Canyon Creek Insurance

Canyon Creek Allstate Insurance Chips and Cracks: When to Repair or Replace a Damaged Windshield by Mac Demere

If your windshield gets chipped or cracked, should you repair or replace it? Drive with a chip or cracked windshield long enough, that chip or crack can become a problem.

Regardless of where you live, your windshield may take a beating. There could be pea gravel falling from uncovered construction trucks, sanitation vehicles laying down salt and sand when the weather calls for it, and the occasional chunk of unknown debris kicked up by cars passing by. It’s amazing that windshields survive as long as they do.

Large and Small Repairs

The good news is that smaller chips and cracks can usually be repaired by a professional for typically less than $100, according to Novus Auto Glass. A crack or chip can be safely repaired if it can be covered by a dollar bill, says Safelite Auto Glass. However, if the chip is directly in the driver’s line of sight, there are more than three cracks or chips on the glass, the damage is at the edge of the windshield, or the windshield is old and covered with tiny divots, it should be replaced rather than repaired, says Safelite.

If your windshield can be repaired, do it immediately. A small chip can spread across the windshield if you hit a big pothole, drive on a corrugated gravel road or make an aggressive turn. If you’re on the road away from home, a repair company can typically come to you.

The windshield serves as a structural part in many vehicles that contributes to the overall strength of the vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffi c Administration (NHTSA). If you must replace the windshield, its strength may be compromised as the new seal may not be as strong as the factory seal. Finding and fi xing the leak can be a longterm challenge as the water may enter in one location and exit at another.

Don’t, however, expect the repaired area to be as clear as the surrounding area, says Novus. You can expect to get back about 75 to 95 percent of the optical clarity.

DIY Repair

You may also attempt to repair the chip or crack yourself. There are many do-it-yourself repair kits available at your local auto parts store, and they typically attempt to replicate the resin injection technique of the professionals.

Remember, a key function of the repair is to prevent the crack or chip from expanding or spreading, and also to help restore some of the structural integrity of the glass. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the DIY repair process, consider hiring a profe ssional.

The takeaway: Repair if possible and logical. Replace if you must. And consider using a professional for best results.

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