Your windshield is one of your car’s most important safety restraints. In a collision, it can help keep you inside the vehicle while at the same time keeping glass shards and other harmful debris outside of the vehicle. As a major structural component, it also provides protective support for your vehicle’s passenger cabin in the event of a collision or rollover. Modern windshields are made out of laminated, shatterproof safety glass. The windshield’s three-layer construction includes two outer layers of tempered glass and a middle layer of polyvinyl butyral, a strong resin. If it breaks, the resin protects you by holding the pieces of glass together. Safety glass also prevents small chips and cracks from penetrating beyond the outside layer of your windshield.
Cracked Windshield? Repair it ASAP.
When you first notice the crack in your windshield you may wonder if you need to rush to get it fixed. The answer is yes, and for more than one reason. First, in many states, it’s illegal to drive with a damaged windshield as it can impede your vision and is considered unsafe. Second, the damage may only get worse over time and if it does, you may be facing an expensive windshield replacement rather than a far less costly repair.
But, Not All Chips and Cracks Can Be Repaired.
Unfortunately, not all chips and cracks can be successfully repaired. Here’s a list of those that cannot:
- Cracks on the inside of the windshield
- Deep damage on both layers of glass
- Damage over the rain sensor or the internal radio antenna
- Damage that reaches into the driver’s critical viewing area
- Complex multiple cracks
- Very long cracks (over 18 inches long)
- Cracks contaminated with dirt and debris
- Cracks or chips that start at or extend into the edge of the windshield
What’s the Process for Repairing a Windshield?
If the crack in your windshield does not meet the above criteria, then you should be able to successfully repair it. By getting it repaired, you can prevent further damage to the glass and restore the structural stability of the vehicle. The most important thing is for the repair to be done quickly. If rain and dirt have a chance to get inside the chip or crack, they can cause the damaged area to enlarge. Keep in mind that the repair will not be invisible: a slight blemish or imperfection where the impact occurred is normal.
Whether using a professional auto glass repair service or doing it yourself, the process is basically the same:
Step 1
Clean the area around the chip or crack with alcohol or solvent, making sure that the crack is free of any loose shards of glass and debris.
Step 2
Special tools, such as a bridge and injector, repair resin, windshield pit filler, razor blades and more are required to force liquid resin material into the chip. These tools can be found in most windshield repair kits. The resin seals the chip and is designed to dry clear and blend with the windshield glass.
Step 3
Harden the resin with ultraviolet light.
Did the rock that cracked your windshield leave some scratches on your car as well? Learn how to fix them by reading Different Types of Scratches and How to Fix Them.
Repair Your Cracked Windshield Yourself with These Repair Tips.
If you’re on a budget, consider repairing the damage yourself. There are many do-it-yourself windshield chip and crack repair kits on the market, available at most mass-market and auto parts stores. The secret to success is to always follow the instructions that come with the windshield repair kit and start with an absolutely dry windshield that's somewhere near room temperature. Dry is really essential—you don't want to trap any water in the repair. Use a hair dryer if the window is wet. If the glass surface is dirty, you can use lighter fluid or acetone to help dry and clean the surface. Be careful not to let it dribble down the glass or come in contact with your car’s paint, as peeling can result.
What to Know About Windshield Replacement.
If your windshield must be replaced, don’t buy on price alone. Insist on either original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or original equipment equivalent (OEE) auto glass. In addition, look for a Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp on the glass to ensure it meets federal standards for safety glass.
Next, make sure the shop and technician you choose are certified by the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) or the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS). To find a certified shop in your area, visit Safewindshields.org and enter your zip code. Installers recommend letting your vehicle sit for at least an hour after replacement before driving it. This gives the adhesive used to hold the replacement in place time to cure. Replacing your windshield isn’t as inconvenient as it sounds. Many shops offer mobile replacement, where the technician comes to you.
While you have no control over the rock that chipped your windshield, you do have control over your windshield repair. If you act fast, you can minimize the damage. If you hear something hit your windshield, pull over when it is safe to do so and examine the glass carefully. A small crack may go undetected and if left unrepaired, will get larger, making replacement necessary. You should repair any windshield damage as soon as possible. Beside the fact that it can obscure your vision, it’s also a safety hazard. In some states, it’s against the law to drive with a cracked windshield.
For more information on replacing a car window, read Everything You Need to Know About Car Window Replacement
The Synchrony Car Care™ credit card can help you pay for windshield repair with acceptance at over one million auto merchant locations nationwide.