How to Know if Crack Can Be Repaired in a Windshield

It happens frequently; a stone kicks up on the highway and damages the windshield. Sometimes it makes a small chip, while other times it can leave a long crack. No matter which type of damage your windshield incurs, a repair or replacement is in order. The trick is knowing which one.

Instructions

1

Get your vehicle safely stopped before assessing the damage. You put yourself and other drivers in danger by being distracted while driving down the highway. Get to a safe location well off the road before inspecting your windshield.

2

Assess the type of damage. If you have a stone chip, see if the hole goes all the way through the glass. If you have a hole that breaches both sides of the glass, your best and safest bet is to replace the windshield.

3

Measure the stone chip if the hole only affects the outside of the windshield. If the divot is 1/2 inch or less across, you can usually repair the windshield with resin.

4

Observe cracks for type. Spider-webbed cracks that resemble a stick with one or more branches are ineligible for repair. You must replace the windshield. If you have a single, relatively straight crack, there is a chance you can repair it provided the crack is no more than 6 inches long.