Things to Consider Before Repairing a Windshield Crack at Home
Depending on the damage incurred to a windshield, the vehicle owner might be tempted to repair the damaged windshield.
Depending on the damage incurred to a windshield, the vehicle owner might be tempted to repair the damaged windshield. For owners looking for a DIY how-to on windshield repair, this is the right place.
While someone might be able to repair a windshield in some cases, there is some risk involved, and it is a task better left to a professional.
There are some considerations to account for when deciding whether to repair a cracked windshield.
Why repair a small crack
Repairs must be made to windshield damage immediately, even if it’s a small crack or chip. Small cracks eventually spread into larger cracks. This spreading happens randomly, with no warning. One day, the owner will look over to find that the chip that had been stable for months is suddenly a crack that spreads across the entire windshield. If the crack begins in the driver’s line of sight or spreads into their vision, it creates a dangerous distraction.
Another safety concern has to do with the structural integrity of the vehicle. For example, a windshield ensures that airbags deploy property and that the vehicle’s structural integrity is kept intact during a rollover. Any damage reduces the strength of the glass and can harm the vehicle’s occupants in the event of an accident. Even a tiny crack can cause a windshield to be 60% weaker than it should be.
That’s a risk that a vehicle owner can easily avoid by repairing the glass.
Windshield repair vs. windshield replacement
There are several specifications a chip or crack must meet to be eligible for repair.
Not within 5 cm of the outside edge of the windshield
All of the damage can fit beneath a quarter
No more than three cracks or chips
A big problem with windshield damage is that it allows moisture and dirt into the glass, which can cause cracks and chips to spread. Repairing a small crack or chip reseals the glass, preventing that damage from spreading. Generally, a trained technician can repair a small crack or chip in less than 30 minutes.
A windshield replacement is necessary if the chip or crack does not meet the above specifications.
Associated risks
There are risks to repairing a windshield using materials available in the store and how-to videos online. As with any DIY project, there’s always the risk of causing further damage to the windshield, which can turn a low- or no-cost repair into a windshield replacement. Trying to repair this type of damage using DIY methods wastes time and money and presents a significant safety hazard. If the windshield is heavily damaged, it needs a trained repair technician.
Failing to replace a damaged windshield poses a considerable risk because it compromises the vehicle’s safety.
Vehicle owners who are unsure if they can make the repairs themselves should contact a professional auto glass repair company for information. These trained technicians can offer advice and help determine whether the glass can be repaired or replaced.
Lucid Auto Glass provides mobile windshield repair and replacement in Tacoma, Olympia, Renton, Lakewood, and surrounding areas. Our auto glass services include windshield replacement, rock chip repair, crack repair, and leak repair as well as door window regulator and door window motor repair and replacement. Family owned and operated. Military discounts available.
