Repair or Replace: When To Replace a Windshield
If you are unsure as to when you should either repair or replace a cracked windshield, this guide will give you the details you need to decide.
A crack in your windshield can be quite an annoyance. It can obstruct your vision and fixing it will be an extra cost that you might not want to deal with now. This is the primary reason why people often put off fixing their windshields. However, if the crack is big enough, it might be illegal to continue driving, so you’ll need to get it repaired or replaced. If you need help deciding what to do, read on to learn when to repair or replace a windshield.
Windshield Repair vs. Replacement
The type of damage on your windshield will determine whether you need a replacement or repair. When your windshield takes impact, it can either result in a crack or chip — let's look at the differences between the two.
Windshield Chip
A chip is a small amount of damage that breaks away a portion of the glass. If the damage is minor enough, it's relatively simple to repair. Even if a chip is small, leaving it unrepaired can often cause bigger problems in the long run if the chip grows.
Windshield Crack
When a windshield has a crack, it forms a clear line where the glass begins to separate. If left unattended, a crack will grow over time. Changes in the temperature will cause the glass to contract and expand, making the crack spread gradually. Small dirt particles can also get into the gap and collect over time.
Even the daily stress that your vehicle experiences can exacerbate the damage. Driving over speed humps and potholes as well as the overall impact of driving can cause the crack to spread slowly but surely.
Can My Windshield Be Repaired?
If the crack or chip is on the smaller side, repairing your windshield is an option. If the damage only occurred around the point of impact, it'll need to be smaller than an inch in diameter. If it's an actual crack, it can't be any longer than 12 inches to repair a cracked windshield.
The depth of the damage is also considered when determining whether to repair or replace the windshield. The glass of a windshield has layers — an outer layer of glass, followed by a middle layer of plastic and an inner layer of glass. If the damage only affects a single layer of the glass, we can repair it. If the breakage went through, a repair wouldn't be an option.
Repairing a windshield involves injecting a clear resin into the crack or chip. We then cure and polish the area, resulting in a smooth and transparent finish.
When to Replace a Windshield
You'll need to replace the windshield once the damage has gone past the ability to repair. Larger cracks and ones that have gone through multiple layers of glass in your windshield can be quite dangerous. They can easily become bigger and even break entirely without too much external force. This is also the case if a smaller crack is too close to the edge of your windshield. The possibility of it worsening goes up the further away the damage is from the center of the windshield.
There are certain circumstances when it's important to replace your windshield:
Tempered glass: Most windshields are made from laminated glass, with a plastic middle layer that holds the glass together if damaged. Some side and rear windows are made of tempered glass, which shatters into smaller, more granular pieces when broken — in this case, replacing the glass is necessary.
Crack or chip is large: If a crack is longer than 12 inches and a chip is bigger than 1 inch in diameter, you must replace it.
Deep crack: If the chip or crack penetrates through the outer and middle layers of the glass, a replacement is needed. Once the middle layer of laminated glass is exposed, it can become discolored, so you may consider replacing the entire windshield.
Too many chips and cracks: As a rule of thumb, if you have three or more cracks and chips on your windshield, you should consider replacing it. A significant amount of damage will begin to weaken the integrity of the glass, lessening its ability to withstand impact.
Crack is in an awkward spot: If the crack is over the driver's side of the windshield, invest in a replacement. Even if you repair the crack, it can leave a mark that will impact the driver's view. If a crack expands from one side of the windshield to another, it can compromise the car's structural integrity so you'll need to replace it.
Why You Should Act Now
There's a reason why it's illegal to drive around with a large crack in your windshield: it's extremely dangerous. Not only could the windshield break, spreading broken glass all over you and your passengers, but it could increase your chance of an accident. Your windshield also protects you if your car rolls over in an accident. The force from the car's frame is partially transferred through the windshield.
Significant cracks can impair your overall visibility while driving. Sunlight can reflect off the crack or chip, obstructing your view. Plus, if it's raining, that crack will reduce the effectiveness of your windshield wipers.
If your windshield has a crack or chip, it's best to fix it immediately. Even though it may seem small, the damage can grow over time. The longer you wait, the more compromised your windshield becomes — it can eventually fail completely and become a significant driving hazard. Waiting until later can also result in a more expensive repair.
Contact Avision Auto Glass for a Response Within 24 Hours and the Best Prices
Here at Avision Auto Glass, we understand that this issue might come at an inopportune time, so we do our best to make getting a new windshield as painless as possible. Our windshield replacements are surprisingly affordable, and if needed, we can come to you to change them. Now that you know when to repair or replace a windshield, you'll be more well-equipped to handle the situation if it ever arises.
Count on us for a speedy response and affordable auto glass repair and replacement. To learn more, check out what our customers say about our rates and services, and contact us today.
