Recently noticed a small chip or large crack on your car’s windshield?
Having a chipped or cracked windscreen is much more than a cosmetic issue. It also creates a hazard that can reduce the safety of all who travel in that vehicle.
Not to mention, driving with this damage may be illegal.
Right now, you may be wondering:
- Can my windshield chip be repaired?
- Can my windscreen crack be repaired?
- Is my windscreen irreparable?
Most of us will always prefer a repair job as it will be cheaper and quicker when compared to a full windscreen replacement.
Needless to say, there is some good news…
Small Windscreen Chips & Cracks Can Be Repaired
The good news is that small stone chips and certain cracks can be repaired.
In Australia, if a windscreen chip or crack is smaller than a $1 coin then it can usually be repaired with no issues.
But there are different types of cracks such as hairline, bullseye and cracks running from the edge of the glass.
Also, the location of the crack plays a big role in determining if it can legally be repaired or if a full replacement is required. As such, your specific damage may need further evaluation.
You should also be aware that driving with any size crack runs the risk of the crack growing in size as the car encounters large vibrations as it cruises down the road.
Also as the temperature fluctuates, such as in summer or winter, this too can cause a crack to suddenly grow in size.
This is why we always recommend contacting us as soon as you notice any chip or crack and if you can send us a photo to show the severity and location of the crack itself we can advise if a repair is possible.
How Windscreen Cracks & Chips Are Repaired
The repair process of a chip on the windshield involves the injection of a special resin into the affected area.
For some cracks, a glass technician may drill holes at the ends of the crack to prevent it from spreading.
If we recommend repairing your windshield, then it should be done immediately without delay. As previously mentioned, failure to do this can create a bigger problem.
For example, a small crack can spread across the entire windshield if you hit a big pothole, make an aggressive turn or drive on an unsealed road.
Will The Repair Be Noticeable?
An important point to note is that the repaired area on the windscreen will not be as clear as the surrounding area. This is due to the resin having a different texture from the glass.
This is why the location of the crack is important. Repairing a crack on the passenger side is safer than repairing it on the driver’s side as the blemished area affects vision.
Don’t Put Off Windscreen-Chip Repair
You may be thinking “The chip is so small, can’t I just leave it for now?”
However, if a vehicle has a crack or chip in the windscreen it is more vulnerable to failure from repeated driving and this presents a safety issue.
The vehicle’s windscreen is not only important for visibility but also keeps us safe whilst driving. It is a key component of the vehicle as it prevents flying debris from hitting the driver and passengers.
When a chip occurs on your windscreen, it affects a range of things including visibility whilst driving and even the structural integrity of your windscreen.
However small the chip or crack damage is on your windscreen, the longer it is left unattended, the more likely it is to spread or increase in size. This will make the option of a repair less likely.
One of the reasons it is better to get a chip repaired as soon as possible is to avoid it becoming a bigger problem which would lead to a complete windscreen replacement.
For a simple glass chip repair, you can call upon a technician who can fix it in less than 30 minutes. However, a windscreen replacement requires a longer and more expensive job.
DIY Repair Vs Professional
You may be aware that you can do the repair yourself if you wish to. There are many Do-It-Yourself (DIY) windscreen repair kits available.
These methods try to replicate the resin injection method that is used by professionals. However, the major difference comes in the quality of the tools and materials used.
Also, the training and expertise of industry professionals always beat that of individuals doing a repair the first time by themselves.
If you are unsure about any aspect of the DIY repair process, you should opt for an industry professional like Metro Auto Glass to do the job for you.
If you do the repair wrongly and the crack spreads, it would cause bigger damage that would need a full replacement of the windshield.
As you can imagine, a brand-new windshield costs you more when compared to a windscreen repair by an industry professional. Also, a professional repair job will carry a warranty to safeguard their work.
Therefore, there isn’t much to save in the DIY process, especially if you do it the wrong way.
Summary
In summary, small cracks on the windshield can be effectively repaired if noticed early. But if the problem spreads, then your only option is to replace the entire windscreen.
