Windshield Repair FAQs

Failing to replace a damaged windshield poses a considerable risk because it compromises the vehicle’s safety.

Depending on the damage incurred to the windshield, the vehicle owner might be tempted to repair the damaged windshield. They might even search for information on DIY windshield repair online.

While there are some cases where an untrained vehicle owner can repair the windshield, some risk is involved.

Here are some questions they should consider when deciding whether or not to repair windshield cracks.

Is a small windshield crack really that bad?

Yes! Vehicle owners should repair any glass damage to their car or truck. Small chips and cracks will eventually spread into larger cracks, which happens randomly and often overnight. One day, there is a small chip, and the next morning, there is a crack across the entire windshield. If the crack is in the driver’s line of vision, it can be a safety concern.

Another safety concern has to do with the structural integrity of the vehicle. A windshield ensures that the airbags deploy property and that the vehicle’s structural integrity is kept intact during a rollover.

Even a tiny crack can cause a windshield to be 60% weaker than it should be. That’s a risk an owner can easily avoid by repairing it.

Is windshield repair as safe as windshield replacement?

As long as the crack is not within 5 cm of the outside edge of the windshield and no part of the crack is wider than a quarter, it’s safe to repair it. A small crack or chip can generally be repaired in as little as 30 minutes. 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.

What happens if the damage is too extensive to repair?

If the damage to a windshield is too extensive to repair, the vehicle’s owners will have to have the windshield replaced. Never try to repair a windshield that has:

• Damage within 5cm of the outside edge of the windshield.

• Three or more cracks or chips.

Windshield repair is not a DIY project. Trying to repair this damage without the benefit of a professional technician wastes time and money and presents a significant safety hazard.

What are the risks?

The vehicle owner takes a risk when attempting DIY windshield repair. As with any DIY project, there’s always the risk of causing further damage to the windshield. They may cause enough damage that an inexpensive or free windshield repair (depending on the insurance coverage) may become a windshield replacement with the entire cost on the owner’s shoulders.

Failing to replace a damaged windshield poses a considerable risk because it compromises the vehicle’s safety.

Any windshield damage needs a professional technician’s attention. Contact a local glass repair shop for assistance.