0
It can be frustrating to discover a chip or crack in your car windshield. Windshield damage can impede your vision, and make it dangerous to drive your vehicle. Depending on the severity of the damage, there are several options you can choose from to get it fixed.
Act Quickly to Avoid Further Damage
Don’t wait to address the problem. A crack or chip in a car windshield can spread very quickly, and the larger the damage is the more expensive and time consuming it will be to get it repaired. Changes in the temperature between day and night can increase the length of cracks, as can driving over bumps in the road. As soon as you notice the problem, begin to work toward finding the proper repair methods and get it fixed before it becomes too large and the windshield has to be replaced.
Fix It Yourself
If the crack or chip in your car windshield is smaller than a silver dollar, you should be able to repair it yourself. Most auto parts stores sell do it yourself windshield repair kits that are easy to use and can fix your car windshield very quickly. Due to the nature of safety glass, you can create an undetectable repair by using clear silicone gel and a pressure device that will push the gel completely into all of the nooks and crannies of the damaged area. When the gel dries, it blends completely in with the rest of the glass and your car windshield will be as strong and clear as it was before the damage.
Call in the Experts
If the damage is larger than a silver dollar, you need to take your car to an auto body shop for repairs. They have more advanced equipment, and can fix windshield damage that you couldn’t fix on your own. In extreme cases the windshield may be beyond repair and they will have to replace the entire glass panel. Car windshield replacements usually take about two hours if the shop has the right sized windshield in stock. Most insurance companies fully cover glass replacement, so you shouldn’t have any out of pocket expenses if you have to take the car to the shop.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Maxine
Taiga
ReneAdd your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Repair Your Windshield With Simple Steps?
One of the most frustrating experiences for a driver is watching a crack travel along the length of a windshield. The most astounding part of this experience is that it does not have to happen at all. In most cases, these cracks started out as tiny cracks that were not cared for and expanding into much larger cracks. A professional windshield repairman can fix these tiny cracks for a cost that is far lower than the cost of replacing an entire windshield. The tiny cracks in a windshield are known as micro abrasions. Basically this means they are a series of several miniscule cracks that have formed into a pattern. A sealant can be used on any micro abrasion that is less than the size of a nickel and often for a very reasonable price. Sealing these small cracks prevents them from becoming much larger and troublesome cracks. Many drivers feel that they can safely operate a vehicle that has a large crack in the windshield and that repair is unnecessary. What these drivers fail to realize is that cracks in the windshield can cause small distortions in the image of the objects outside of the vehicle. These small distortions can be the difference between nearly missing a collision with another vehicle and having a horrible accident. In addition, most states will not allow a car to pass the state inspection without a windshield that has no cracks in the reasonable visual field of the driver. Should a windshield need to be completely replaced, any reputable windshield repair shop can do it quickly and professionally. They will explain exactly what the process entails and how much it will cost before installing the windshield. Overall, there is little to no valid reason to not get a windshield repair professional involved at the first sight of a crack. The crack is never going to disappear on its own and will over time only get worse. Bad cracks in a windshield can lead to an increased risk of being involved in an accident and a loss of time and money if the accident is the fault of the driver with the crack windshield.
Can a rental car company rent you a car with a cracked windshield?
I'm uncertain of the legality of this, but it's probably illegal as it is a safety issue and qualifies as an "unsafe vehicle". Basically, a rental company shouldn't rent you a car with a cracked windshield, and you have every right to request a replacement. It is common, however, for rental cars to have minor chips and "starburst" cracks in the windshield glass. These are repaired with a resin injection to prevent the chip from getting bigger, but should not be any bigger than a pencil eraser. If you run your fingertips over it and it feels mostly smooth, it's probably been repaired. If you can feel the divot, it needs to be fixed.
Windshield Crack Repair?
form_title=Windshield Crack Repair form_header=Cracked windshield? Improve your visibility while driving by getting the crack repaired. What is the year, make and model of your vehicle?=_ Did something hit your windshield to make the crack?= () Yes () No () Not Sure Which piece of glass is damaged?= {(),Front Windshield,Rear Windshield,Side Glass,Other}
Replace a Car Windshield?
form_title=Replace a Car Windshield form_header=Promptly have your car windshield repaired. What type of vehicle do you have?=_ Do you want any special features?= () Yes () No Is the windshield cracked or shattered?= () Cracked () Shattered () Other
Where can someone get a replacement for their car windshield?
There are many places where one can get a replacement for their car windshield. One can get a replacement for their car windshield at popular on the web sources such as Auto Trader and eBay.
Can you drive a car without a windshield?
I believe it is illegal in all States. A windshield protects the driver and provides clearer vision.
Is it illegal to sell a car with a cracked windshield in Illinois?
No, it is not illegal to sell a car with a cracked windshield in the state of Illinois. However, it is illegal to drive a car with a cracked windshield in almost any state.
Can you sell a car in Indiana with a cracked windshield?
Yes, but the cracked windshield will decrease the value of the car. You will probably have more success finding a buyer if you replace the windshield.
Can you sell a car with a chipped windshield?
yes....you can sell one with out the windshield if you wanted.....The question should be would some one buy a car with a chipped windshield!
How do you reattach the windshield wipers back on?
Why are there windshield wipers inside the car?
Where is the A pillar on a car?
By the front of the car where the windshield is supported
Is it legal to drive with no windshield?
It is not legal to drive a car without a windshield in this state.
