Can a Cracked Windshield Be Repaired?
4 Answers
If the damage area is not large, it can be repaired. However, if the damage is too extensive and poses a safety risk, replacement is necessary. Below are some related tips for windshield maintenance: 1. Regular cleaning with glass cleaner: Use specialized glass cleaner for cleaning. Glass cleaner not only keeps the windshield clean but also increases lubrication to prevent damage from wiper blades. 2. Proper application of car window film: The light transmittance of windshield film should be greater than 70% to ensure driving safety. Avoid using dark tinted heat-resistant films. Additionally, choose films with high UV protection indexes to protect dashboard components from premature aging due to prolonged exposure.
Last time when my car windshield got hit by a flying stone, I consulted a friend at the repair shop. They said cracks smaller than a coin can usually be repaired, but three conditions must be met: the crack must not penetrate the outer glass layer, the crack ends must not have branches, and it must not be directly in front of the driver's position. Professional shops use vacuum equipment to inject resin into the crack, and after complete curing, the strength can be restored to 90%. However, they specifically warned me not to compromise in two situations: first, if the crack length exceeds that of a 50-yuan coin, and second, if the damage reaches the middle of the laminated layer. Repairing the glass only cost a little over 200 yuan, saving me more than a thousand compared to replacing the entire windshield.
As a seasoned driver, I've seen too many cases of glass damage. If your windshield has star-shaped cracks or short-line fractures, head to a professional repair shop within 48 hours for the safest solution. Last time I had a 5-centimeter crack, the technician fixed it in half an hour using UV light. But be aware that repairs aren't advisable in these situations: when the crack penetrates the outer layer revealing the transparent adhesive layer, when there are spider-web-like branches at the edges, or when it's directly in the wiper blade's sweep zone. Although the glass strength is affected after repair, it still meets safety standards - you might just notice increased wind noise at highway speeds. Make sure to inspect your windshield before winter each year, as low temperatures can cause old damage to split open.
I've repaired hundreds of car windshields, and the key is to assess the damage pattern. Coin-sized impact points are easiest to fix - just inject resin with specialized tools. Cracks longer than 15cm are more challenging as the ends tend to keep splitting. Special reminder: never compromise on repairs within the 20cm zone directly in front of the driver, as refracted light may impair judgment. Avoid repairs when glass temperature exceeds 60°C after summer sun exposure, as resin curing will be affected. After repair, remind the technician to place warning labels inside the windshield advising against car washing for 48 hours.
