Can cracks in the black area of the windshield be repaired?
5 Answers
Cracks in the black area of the windshield cannot be repaired. Functions of the black area: To block sunlight and prevent glare when looking at the rearview mirror. Since a sun visor cannot be installed behind the rearview mirror, this area serves that purpose; For electronic camera focusing. This area is designated for camera focusing, as required by traffic regulations; To prevent the glass from cracking due to uneven thermal stress during intense sun exposure. The edges of the glass are directly attached to the car body, while the central areas are transparent, absorbing less heat than the edges. The black dots ensure even heat distribution across the glass, preventing cracks. Laminated windshield: This refers to a type of glass where a transparent adhesive plastic film is placed between two or three layers of glass, combining the toughness of plastic with the hardness of glass, thereby enhancing the glass's resistance to breakage. Upon impact, the glass breaks into small, blunt-edged fragments, reducing the risk of injury to passengers.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've coincidentally encountered similar issues. Cracks in the black area of the windshield are actually quite common, especially when hit by stones on highways. The black portion is usually the edge's shading layer, and small cracks, such as those under 3 cm in length, can be completely repaired. I had one repaired before—a professional shop injected resin into it and cured it with UV light, making it virtually unnoticeable, all for 300 yuan. However, be cautious about the location. If the crack covers sensors like rain sensors or cameras, repairs might interfere with their function, in which case it's best to replace the glass entirely. The black area itself is a ceramic coating, not a structural core, so minor repairs are safe. Still, don't ignore it, as temperature changes can cause the crack to expand. I recommend getting a professional evaluation as soon as possible—don't delay, as driving safety should always come first. Also, remember to check your insurance coverage, as some comprehensive policies cover glass damage.
I think many people are not very clear about the details of car glass repair. The cracks in the black edge of the windshield, technically called the frit band, can be completely repaired if they are just small cracks. The method involves filling the crack with a special resin and then curing it with UV light, a process that is simple and effective. Location is key—the black area is often around the edge of the glass, and cracks there do not affect the main driving visibility. However, if the crack affects the sensor area, such as the parts covered by ADAS system equipment in some high-end cars, repairs must be approached with caution. Generally, cracks within 30mm are suitable for repair, costing between 200 to 500 yuan. Compared to replacing the entire glass, which costs thousands, repairs are much cheaper. I've looked into cases, and the effectiveness depends on the depth and shape of the crack. After repair, the strength may slightly decrease, but it remains reliable. Regular maintenance and inspections for prevention are better, such as avoiding sudden temperature changes. In short, consult a professional for testing first.
Small cracks in the black area of the windshield can be repaired. I personally tried it - a small fissure was fixed with resin injection in just half an hour at very low cost, around 300 yuan. If located at the edge, it doesn't affect safety, but if too large or connected to critical points like sensors, replacement might be needed. Address it promptly as it can worsen over time.
From a budget perspective, let's calculate this. Repairing cracks in the black edge of the windshield is very cost-effective, saving a lot of money compared to replacing the entire glass. Small cracks, such as those 2-3 cm long, can be fixed with resin technology, with material and labor costs generally under 400 yuan. However, the location is crucial, as the black area sometimes covers cameras, and repairs may cause light leakage or functional issues. I've compared the costs—replacing the glass often costs thousands of yuan. If the crack is small and doesn't affect the structure, repairing is the priority. Still, it's essential to assess the risks and long-term use; a professional shop can determine this with a test. Daily prevention is simple: watch for flying stones while driving, and avoid exposing the car to extreme sun or washing it with cold water.
