good as the original?

That depends. Like most car parts, windshields are available from both OEM and aftermarket suppliers. OEM windshields are a perfect fit and manufactured to the same quality standards as the original, but they are more expensive and may be hard to source. Aftermarket windshields are made to fit a range of vehicles and are generally manufactured more cheaply, but they’re also more affordable and may be easier to obtain, since there are more options. As for the quality of the replacement, that depends on the skill of the installer, though if you follow the post-installation instructions, you should be fine. In any case, it’s better than driving around with a dangerous windshield.

Can a windshield crack longer than 6 inches be repaired?

Wondering when to worry about a cracked windshield? Generally, experts advise that a chip smaller than a quarter or a crack shorter than a dollar bill can be repaired. However, there are exceptions, particularly when it comes to cracks. What about bigger cracks — for example, can a 12-inch crack in the windshield be repaired? If the crack is not in the driver’s direct line of sight, does not penetrate all the way through the windshield, and does not extend to the edge of the windshield, it may be repairable.