Should I repair or replace my windshield?

Nobody is happy when a rock is kicked up by that semi on the highway and it cracks or chips your windshield. But, how can you tell the difference between an inexpensive repair or a more pricey replacement?

The short answer: you should always contact a professional to take a look because you never know what may be needed. We will look at some basic rules to see if you need a replacement or if a simple repair would be enough.
In most cases, you can have your windshield repaired if:

• The chip is under two inches wide and less than ⅜ of an inch deep
• Only the outside layer of glass is damaged

You may need to consider a replacement if:

• There are three or more chips / cracks
• The damage is on the driver’s side. Repairing this may leave marks that could impair visibility.
• The damage is around the outside of the glass. As windshields are held in place around the outside edges, damage around this area may compromise the integrity of the glass.
• A repair of the windshield was not successful

These are great rules-of-thumb to follow, but an expert opinion is always recommended. If the integrity of your windshield is compromised, the strength and protection that it provides decreases dramatically.
​
If you are in need of an expert opinion, the auto glass experts of Abra are here to help! Whether you need a simple repair or a full windshield replacement, we can handle any of your auto glass needs.