Can a cracked windshield be repaired?
2 Answers
It depends on the severity of the windshield crack. Some cracks can be repaired, provided that only the outer layer of the glass is damaged. The types of cracks that can be repaired include star-shaped cracks and linear cracks. Below are the methods for repairing cracks: 1. First, assess the depth, size, and location of the crack. It is best to repair it as soon as possible within the optimal repair time. Determine if the crack is star-shaped or linear, as these can be repaired. 2. Clean the glass with a clean cloth. 3. Use a tool to remove air from the crack to avoid bubbles, which could affect the repair effect. 4. Fill the crack completely with professional automotive glass repair fluid, leaving no gaps. 5. Dry the repaired area after filling.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered windshield cracks several times. To be honest, small cracks can usually be repaired, like coin-sized star-shaped cracks or short scratches. I remember one time when a small chip was made on the windshield by a flying stone. I immediately drove to a repair shop, where the technician injected special resin into it and used a UV lamp for about half an hour, making the crack invisible and restoring about 70-80% of the strength. But don't delay too long, especially during rainy days or large temperature differences, as the crack can easily spread into a spiderweb, and then you'd have to replace the entire glass. The repair usually costs a few hundred yuan, much cheaper than replacing it. However, if the crack is too close to the edge or exceeds ten centimeters, the repair effect may not be ideal.
