Do I Need a Windshield Replacement?

Sometimes, a rock hits your windshield with a jarring crack. Other times, chips almost magically appear out of nowhere. Is your windshield about to split all the way across or can you wait a little bit before fixing it? What about replacing your windshield—when does that happen? Here’s everything you need to know about windshield replacement.

Alright, What’s the Damage?

When you notice a crack or chip in your windshield, the first step is to assess the damage. The size, location, and type of damage are critical factors in determining whether you need a windshield repair or replacement.

  1. Size of the Damage:
    • Small Chips and Cracks: If a chip is smaller than a quarter or if a crack is under six inches, a professional can restore the integrity of the glass with proper tools and materials.
    • Long Cracks: If the crack is between six and 18 inches or the chip is larger than a quarter, more specialized tools, resins and techniques will be required, but the damage can still be repaired by a shop that specializes in long crack repair.
  2. Location of the Damage:
    • Driver’s Line of Sight: Any damage within the driver’s direct line of sight should be addressed immediately.
    • Edge of the Windshield: Cracks or chips near the edge of the windshield tend to spread quickly. These cracks can be repaired by shops that specialize in crack repair.
    • Bottom of Windshield Below Wiper Blades: Rock chips can be fixed down in this area, but cracks often cannot be because the tools required cannot access this area. Rock chips can be repaired, but longer cracks will likely result in a replacement.
    • Edge to Edge: If you have a crack that connects any two edges, you will need a replacement.

How to Prevent the Crack From Spreading

Addressing chips sooner rather than later is essential to prevent them from spreading, especially during extreme temperatures. In hot weather, the heat causes the glass to expand, while in cold weather, it contracts, both of which can make small cracks worse.

When to Opt for Windshield Repair

Windshield repair is a cost-effective solution that can be completed quickly. Here are scenarios where a repair is sufficient:

  • If the crack or chip does not penetrate both layers of glass.
  • If the crack is above the wiper blades.
  • If you have a crack that does not connect any two edges.

Pro Tip: Look for Hidden Chips

Regularly inspect your windshield for less noticeable chips. Look closely around the edges and where the windshield wipers rest. Running your hand gently over the surface can also help detect any irregularities.

When Do You Need a Windshield Replacement?

A full windshield replacement is necessary when:

  • there are multiple and severe cracks.
  • cracks are below the windshield wipers.
  • cracks touch any two edges of the windshield.
  • there is extensive damage to the windshield.

Cost Comparison: Repair vs. Replacement

  • Windshield Repair: Repairing one rock chip out-of-pocket typically costs between $50 and $165. Repairing a rack typically costs between $100 and $200. If you have comprehensive (aka full coverage) you can have windshield repairs fully covered.
  • Windshield Replacement: Whole replacement can range from $200 to $1000 or more, depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle as well as your insurance and deductible.

Knowing the year, make, and model of your vehicle is important because newer cars often have advanced technology integrated into the windshield, such as rain sensors or heads-up displays, which can increase replacement costs.

You might be thinking, “If my deductible is $200 and repairing a crack is close to $200, I might as well get a replacement, right?” Maybe! Replacing a windshield will break the original factory seal. You then have to decide if it is worth getting an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshield replacement or aftermarket glass. You then need to make sure you find a reputable shop that will do the replacement correctly because it is estimated 70%-80% of windshields are installed incorrectly. It is something to consider!

Will Insurance Cover a Windshield Replacement? 

Many comprehensive car insurance policies cover the cost of windshield repair at no cost to you. This means you can get those annoying chips fixed without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.

In Utah, insurance companies cannot raise your premiums for rock chip repairs because they fall under a “no-fault glass claim.” They can drop your coverage for an excessive amount of windshield repairs or replacements, which means getting minor rock chips fixed before they become big problems is your best bet.

Prevent a Chip From Turning Into Windshield Replacement

To avoid a big bill, book an appointment for rock chip repair with Chip Pro Autoglass! Our team will come to your location, fix your chip in 20 minutes or less per chip, and get you back on the road. By fixing the chip before it spreads into a crack, you can save hundreds.

For most people, rock chip repair will result in no cost to them. You can find your insurance glass claim information here to make sure you’re covered. If you’re ready to get that windshield repaired, book an appointment with Chip Pro Autoglass today.

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