There are considerable chances of windshield cracks and chips due to some stone or any other small object which got smashed into your windshield when you are driving on a Highway or Off-Road.
The question arises ” Is my windshield repairable ?”
Of Course, you can visit your nearest car glass shop for an inspection. But its always better to inspect the damage yourself first and get an idea if can it be repaired or if should I get it replaced.
Here is how you get to know which type of windshield damages are repairable, it depends on four factors.
- Size of crack: All cracks under 6 inches in length or smaller than the size of a coin.
- Type of crack: Star Break (short radial cracks coming off of the impact point), Bulls-Eye (circular damage caused by circular object) or Partial Bulls-Eye (aka Half Moon, also caused by a circular object, the damage is not completely circular), Crack Chip (single crack size of a coin), Ding (same as Crack Chip), or Pit (small piece of glass missing) can be easily repaired.
- Depth of crack: Any impact on the upper layer of the windshield which doesn’t damage the laminated membrane is repairable.
- Location of Crack: Even good repairs may leave behind some discoloration, mistiness or unevenness, and if the damage is in the driver’s line of sight, the repair would decrease clarity and reduce visibility. The technician must consider all potential drivers of the vehicle when determining the line of sight over the steering wheel because this can vary depending on the height of each driver. Any crack that is at or very near the windshield’s edge, or any chip at or near the edge that has caused the windshield to start cracking, attenuates the strength and integrity of the windshield and its bonding to the surrounding metal frame, which in turn compromises passenger safety.
You must also remember there are some cracks that are not repairable based on there size and position.
- on the inside of the windshield
- deep damage on both layers of glass
- damage over rain sensor, internal radio antenna
- damages that reach into the driver’s critical viewing area
- complex multiple cracks very long cracks (i.e. over 18 inches long)
- contaminated cracks
- edge cracks and chips
Suggestion: Once you have checked yourself it’s always wise to go to an expert for windshield repair and professional advice.