Sometimes, a rock hits your windshield with a jarring crack. Other times, chips almost magically appear out of nowhere. Is your windshield about to split all the way across or can you wait a little bit before fixing it? What about replacing your windshield—when does that happen? Here’s everything you need to know about windshield replacement.
Alright, What’s the Damage?
When you notice a crack or chip in your windshield, the first step is to assess the damage. The size, location, and type of damage are critical factors in determining whether you need a windshield repair or replacement.
1. Size of the Damage:
Small Chips and Cracks: Cracks smaller than six inches, about the size of a dollar bill, can often be repaired. Using epoxy resin, a professional can fill in the damage, restoring the integrity of the glass.
Large Cracks: If the crack is longer than six inches or the chip is larger than a quarter, it typically requires a windshield replacement.
2. Location of the Damage:
Driver’s Line of Sight: Any damage within the driver’s direct line of sight should be addressed immediately. Even minor repairs can leave slight distortions, which can impair visibility.
Edge of the Windshield: Cracks or chips near the edge of the windshield tend to spread quickly and compromise the structural integrity of the glass, necessitating a replacement.
3. Type of Damage:
Bullseye: Circular cracks from direct impacts usually can be repaired if they're not too large.
Star Break: Radiating cracks from a central point may be repairable depending on their size and location.
Combination Breaks: These involve multiple types of cracks and are often more complex, frequently requiring a full replacement.
How to Prevent the Crack From Spreading
Addressing chips sooner rather than later is essential to prevent them from spreading, especially during extreme temperatures. In hot weather, the heat causes the glass to expand, while in cold weather, it contracts, both of which can exacerbate small cracks.
When to Opt for Windshield Repair
Windshield repair is a cost-effective solution that can be completed quickly. Here are scenarios where a repair is sufficient:
The chip or crack is smaller than a dollar bill.
The damage is not in the driver’s line of sight.
The damage is not near the edge of the windshield.
The crack or chip does not penetrate both layers of glass.
Pro Tip: Look for Hidden Chips
Regularly inspect your windshield for less noticeable chips. Look closely around the edges and where the windshield wipers rest. Running your hand gently over the surface can also help detect any irregularities.
When Do You Need a Windshield Replacement?
A full windshield replacement is necessary when:
The crack or chip is larger than six inches.
The damage is in the driver’s line of sight.
The damage is near the edge of the windshield.
There are multiple cracks or extensive damage.
Cost Comparison: Repair vs. Replacement
Windshield Repair: Repairing one rock chip typically costs between $0 and $100, depending on your insurance.
Windshield Replacement: Whole replacement can range from $200 to $1000 or more, depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
Knowing the year, make, and model of your vehicle is important because newer cars often have advanced technology integrated into the windshield, such as rain sensors or heads-up displays, which can increase replacement costs.
Will Insurance Cover a Windshield Replacement?
Many comprehensive car insurance policies cover the cost of windshield repair at no cost to you. This means you can get those annoying chips fixed without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.
In Utah, insurance companies cannot raise your premiums for rock chip repairs because they fall under a "no-fault glass claim." They can drop your coverage for an excessive amount of windshield repairs or replacements, which means getting minor rock chips fixed before they become big problems is your best bet.
Prevent a Chip From Turning Into Windshield Replacement
To avoid a big bill, book an appointment for rock chip repair with Chip Pro Autoglass! Our team will come to your location, fix your chip in 20 minutes or less per chip, and get you back on the road. By fixing the chip before it spreads into a crack, you can save hundreds.
For most people, rock chip repair will be no money out-of-pocket. You can find your insurance glass claim information here to make sure you’re covered. If you’re ready to get that chip repaired, book an appointment with Chip Pro Autoglass today.
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