There are a few things to consider when trying to decide whether it’s better to do an auto glass repair or to replace the windshield entirely. The most important factors are the impact that the damage has on visibility and the ability to safely drive the car. Other things to consider are the size, depth and location of a chip or crack. We’ll discuss some of the features and advantages of each approach.
Let’s look at each of these factors and how they might influence your decision. This quick reference guide may help you determine the best solution for your situation. At Surge Auto Glass, we can professionally assess your glass and provide expert auto glass repair or replacement.
Visibility
If your windshield has been damaged in a way that inhibits the driver’s visibility, it poses a big safety risk to you and everyone else on the road. It is also illegal in some places.
Should be replaced if:
The windshield is damaged to the point that it impairs the driver’s visibility. A good rule of thumb is that the driver’s visibility is the same as the surface area covered by the windshield wipers.
Safety
A broken windshield should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Glass is weakened by damage, and your windshield is a key component in your vehicle’s structural integrity. A broken windshield cannot protect you the way it is meant to.
Auto glass can usually be repaired if:
There are limitations to what sizes and types of damage can be fixed, and industry standards that are meant to acknowledge these limitations. These are found in the Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard (ROLAGS) guide published by the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA).
Auto glass can usually be repaired if:
Auto glass should be replaced if:
Windshields are made of two layers of glass with a layer of clear plastic sandwiched in between. If the damage has penetrated through to the plastic layer or the inner layer of glass, it can’t be repaired. Any damage to the interior layer of glass is will also likely need to be replaced, even if the external layer is intact.
Auto glass can usually be repaired if:
Auto glass should be replaced if:
Position
If your windshield crack is near the edge of the glass it will most likely need to be replaced. Even small cracks can spread quickly thanks to the vibrations of the car and added stress as it travels over bumps and dips in the road, and this effect is the harshest around the edges.
Many vehicles also have technological systems with components that are embedded into the windshield, like rain sensors, automatic braking or other advanced driver assistance features. To ensure these systems work properly, it may be necessary to replace the glass.
Auto glass can usually be repaired if:
