How to Tell if You Need Windshield Replacement

As it states in our name, we at All Glass specialize in all things glass, including residential, commercial, and even automotive glass. When it comes to auto glass, the most important component is the windshield. If your windshield has been damaged, it can be difficult to determine whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced completely. In this article, we’ll go over a few ways to tell if you need a full windshield replacement so that you can make the best decision for your car.

• How large is the crack or chip? When deciding if a windshield can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced, our technicians first look at the size of the crack or chip. A useful guiding principle that many auto glass professionals use is to compare the size of the damaged area to that of a dollar bill–if the crack is smaller than that, it can usually be repaired, but if it’s larger, then a full windshield replacement is usually necessary.
• Where is the damage located? Another thing we consider when determining if windshield replacement is necessary is where the damage in question is located. If the crack or chip is near the edge of the glass, it can often be repaired, but if the damage is in the driver’s direct line of sight, then the windshield will likely need to be replaced. Even the best repair job risks leaving a mark that will impair the driver’s vision and make the car unsafe to drive.
• Are there many chips or just one? Lastly, the fewer chips there are, the more likely that your windshield can be repaired. If you have three or fewer chipped spots, then a repair can probably do the job, but more than that will weaken the glass significantly, to the point that windshield replacement is the far safer option.