What Types of Windshield Damage Can Be Repaired

If you have been driving around with a cracked or otherwise damaged windshield, you may be delaying taking your car into a shop because you are wondering whether your windshield can be fixed, or if it will have to be completely replaced. The answer, of course, depends on what type of damage you have incurred, among other factors.

While both cracks and chips can sometimes be repaired, in most cases, the type of windshield damage that can be most easily fixed is the standard chip that you may get from a flying piece of gravel. There are limits to even this type of repair, however. If the chip is deep enough that it goes all the way through the glass, or it is in your line of vision, you would be best served by getting a windshield replacement. Even if the chip is only on the outside, it should still probably measure less than a half an inch across in order to be a good candidate for a resin-type spot repair.

When it comes to cracks, most types are beyond repair. If you have a long crack with smaller ones stemming from it, you will need to have the windshield replaced. However, if you have just a single crack, and it is somewhat straight and less than about six inches in length (the dollar bill test), it may be a good candidate for repair.

Another reason people might delay in getting their windshields replaced or repaired is the worry that they may have to leave their car in the shop for a day or two. While in some cases that may be true, the vast majority of the time, you can take advantage of mobile windshield repair, an increasingly available service offered by windshield repair shops.

Shops who offer mobile repair or replacement typically come to you at no extra charge, whether you are at work or at home, and fix the windshield on the spot. This can be a great solution for those who can't get the time off work, or who just want to save the hassle of taking the car to the shop. It is usually advised that the car not be moved for two to four hours after a windshield replacement, so getting it done while you are going to be stuck at work anyway can be an especially handy solution.

If after reading this you are still not sure whether you are going to need a repair or replacement, just give your local glass repair shop a call and they'll be happy to help you out.