Windshield Repair 101: Do I Need Repairs or Full Replacement?

Do you have a crack or chip in your windshield? When it comes to windshield damage, it’s imperative to act quickly. Even minor chips in your windshield can lead to significant problems on the road. So, how do you know if you need windshield repair or replacement services? Most people cringe at the thought of needing to contact an auto glass replacement company, especially if you don’t have the budget for unexpected damage. 

Luckily, some guidelines can help you understand what’s needed when your windshield is damaged. Let’s dive into the topic of windshield repair with everything you need to know about dealing with a cracked windshield. 

Assessing Your Windshield Damage

Your windshield plays a vital role in your vehicle. A compromised or broken windshield can create a significant danger on the road, posing a threat to your safety and the safety of other drivers around you. If you think you need a windshield repair, it’s crucial to act quickly. 

The first step to determining whether you need windshield repair or replacement is to assess the damage. Minor cracks and chips under three inches can be fixed with a simple windshield repair. Anything larger than this typically requires a total replacement. However, some small cracks and chips can be irreparable based on their location. 

Different Types of Windshield Damage

Pebbles, debris, intentional damage, and car crashes can create different types of auto glass damage. The most common types of windshield damage include:

• Windshield cracks
• Circular cracks
• Bullseye cracks
• Windshield chips
• Windshield pits

What Determines Windshield Repair vs. Replacement? 

When you bring your vehicle to an auto glass repair shop, they will look at several things to determine how to proceed with your damage. 

Size

Size matters when it comes to cracks and chips on your windshield. If a chip is greater than one inch in diameter, you might not be able to proceed with a windshield repair service. Likewise, if a crack is longer than three inches, you’ll probably need a total replacement. Your auto glass expert will measure the size of your crack or chip before looking at the other determining factors and recommending the right service for your windshield damage. 

Type of Crack

Believe it or not, not all windshield cracks are the same. Some cracks only penetrate the surface of your glass, while others impact several layers. Single-layer cracks can be easy to fill in. When smaller cracks are left without a windshield appear, you may notice new cracks emerge. 

Cracks can come from a starter crack, creating a tree-like appearance. You’ll see multiple limbs or branches emerge from the initial crack, getting worse over time. Unfortunately, these are harder to repair. You’ll typically need to have a full examination of your windshield to determine if a total replacement is your only option. 

It’s also important to note that minor cracks can worsen from driving your vehicle or leaving it in direct sunlight before a windshield repair can be made. This can impact your auto glass repair technician’s ability to fix the starter crack. This is why you’ll want to have your windshield assessed and repaired as quickly as possible. 

Location

Finally, the location of your crack or chip plays a vital role in your windshield repair vs. replacement options. Even with quality windshield repairs, unevenness, discoloration, or blurriness can occur. Therefore, chips or cracks in the driver’s line of sight often need a total windshield replacement. This ensures that you don’t have any visual obstructions when driving. If your damage is not in the driver’s line of sight, location doesn’t typically matter when determining whether or not you need to replace your windshield. 

Hire a Qualified Auto Glass Repair Company Today! 

If you need auto glass repair or replacement in Vancouver, we’re here to help. Our team of experts specializes in all types of windshield and glass damage. We’ll examine your vehicle and determine whether windshield repair or replacement is required. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring you the peace of mind and safety you deserve when you hit the road.