Windshield Repair or Replacement: Which Do You Need?

December 19th, 2023 by Holden

While a vehicle’s windshield may become damaged for many reasons, a swift repair or replacement is necessary to maintain visibility, integrity, and driving safety. Often, whether or not you need a windshield repair or replacement depends on the crack’s location, the damage amount, and other vital factors.

While minor chips may only require a windshield repair, extensive damage often needs a total replacement. However, repairing or replacing a windshield should not be taken lightly, as it goes beyond mere cost considerations. After all, your windshield is an integral part of the vehicle that aids in protecting you and your passengers in an accident and directly impacts driving visibility.

This guide will delve into choosing between repairing or replacing your windshield, providing essential insights and expert advice to help you make an informed decision about your vehicle’s repair services. 

 

Can You Fix a Cracked Windshield Without Replacing It?

Yes, fixing a cracked windshield is often possible without a complete replacement. For example, chipped windshields caused by rocks and other road debris are often repairable and more cost-effective than a total replacement. However, it’s essential to consult your local Fix Auto USA professionals to accurately assess the windshield’s damage. 

 

Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Windshield?

No one enjoys dealing with a broken windshield, but a fast repair or replacement service will stop the spread of damage, restore driving visibility, and help keep you and your passengers safer. Whether it’s better to repair or replace a windshield depends on various critical factors, including: 

The Crack or Chip Location 

The crack or chip location on the windshield is crucial in determining whether a windshield repair or replacement is necessary. Damage located near the edges of the windshield generally compromises its structural integrity, so a total replacement is often needed. Additionally, even if minor, cracks near the driver’s line of sight usually require a replacement to ensure clear visibility and safety.

Your Windshield’s Glass Type (Tempered vs. Laminated)

The type of glass used in the windshield influences if you need a repair or replacement windshield. Laminated glass, more commonly used in windshields, allows for repairs in many cases. However, a repair may be impossible if your vehicle has a tempered glass windshield, typically found in the side and rear windows. Tempered glass is difficult to fix because it doesn’t contain the resin necessary to maintain the windshield’s integrity after damage.

Size, Length, and Dimensions

The length, size, and dimensions of the crack or chip are significant in determining a windshield’s repairability. Generally, chips smaller than a quarter and cracks up to the size of a dollar can be repaired. However, more extensive or longer damage usually necessitates a windshield replacement for safety.

Impact on Visibility

If the windshield damage impairs visibility, a total replacement will be necessary. Repairs can still cause slight distortions obstructing your view, potentially increasing the likelihood of an accident. Ensuring clear and unobstructed vision on the road is paramount to safe driving.

The Depth of the Crack or Chip

The depth of the crack or chip also plays a vital role in determining windshield repairability. If the windshield damage penetrates deep enough to reach the inner layer of glass, a complete windshield replacement is typically the safer option. Shallow damage confined to the outer layer is more likely to be repairable. 

 

When to Repair a Windshield

So, does your vehicle need a windshield repair or replacement? Let’s take a look at the windshield damage. A repair may be the best course of action when dealing with minor and non-obstructive damage. Here are some key indicators that a repair may be sufficient for your vehicle:

• Damage Is Minor: If the windshield has a chip smaller than a quarter and shorter than a dollar.
• Shallow Damage: The windshield damage is minor and shallow, affecting only the outer layer of glass.
• Non-Critical Location: The damage is located away from the driver’s direct line of sight and not at the windshield’s edges.
• Single Point of Impact: The windshield damage is localized to one spot without multiple affected areas.

Promptly addressing these minor damages can prevent them from escalating into more significant issues that require a complete windshield replacement. Remember, the longer you wait to bring your vehicle in for a repair, the more likely the damage will spread, and the less likely a repair will be sufficient. 

 

When to Replace a Windshield

You’ll likely need to replace the windshield if the damage is severe, widespread, poses a safety hazard, or is a risk to windshield integrity. Here are some examples of when a total windshield replacement may be warranted:

• Large or Long Cracks: If the windshield has sustained significant damage and cracks or chips longer or larger than a dollar, you’ll likely need a replacement.
• Deep Chips and Cracks: A replacement is usually necessary if the crack or chip has penetrated the windshield’s outer layer or entire windshield.
• Multiple Points of Damage: Several chips or cracks across the windshield may need a complete replacement, even if each of those chips and cracks is minor.
• Obstructed Line of Sight and Windshield Edges: Does the crack or chip obstruct your view from the driver’s seat? Is it at the edge of the windshield? You’ll likely need a replacement if you’ve said yes to either of these questions.
• The Windshield Is Made of Tempered Glass: If you have a damaged tempered glass windshield, you’ll likely need a replacement, regardless of the extent of the damage.

In these cases, replacing the windshield as quickly as possible is crucial to ensuring the vehicle’s safety and structural integrity. 

 

Is a Replacement Windshield as Good as the Original? 

After deciding if you need a windshield repair or replacement, you may wonder whether a replacement windshield will be as good as the original one. Fortunately, when sourced from reputable manufacturers and installed by skilled technicians, replacement windshields can be as good as the original. Quality replacements ensure your new windshield integrates seamlessly with the vehicle, maintains the car’s structural integrity, and works with advanced driver assistance systems. 

 

Is It Worth It to Replace a Windshield?

Yes. A windshield replacement is a wise investment that restores driver visibility and vehicle safety while ensuring your vehicle’s continued structural integrity. Additionally, depending on your state’s laws and the damage the windshield has sustained, it may be illegal to continue driving the car without getting a replacement windshield. 

 

Get a Reliable Windshield Repair or Replacement

We always recommend having a professional assess whether you need a windshield repair or replacement to ensure safety and provide you with added peace of mind. Whether your windshield has a small chip or you’re dealing with extensive damage, Fix Auto USA is here to help. We’ll ensure your windshield gets a reliable repair or replacement. Find a body shop near you today.