Can a Windshield Be Repaired?
3 Answers
Whether a damaged windshield can be repaired depends on two factors: 1. Location of the damage: The first consideration is the location of the damage. Repairs are only possible if the damage is in the clear, whitish area of the glass. If the damage is in the black frit or adhesive areas, repair is unnecessary. 2. Extent of the damage: The second factor is the extent of the damage. If there are cracks extending from the damage and it is within the driver's primary line of sight, it is recommended to replace the windshield entirely. If the damage is small with no extending cracks, repair is feasible. If there are cracks but they are outside the primary line of sight and extend less than 10 cm, a drill-and-fill method can be used to stop the crack from spreading. Additional information: If the windshield shatters while driving, reduce speed immediately and move the vehicle out of the traffic lane as soon as possible. Stay calm, avoid sudden steering movements, and do not brake harshly. The driver should assess the traffic situation and apply appropriate pressure to the brake pedal to safely pull over to the roadside.
Small cracks in the windshield are completely repairable. Once, I got a small chip from a stone on the highway and immediately went to a repair shop. They used specialized equipment to inject resin into the crack, and after curing and polishing, it was almost invisible. The repair technician said that single cracks under 40 cm or coin-sized damage can be fixed. The key is to address it immediately—otherwise, dirty water seeping in during rain can turn it into a large spiderweb crack within days. That time, it cost me 150 yuan and took just half an hour, saving 80% compared to replacing the entire windshield. After the repair, I drove for two years without issues, but avoid sticking rearview mirror suction cups on the repaired area to prevent secondary cracking.
Previously, while driving, a star-shaped crack appeared on the windshield. I inquired at several repair shops, and they all said it could be fixed. The technician explained that the repair mainly depends on three factors: the crack is outside the driver's line of sight, the depth hasn't penetrated the inner layer of the glass, and the damage diameter is less than 5 cm. During the repair process, they first use a drill to make a small hole at the center of the crack to remove debris, then inject resin and cure it with ultraviolet light. I observed that after the repair, the glass strength can recover to about 90%, but there might be slight deformation after prolonged exposure to sunlight or during winter freezing. The most cost-effective solution is to purchase car insurance that includes glass coverage, which allows for free repairs in case of issues. My colleague just used the insurance to get his windshield repaired last week, paying only a 50 yuan deductible.
