Does Windshield Crack Repair Really Work, Or Should I Replace The Entire Glass?

Glass can be very strong and scratch resistant. Although when we drive at highway speed any object can instantly crack a windshield, making it seem like the glass is very weak when in fact it is incredibly strong. I’ve heard so many different stories about cracked windshields its almost unbelievable. People’s vehicles get hit by rocks, gravel, pipes, wood, sports balls, pumpkins, tools, mad ex boyfriends, bottles, birds, bolts and more. I could go on forever.

So, should you get a windshield crack repair? Or should you replace your windshield?

Well you may be surprised. If the damage is smaller than a dollar bill it can be fixed. Or if the damage is long crack lines, those can also be repaired up to roughly 10 inches in length. Auto glass companies have different standards so you may want to contact multiple places. I’ve seen companies advertise fixing crack lines up to 16 inches long!

A chip or crack in your windshield usually is bright silver or black in color. The crack is a gap between the glass like an air pocket. That is why a crack spreads, because the glass just continues to spread apart from that point. The spreading can be stimulated by many things including large temperature changes, extreme temperature, pressure on the glass, and hitting a bump in the road.

Auto glass technology has become very advanced in recent years. Professional auto glass companies have high vacuum resin injection machines which actually remove oxygen and other foreign contaminants inside the actual crack, before the bonding resin is injected. This creates a very reliable result by ensuring the resin makes it to the end of each crack line that exists. A damaged area can spread from any of the cracks.

What will a completed windshield repair look like when completed?

A properly completed windshield repair from a reputable auto glass company with actually improve the look of a chip or cracked area. Don’t expect it to disappear though, this process is designed to restore the integrity of the glass only.

If the crack looks exactly the same when completed, it’s very likely the technician didn’t inject the resin properly. A properly completed repair with cause each area of the damage to disappear from at least from one angle of vision (ex: looking from one side, looking from below, looking from above, etc.).

Remember the final result can be dictated by many things like moisture in the air, moisture in the crack, temperature of the glass when the repair is being performed, old resin, a poorly maintained repair kit/machine, and age of the crack. The longer you wait to get the damage fixed, the worse the final result will be.

How long will a windshield repair last?

A proper windshield repair will last the entire lifetime of the glass itself. The liquid repair resin that is injected bonds the glass together like super glue. But this is some strong super glue! A proper windshield repair will result in an area of the glass that’s just as strong as it was, before the damaged occurred.

Most auto glass companies offer a lifetime warranty which proves that the process is reliable and can be trusted to keep you from having to replace the entire windshield.