A chip or crack in your windshield can be concerning. Sometimes it can be fixed with a simple repair; however, there are circumstances when the safest option would be a full windshield replacement.
Here are some ways you can know if a replacement is probably necessary:
- Amount of Damage: The more cracks or chips you find in your windshield, the more likely it is that you will need a replacement. Three or fewer small areas of damage might be repairable, but ask your repair specialist for their opinion before you make any decisions.
- Size of Damage: If the size of a crack or chip is too large, it may require a windshield replacement. Generally speaking, a dollar bill is a good estimate for what is repairable – if it’s wider or longer than that, a replacement is likely needed.
- Placement of Damage: If the damage is directly within the driver’s line of sight, a repair may not be enough to keep you safe. Repairs could leave marks behind that impair your vision, which isn’t a risk you want to take. In addition, cracks near the corners of windshields will threaten the integrity of the entire windshield, in which case a replacement is advisable.
Ultimately you should trust your repair shop expert to know what the best option is for you, but these tips will help you get an idea of what you may be looking at. It’s better to have a windshield replacement than to drive with windshield damage or an incomplete repair. You’ll feel much more comfortable with your decision when you’re on the road.