That is a good question and one you should try to figure out before you start calling auto glass shops for quotes.
What is the Difference Between
Windshield REPAIR and REPLACEMENT?
I am asked this question quite often. Think about your vehicle in general. When your car breaks down, do you want to repair it or replace it? Well, it depends on how bad the damage is! It works the same way with your windshield.
Getting a new windshield is NOT windshield repair. The auto glass replacement industry has succeeded in confusing the general public by calling both services “repair.” Windshield repair is the term used for repairing rock chips and cracks so the glass does not have to be replaced.
A damaged windshield cannot always be fixed. For your safety, if the rock chip or crack is directly in your line of vision, you should replace the glass.
When to Replace Auto Glass
Reminder
Auto insurance claims do not cover repair of damage directly in the driver’s line of vision.
Some windshield chip repair companies advertise that the repaired area looks as good as new, but this is simply not true.
Even though the resin dries clear, you can see a small blemish where the impact point is located. This blemish may be distracting if it is in your line of vision.
Checkout our Services for more info.
Windshield Replacement Guidelines
Rock chip repair is usually the best option. However, the windshield should be replaced if it has any of the following:
- crack(s) across the entire windshield
- cracks on the inside surface of the glass
- the damage from the rock chip is directly in your line of vision
- the rock chip (bullseye, star, or combination break) is larger than 1.25″
If you still have questions about whether your windshield is repairable or not, please call me at (469) 828-2465. I am happy to answer any questions you have about your windshield.
Windshield Repair Specialists
Call (469) 828-2465
Check out these other articles:
- Is the Cheapest Windshield Repair the Best Deal?
- Windshield Repair Quality Guidelines
- Is the Rock Chip in my Windshield Repairable?
Windshield Repair Specialists is a Member of the Global Glass Conservation Alliance
My sister Amy would like to have her car’s windshield replaced with a new one since the current is already damaged. Well, I also agree with you that small chips and cracks could still be repaired. It’s a good thing that you shared here the disadvantage of blemish as well.
Thank you for the heads up about how windshields cannot always be repaired. A random object flew and hit my car windshield a few days ago, and I can’t quite tell if the damage that it caused is something that can be repaired easily. I’ll take your advice and have my car checked by a windshield repair service immediately so we can figure out what needs to be done.