Can a Car's Front Windshield Be Repaired?
3 Answers
Whether the windshield can be repaired depends on the severity of the crack. Some cracks are repairable, but only if the damage is limited to the outer layer of glass. Below are the functions and maintenance methods for windshields: Functions of Windshields: Laminated glass consists of a transparent adhesive plastic film sandwiched between two or three layers of glass, combining the toughness of plastic with the hardness of glass to enhance its shatter resistance. Windshield Maintenance Methods: During regular glass maintenance, choose the appropriate windshield washer fluid based on the season and weather conditions. If the windshield surface appears blurry, cleaning it with suitable washer fluid can significantly improve clarity. If you notice glare or reflections at night, wiping the glass with washer fluid can help. Additionally, when driving on highways or in dusty conditions, washer fluid is consumed quickly, so remember to refill it promptly.
Last time my windshield got a small crack from a stone, so I specifically went to a repair shop to ask about it. The technician said it depends on the size and location of the crack. Star-shaped cracks or short linear cracks within the size of a coin can usually be repaired, especially if they're not directly in front of the driver, as the repair effect is better. They use a special resin to fill the crack and cure it with ultraviolet light, which takes about half an hour and doesn't interfere with driving. However, it's important that the edges of the crack aren't yellow or black, as this indicates dirt has gotten in, which affects the repair quality. Cracks longer than 15 centimeters are generally beyond repair, and the entire glass needs to be replaced. Additionally, large temperature differences in winter can cause cracks to spread, so it's best to get them fixed within a week of noticing them. Don't be like my colleague who waited until the entire windshield cracked like a spider web and ended up spending an extra two thousand yuan on a new piece of glass.
As a seasoned highway driver, I find windshield repair particularly practical. The key is the type of damage: small circular bullseye cracks are the easiest to fix, while long cracks must be less than 20mm. The process involves injecting resin into the crack using a vacuum method, then curing and polishing it smooth. The crack on my car hasn’t spread in two years after repair, and the cost was just over 200 yuan. However, if the crack penetrates both layers of the glass or is near the rain sensor, it’s often irreparable. Post-repair, the glass regains about 70% of its strength, but if the crack is in the wiper’s path, the resin may wear off—so it’s best to avoid repairs in that area.
