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Q. How bad does a crack in my windshield need to be before it has to be replaced as opposed to repaired?
A. Back in the day, a crack to your windshield meant it wasn’t long for this world. But newer windshields and advances in repair techniques mean that a little windshield damage doesn’t mean it’s time to get a new one.
If you have a chip or crack in your windshield there are three factors that will determine if you can get it repaired or if you have to get the whole thing replaced.
Size Matters
Most glass repair shops can take care of chips up to the size of a quarter and cracks up to three inches long. There are some specialized repair shops that can handle bigger damage, so it pays to call around and check out your options.
How Bad is It?
Not all cracks are created equal. Even if the size is small, some cracks and chips can be severe. It is possible for seemingly small cracks or chips to be deemed serious enough that you’ll have to replace your entire windshield, so be prepared for this bad news.
Location, Location, Location
If the damage is obscuring the driver’s sight line, most repair shops will suggest a replacement. Also, cracks along the edges of the windshield, where the glass is weakest, are more likely to increase in size and destroy the structural integrity of glass. In this case, a replacement may also be your best bet.
It’s important to remember that the sooner you take care of a crack or chip, the better your chances are that a repair will do the trick. Cracks and chips will only get worse over time, so this is not a repair that you should put off. Many shops won’t touch cracks more than 30 days old. Dirt gets pushed into them and they’re harder to repair. Also, if you’ve got more than one crack, a replacement is the way to go.
