Windshield Repair Information

At one end of the safety spectrum, a chipped or cracked windshield can be an annoyance. At the other end, a cracked windshield can be a serious safety issue. How your windshield should be repaired will depend on the type of problem and the severity of the problem. Understanding the various aspects of windshield repair will help you find the correct repair solution.

Rock Chips

Quick repair of windshield rock chips can help prevent a more costly windshield replacement later. Rock chips up to around the size of a U.S. quarter can be repaired by filling the chipped area with epoxy and allowing it to harden. Although the chip will usually be visible, the windshield will experience no further damage. Many insurance companies will pay for rock chip repair with no deductible to avoid future repairs that could cost more. In addition to rock chip repair services, kits are available for you to repair the chip yourself.

Small Cracks

Smaller windshield cracks, up to 2 or 3 inches in length, can often be repaired. Repairing a small crack will prevent it from growing in length and requiring a complete windshield replacement. For cracks smaller than an inch or two, kits that will allow you to repair the crack yourself are available. Larger cracks will require a visit to an auto glass specialist or mechanic.

Large Cracks

Large cracks or cracks that have spidered will require the complete replacement of the windshield. Large cracks can affect the structural integrity of the windshield, especially if they are large spidered areas that have been caused by a large object, such as a rock.

Windshield Removal

Although it is possible for you to replace your windshield yourself, your windshield contributes to crash safety and to the structural integrity of your car. It may be best to have your windshield replaced by a National Glass Association (NGA) certified repair service. If you choose to replace the windshield yourself, the first step is to remove the windshield. This is usually done by cutting the existing weather sealing and pressing the windshield up from the inside of the car.

Sealing

When installing the replacement windshield, make sure that it is sealed properly. Not only will proper sealing prevent leaks during rainstorms, but the sealant is often the adhesive that holds the windshield in place. Some windshields use a rubber mount that holds the windshield in the car. Other windshields use an adhesive that hardens to create a waterproof barrier between the inside and the outside of the car.