Windshield repair vs replacement: which does your car need?

A stone kicked up on the highway, a temperature swing, or a small ding that sat too long: windshields take a beating. Many chips and short cracks can be repaired quickly, without replacing the glass. The key is catching them early and getting an honest assessment.

When a windshield can usually be repaired

A repair fills the damaged area with a clear resin that restores strength and stops the damage from spreading. As a rule of thumb, damage is a good candidate for repair when:

• The chip or crack is smallRoughly the size of a coin or a short line, not a long crack.
• It's away from the driver's line of sightDamage directly in the driver's view is usually not repaired.
• It's not through the edge of the glassDamage touching the edge weakens the windshield.
• The glass is otherwise soundNo contamination, no prior repair, no multiple impact points in one spot.

When it should be replaced

Replacement is usually the safe choice when:

• The crack is longLonger cracks tend to spread and can't be reliably repaired.
• Damage is in the driver's viewing areaRepairs there can distort what you see through the glass.
• Damage reaches the edgeEdge damage affects how the windshield bonds to the car.
• There are several chips or a repair that failedStrength and clarity are both compromised.

Why repair or replacement is a safety decision

The windshield is part of your car's structure. It helps support the roof in a rollover and gives the passenger-side airbag something to push against. A compromised windshield can affect both. That's why the choice between repair and replacement is a safety decision as much as a budget one.

What to do right now

If you've just picked up a chip or crack:

• Cover the chipA piece of clear tape keeps dirt and moisture out until you can get it looked at.
• Avoid extremesPark out of the direct sun and skip the car wash. Sudden heat or cold spreads damage.
• Don't slam doorsThe pressure pulse can run a small crack across the whole windshield.
• Call promptlyThe sooner damage is assessed, the more likely it can be repaired rather than replaced.

What about cost and insurance?

The cost depends on your vehicle, the glass, and whether it can be repaired or needs replacing, so we quote it based on your make, model, year and the damage. All insurance companies are welcome; depending on your policy, glass may be covered. Call us and we'll walk you through it.

Have your vehicle's make, model and year ready and call 416-663-0400. We'll assess it and tell you straight whether it can be repaired or needs replacing. See our services, or find your area on the service areas page.