Should You Repair or Replace Your Windshield?

A rogue rock hits your car while you’re driving down the street, and you’re left with a sizeable crack/chip in your windshield. Now, you’re wondering if you should have us at All Glass replace your windshield or if you can get away with replacement. The answer to this dilemma usually comes down to three different factors: the size, depth, and location of the crack/chip. Call us today for an assessment! 

1. Size
2. Chips smaller than a nickel can usually be repaired.
3. Cracks up to one inch in length can typically be fixed.
4. Depth
5. Depth refers to how much damage penetrates into the windshield.
6. Most windshields include three layers – the outer layer of glass, a plastic interlayer, and an inside layer of glass.
7. If the damage goes through both the inner and outer layer of glass, replacement is likely needed.
8. Location
9. If the damage extends to the windshield’s outer edge, the structural integrity of the glass is compromised and the windshield may need to be replaced.
10. Repairs cannot be completed on a windshield if the crack/chip is within the driver’s line of sight (the glass directly covered by the driver’s side windshield wiper).
11. Any damage within the view of the rain sensors, lane departure warning systems, automatic braking systems, or other automated systems usually results in windshield replacement over repair.