Can a Cracked Windshield Be Repaired? Here's What You Need to Know

Cracks in the windshield are annoying and a huge disruption to our lives. Whether it happens while you're out driving or you come outside from the grocery store to find a crack in your windshield, this now becomes your priority for many reasons. The biggest reason is that driving with a damaged windshield is dangerous.

Why Is Windshield Damage Dangerous?

Much of your safety, when driving or riding in a vehicle, depends on the windshield. There’s the basic protection it offers, such as keeping rain, snow, wind, debris, and insects from flying inside the cabin. Then, there’s the level of protection it provides by housing a good portion of the ADAS technology that keeps your safety features working.

On top of all that, your windshield plays a major role in the structural integrity of your vehicle, particularly in a rollover crash. Just like a windshield is composed of layers, it provides layers of protection for drivers and passengers.

Can a Cracked Windshield Be Repaired?

In some cases, a cracked windshield can be repaired; in other cases, it cannot, and the vehicle will need a new windshield. To determine whether or not the crack in your windshield can be repaired, a professional auto glass technician will need to examine it. However, most auto glass companies follow similar guidelines when it comes to repairs. Whether or not you can repair the crack depends on the following factors:

• Size: Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks less than a few inches could potentially be repaired. Anything larger is likely unrepairable and would require a full windshield replacement.

• Depth: Windshields are composed of two layers of glass with a plastic layer in between. This design enhances safety and structural integrity. If you have a collision, the glass stays affixed to the plastic to prevent injury. If more than one layer is penetrated, replacement may be necessary.

• Location: Cracks that obstruct the driver’s line of sight cannot be repaired. The same goes for cracks that are close to the edge of the windshield. In these cases, a professional auto glass technician will likely recommend a windshield replacement. Cracks near the edge of the windshield can spread quickly and compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Can I Use a DIY Windshield Repair Kit?

You could, but we strongly advise against it. When our customers ask us, we always recommend skipping the DIY kit. Here’s why:

• Expertise: Auto glass technicians repair windshields every single day. They have it down to a science, while DIY kits are designed for the average person. Considering how much safety depends on the windshield, wouldn’t you prefer an expert to handle the repair?

• No Guarantees: DIY kits don’t come with warranties or guarantees of any kind.

• Further Damage: Attempting DIY repairs on a cracked windshield could lead to further damage. If the crack is repairable, a professional will fix it correctly the first time. If you try a DIY solution and cause more damage, you’ll likely have no choice but to replace the entire windshield.

Do You Have a Cracked Windshield in the Charleston, SC Area?

If you live, work, or visit Charleston, Moncks Corner, Summerville, SC, or surrounding areas, and need a windshield repair, contact us at Clearview Auto Glass. We’ve been serving this area of South Carolina since the 1990s, and we’re a local, family-owned business. Click here for a free quote today!