This Is What to Do About a Cracked Windshield

According to Insurance Journal, 30% of all auto insurance claims are related to a broken windshield.

If you have a cracked windshield, you’re definitely not alone. But what happens if this is the first time it’s cracked?

Thankfully, we have some tips for everything you need to know about windshield replacement or repair, so keep reading!

Use Glue

If the crack is small enough, you can always try to fill it in with glue or nail polish. Before you try that, make sure that you clean the windshield with paper towels and some glass cleaner.

You should only use clear nail polish or super glue. You should then let it dry. Once it’s dry, put some clear packing tape over it to help keep the dirt out until you can have a professional repair the chip.

Repair Kit

If you want to repair it yourself, there are kits that you can buy at local hardware stores. However, you’ll have to be comfortable with drilling a hole into glass.

You’ll need a 1/16-inch drill bit, and you’ll have to put some of the resin into the hole in order to seal it. When you do this, it’ll stop cracks and reduce stress on the windshield so the crack doesn’t get bigger.

Find an Auto Glass Company

If you don’t want to repair it yourself, then you may want to find a company that can do it for you. Depending on your auto insurance policy and where you live, you may be able to get a repair or replacement for free.

Check with your insurance policy and see what it covers, and if you have to use a specific company in order to file a claim.

Once you find a company, you can go onto their website and fill out a form with your information and insurance. They should reach out to you shortly after you submit your information. Some companies will even file the insurance claim for you, so you won’t have to do anything!

A lot of companies will also come out to your car if you don’t have time to get anywhere. If you’re working at home, they can come to you, but they can also stop by your office and repair it while you’re working. This lets you repair your windshield without having to schedule time for it.

After they come out and fix your windshield, they’ll bill your insurance. You’ll have to sign a receipt, wait an hour for the adhesive on the windshield to dry, and then you’re good to drive it again!

Repair or Replacement?

When you contact the repair place, they’ll be able to tell you whether you need a repair or a replacement.

But, there are pros and cons to both depending on how bad your windshield is.

Repair

If you want to get a repair, this is normally quicker and more cost-effective than getting a full replacement. However, the chip will need to be small enough to qualify for a repair.

Companies generally only repair chips that are smaller than a quarter. If it’s a crack, then it’ll have to be less than three inches long. If it’s bigger than that, you’ll have to get a full replacement.

If you only want a repair, make sure that you schedule it as soon as possible. If you let it stay without repairing it, the chip or crack will just get worse.

Replacement

You may also want the best auto glass replacement if the crack is right in your line of sight. This can make it difficult to drive, especially if the sun reflects off of it. However, if the crack is right on the edge of the windshield, it might need to be replaced because it affects the structural integrity of the glass.

If you were to get into an accident, it might shatter immediately.

The auto glass replacement is normally more expensive and takes longer, but it will make sure that your vehicle is completely safe to drive.

The depth of the crack will be a factor as well. If it went into the layer of plastic that’s on the windshield, that means it could shatter easily.

Dangers of Driving With a Cracked Windshield

In addition to having a risk of getting into a car crash, you could also get ticketed if you have a cracked windshield. The laws will vary depending on what state you’re in, but since cracks can interfere with your field of vision, a police officer can give you a ticket if they think it’s unsafe.

The weather may also make your crack worse. If moisture gets into the crack, cold weather can freeze it and expand the crack to make it even larger.

Lastly, cracked glass can make a car accident more deadly. If the glass isn’t holding the structure of the car up, then the force of a front collision will feel worse for the passengers in the front.

It’s also more likely to shatter, and your roof might collapse if you have a rollover accident.

Learn More About What to Do With a Cracked Windshield

These are only a few things to do if you have a cracked windshield, but you can try many other things as well.

We know that dealing with any auto issues can be stressful, but we’re here to help you out.

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