Should You Get Your Windshield Repaired or Replaced?

You know the feeling.  You’re driving down the freeway minding your own business and you hear that ever familiar “pop” on your windshield.  At first the noise startles you, but then you see the tell-tale signs of windshield damage and your emotions quickly turn to frustration.

Minor windshield damage is characterized by two forms, chips and cracks.  While some people choose to get any windshield damage fixed immediately by having the windshield replaced, others opt to have the damage repaired.

Chips are generally identified by a clearly marked point of impact from a rock or other debris.  This can be in many forms, from a star break to a bullseye to a pit.

On the contrary, cracks are identified by a distinct line in the glass that can be as small as under an inch to spanning the full width of your windshield.

When is it best to have your windshield chip repaired versus replacing your windshield?  The following information will help answer that question:

Size

Generally speaking, chips that are smaller than a quarter and any cracks that are less than three inches long can be easily repaired.  Keep in mind that the location of the damage will play a factor in whether or not it can be repaired.  Repair companies will refer to the guidelines administered by the National Windshield Repair Association to determine to proper course of action to take.

Depth

A windshield has three layers of glass – an outer layer, a plastic interlayer and an inside layer of glass.  If the damage has penetrated through both the outer and inner layer of glass, it’s too deep to perform a repair and the windshield must be replaced.

Location

If the damage reaches the outer edge of the glass, there is a greater chance that the structural integrity of the glass has been comprised, and it will need to be replaced.

In addition, if the damage is located in the driver’s line of sight, the windshield must be replaced.  This is due to the fact that repairs will often cause some form of distortion and this can impair the driver’s view.

Finally, if the damage affects any of the sensors, such as the rain sensors, automatic braking systems, lane departure warning systems or any other automated driver assistance systems it may not be repairable.  These sensors require a clear view and a windshield repair may cause the sensors to malfunction.

In the end, safety is the key.  Have all cracks and chips inspected to ensure the proper repair or replacement protocol.