Windshield Chip Repair: How to Tell If Your Windshield Should Be Repaired or Replaced

You pass by your car and notice a chip. It seems small, so you think maybe you can hold off on getting it fixed for a while.

But what happens when your windshield crack doesn’t appear to get fixed as easily as you think? What if there’s a deeper issue and you need a replacement instead?

It’s not always apparent when this becomes a problem. Check out our handy guide, and learn when you can get by with a windshield chip repair and when a replacement is necessary.

Check the Size of the Crack or Chip on Your Glass

The size of the crack or chip in your windshield is everything. It doesn’t sound like much but determining if you need windshield repair or replacement depends on the size of the crack or chip you’re currently dealing with.

When in doubt, pull out a quarter, and see how your chip or crack measures up to it. Chips that are smaller than that and cracks three inches or under normally fall into the category of simple enough to replace.

If your chip turns out to be bigger than a quarter and your crack is over 14 inches long, it’s time to look at replacement. Many people feel unsure about replacing their full windshield because they worry about the cost involved.

If you have a newer car or find there’s frequently incidents or accidents that call for a replacement, it’s possible to pay extra for your insurance and get full glass coverage.

Some people debate if this is worth the money. Take inventory of how often you’re dealing with chips and cracks and what size they are as a way to determine the next steps in repair or replacement.

More Than One Type

Just as cracks and chips determine if you need a windshield repair, so does the type of damage. Windshield damage actually goes by specific names that describe the style.

A half-moon crack was caused by something circular. A pit is a small piece of glass missing from the windshield.

Crack chips resonate with the size that’s less than a quarter, as described earlier. While it’s not mandatory that you know the exact names for all the different types of damage, it can help you when trying to describe it to insurance or a repair person.

Location is Everything When Deciding if You Need Windshield Chip Repair or Replacement

Location means a lot when you’re dealing with a chipped or cracked windshield and don’t know if you can get away with a repair. instead of replacing. Both cracks and chips can occur on the inside and the outside of the windshield.

If you think these problems have escalated beyond something small and have the potential to cause a problem, it’s time to get them replaced.

Some damages go beyond basic repair. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to get your windshield replaced.

Seek professional replacement when you notice:

• Multiple cracks throughout the whole windshield
• Chips or cracks that obscure the driver’s viewing area
• Both the inner and outer glass has significant damage
• Cracks and chips are present on the inside

If you’re unsure about where to go for help, look for a quality professional who knows how to handle the situation and can suggest a solution right for your windshield problems. Auto Glass Express can check out your windshield and help you replace it properly so you’re safe.

In the event that you need help with an emergency situation, many professionals can come out quickly to assist you before it turns into a major problem.

Understanding the Issue of Safety and Windshield Cracks

Many people think if they have a crack on their windshield, it’s acceptable to drive around with a crack or chips in the glass. While this isn’t always a problem right away, it can create further issues if nothing’s done to fix the problem.

Windshields that have cracks on the inside not only affect how well the driver can see, but they compromise the structure of the windshield itself. That means you could face the glass breaking in front of you while you’re driving, which has the potential to cause an accident.

Even when fixing a crack or repair on your own, it’s safer to get a professional to help you. Cracks and chips that aren’t correctly fixed cause further issues and can become a bigger problem than they were before getting fixed.

Furthermore, when windshield problems occur and they’re close to censors, this can make it difficult for the sensors to know when to kick on. Although saving money when getting a repair is important, your safety is a key factor when getting work done.

Even if you take your car into a shop, you can save money when going to a repair shop if you know what to look for.

Discover More

Dealing with fixing cracks and windshield chip repair can be stressful if you don’t know how to assess the problem. Pay attention to where chips and cracks stand on the windshield, and how long or large they are.

Remember that even though trying to save the windshield can save you money, it’s important to think about your safety. If a repair compromises how well you see or otherwise affects the sensors on your car, you’re better off paying the extra money to have a permanent fix.

Taking care of your car and ensuring it’s kept repaired means you’ll save money in the long run while enjoying the benefits of a lasting vehicle. If you’re wondering when to fix something yourself and when to take your car in, we’re here to help.

Check out our blog on 8 car repairs you shouldn’t do yourself and leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.