When Is Repairing or Replacing a Damaged Windshield a Must?

The windshield is an important part of every vehicle. It doesn’t just allow you to see the road ahead, but it also keeps you safe from kicked-up rocks, dust, insects, and other flying road debris.

Moreover, the windshield also plays an integral role in maintaining your vehicle’s structural integrity as well as preventing ejection during a collision.

Needless to say, taking care of your windshield is a MUST.

But what will you do once your windshield gets damaged?

You have two options—either have it repaired or replaced. Wondering how to know what course of action suits your situation the best. Here, we will discuss when you should have your windshield repaired and when it is better to get a replacement instead.

When to Repair a Cracked Windshield

Most small windshield damages are repairable. If you have glass coverage, you can even have it repaired for FREE. If not, there are many auto glass shops that offer windshield repair services for a reasonable price.

The best person to tell whether your windshield can be repaired is an auto glass technician. Though, the possibility of your windshield’s repairability largely depends on three factors: size, depth, and location. To understand this much better, we’ve listed some instances where windshield repair can be possible:

• Size – The damage is smaller than a quarter

• Depth – The damage did not penetrate the windshield’s inner layer

• Location – The damage is not in the driver’s line of sight.

It is also better to have your windshield repaired as early as possible. If you continue to drive with a damaged windshield, it is likely that the damage will spread across the glass—making your windshield impossible to be repaired.

When to Replace a Cracked Windshield

Unlike windshields, most vehicles have tempered glass installed as their side windows and back glass. These glass parts are not repairable, and a replacement is required when they get damaged.

However, the repairability of a windshield has its limitations. Size, depth, and location play big roles in identifying whether a windshield can be repaired. An auto glass technician can identify if your windshield is already too damaged for repair.

Auto glass technicians recommend a replacement if the damage is:

• longer than a dollar bill

• intersecting with more than one outer edge of the windshield

• through the windshield’s outer and inner layers.

• impeding the driver’s view of the road

• obstructing ADAS-related components from getting a good view of the road

Safety & Visibility

Prompt windshield repair and replacement have two main importances—safety and visibility. The windshield is a key component in maintaining your vehicle’s structural integrity, especially during collisions. This is on top of its known purpose of being your protection against rocks, dust, insects, and other elements on the road. A clean and undamaged windshield also allows you to have a clear view of the road, letting you drive safely and avoid accidents.