Cracked Windshields: Repair or Replace?

sahul Kasodhan • February 13, 2025

Your windshield stands up to a lot. But a bad chip or a crack can really throw a wrench into your plans. Affordable vehicle glass is sometimes hard to come by, and replacing the entire windshield can be pricey. Below, we'll walk you through a few of the ways you can tell whether you'll need a full windshield replacement or if you can get by with a repair.



According to Newsday, windshield cracks that are under 12 inches long can generally be repaired without incident. Cracks running over 12 inches, however, should be replaced for the integrity of the overall windshield. Having your windshield replaced can be a hassle, but it's much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to road and vehicle safety.



Windshield Repair


Many times, minor damage to your windshield can be repaired without having to replace the entire windshield. Shallow scratches, cracks, and chips can usually be filled in by an auto repair shop without compromising the overall integrity of the windshield. One exception to this is if the damaged area obstructs the driver's view. If this is the case, always have your windshield replaced.



Windshield Replacement


If damage is too extensive, then it begins to risk the actual integrity of the windshield itself. In these cases, replacement is necessary for safety. Generally speaking, if a crack in your windshield is longer than a dollar bill, or extends to the outer edge of the windshield, replacement is necessary. Likewise, if a crack or a chip gouges out or otherwise breaks through more than half of the windshield's thickness, a replacement is necessary. Vehicles that have tempered glass instead of laminated glass for their windshields are also good candidates for replacement.



The question of whether or not to replace your damaged windshield is a serious one, in terms of both money and safety. Assessing the damage yourself can help you form a better idea of the extent of the damage and what the proper course of action might be. Qualified technicians can then give you more insight into the extent of the damage. Luckily, affordable vehicle glass is available here at #1 Lowest Price Auto Glass & Window Tinting. If you've been putting off a windshield repair or replacement, now is the best time to take that one off your to-do list.


By sahul Kasodhan February 13, 2025
While getting windshield repairs is much cheaper than a complete replacement, sometimes repairs just won't cut it. There are many instances in which your windshield has to be replaced rather than repaired, but knowing when you need a replacement isn't always obvious. An affordable auto glass service can help you make the right choice. Read on for the most common reasons a windshield will need to be replaced. Crack Larger Than Twelve Inches If you ever get a crack in your windshield, the length is the deciding factor between windshield repair and replacement. According to Newdsay.com, if a windshield crack is under twelve inches it can be repaired, but if it is over twelve inches it has to be replaced. Look for an affordable auto glass service to help with this. Cameras or Sensors Are Blocked While a small chip or crack can typically be replaced, if it is directly in front of a camera or sensor it will require a full windshield replacement for that sensor to work properly again. With the increasing technology in new vehicles, there are more sensors and cameras than older vehicles so full replacements have become more common. Tempered Glass While most windshields are made using laminated glass, most side and rear windows are made with tempered glass. When these windows are damaged, the glass breaks down into small granular pieces making it impossible to repair. Damaged tempered glass will always need to be replaced by an affordable auto glass service. More Than Three Cracks If you have more than three cracks on your windshield, the twelve-inch rule no longer applies. After three or more cracks or chips, your windshield is much weaker. Once it can't hold up against further impacts or damages anymore, a complete replacement will be necessary. As soon as you notice any of these signs, call your local affordable vehicle glass company for a replacement to keep yourself safe on the road. Replacing your windshield allows you to improve it. Talk to your affordable auto glass services technician about upgrading to affordable window tints on your new windshield.
By sahul Kasodhan February 13, 2025
The windshield is a very important component of any vehicle, and auto glass repair can help to keep it in good condition. The windshield does much more than simply help you to see while driving. It is an integral part of your vehicle's design and provides many significant advantages for drivers. Let's take a closer look at them.
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