Expert Advice on Repairing Cracked Windshields and When to Replace
You’re driving when you notice a thin line stretching across your windshield. Maybe it started as a small windshield chip from road debris, or maybe you didn’t even notice it until sunlight hit it just right. The question every driver faces at that moment is the same: can auto glass repair cracks, or does the car need a full windshield replacement or window replacement?
At Re-Lux Collision, we help vehicle owners make that decision with confidence. Our certified technicians specialize in windshield repair and replacement for all types of cracked windshields, using OEM windshields, professional repair techniques, and precision tools to protect your safety and restore strength to your car’s windshield.
Understanding Auto Glass and Why Cracks Happen
Auto glass is made to withstand everyday impact, but it’s not indestructible. Most modern cars use laminated glass for the windshield. This type of glass has two layers bonded by a clear vinyl sheet that keeps the windshield intact during a collision. While it prevents shattering, it can still crack when struck by gravel, stones, or road debris, causing windshield damage.
Cracks can also appear from temperature changes, improper installations, or sudden stress in the car’s frame. Even something as simple as a rock kicked up by a passing truck can create a small chip that spreads quickly into a long crack.
Chips, Cracks, and Everything in Between
A chipped windshield looks like a small crater, usually no bigger than a dime. Cracks, however, are longer lines that spread outward from an impact point. A small crack can grow several inches long if left untreated. If a crack extends across the driver’s line of sight, it becomes a serious safety issue that may cause you to fail inspection in Illinois.
Chip repairs and windshield crack repair require different techniques, but both need to be handled quickly to prevent further damage.
Can Auto Glass Repair Cracks?
The short answer is yes, some windshield cracks can be repaired safely, but not all. The decision depends on factors such as size, depth, location, and visibility from the driver’s view. Professional technicians follow national standards to determine whether a crack or chip can be repaired or if the entire windshield needs to be replaced.
What Determines If a Crack Can Be Fixed
- Size and Length: Most auto glass shops can repair cracks up to about six inches long. Anything larger usually requires a replacement or window replacement.
- Location: Cracks near the windshield’s edge or within the driver’s line of sight often need replacement to maintain safety and optical clarity.
- Depth: If the crack penetrates both layers of laminated glass, repair is not an option.
- Type of Damage: Bullseye, star, and combination chips can often be repaired, while branching cracks and long splits often call for replacement windshields.
- Age: Older cracks that have collected dirt or moisture are harder to fix effectively.
When a damaged windshield meets these criteria, a professional repair can restore strength and stop the crack from spreading.
When a Cracked Windshield Should Be Replaced
If the crack reaches the edge, crosses the driver’s view, or affects multiple spots, windshield replacement is usually required. A replacement ensures the glass maintains proper structural integrity, protecting you in a collision. At Re-Lux Collision, we use OEM windshields that match your car’s specifications, ensuring perfect fit and safety compliance.
The Professional Repair Process
When a cracked windshield comes into our shop, we follow a precise step-by-step repair process designed for lasting results and maximum safety.
- Inspection: Our technicians evaluate the damaged area to determine if repair or replacement is the right choice.
- Preparation: We clean the surface and carefully remove loose glass fragments or dirt from the crack using professional tools. Sometimes we apply masking tape temporarily to keep out moisture until work begins.
- Vacuum and Resin Injection: Using advanced tools, air is removed from the crack and replaced with clear resin. This resin restores strength to the glass and prevents further damage.
- Curing with UV Light: The resin is hardened with UV light, bonding the layers of glass together for a seamless finish.
- Polishing and Finishing: Excess resin is removed with a razor blade, and the surface is polished to maintain optical clarity.
- Final Safety Check: The windshield is inspected from the driver’s view to confirm visibility and structural integrity.
This method not only fixes small cracks but also extends the lifespan of your windshield.
Why Professional Repair Is Better Than DIY Kits
Some drivers try to fix a chipped windshield or small crack using DIY repair kits, but professional repair always delivers better results. DIY repair kits often include limited materials and generic resin, which can lead to incomplete bonding or cloudiness in the glass. Without proper vacuum equipment, air pockets remain inside the crack, which can cause the damage to spread again later.
A professional repair performed at Re-Lux Collision ensures correct resin depth, perfect curing, and a clear finish that restores the look and strength of your glass. Our technicians use specialized tools that achieve factory-level precision, which a DIY kit simply can’t match.
Windshield Repair vs. Windshield Replacement
Knowing when to repair or replace can save you time, cost, and future stress.
- Windshield Repair: Ideal for small chips and short cracks that haven’t reached the edge. It’s faster, often covered by insurance, and preserves the original seal.
- Windshield Replacement: Necessary for longer cracks, deep damage, or when the driver’s sight is obstructed. A new windshield also ensures proper ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibration if your car has lane-keep or camera sensors.
When a new windshield is installed, we recalibrate your vehicle’s cameras and sensors to factory settings. This ensures all systems operate correctly and safely.
Insurance and Windshield Coverage
Most drivers are surprised to learn that windshield repairs and replacements are often covered by their insurance company. Comprehensive insurance cover usually includes auto glass repair and replacement with little or no deductible.
At Re-Lux Collision, our team helps you navigate the claim process. We work directly with your insurance company to verify coverage and handle paperwork, ensuring your cracked windshield is fixed quickly without hassle.
Costs and Time for Windshield Repairs
The cost of windshield repair varies based on the size of the damage, but it’s almost always less expensive than replacement. Small chips can be fixed in under an hour, while larger repairs may take slightly longer. If a full replacement is required, it can often be completed the same day, followed by ADAS calibration if needed.
By repairing small cracks early, drivers can prevent more expensive replacements down the road.
Safety Matters: Why Repairs Should Never Wait
Your windshield is more than just glass, it’s a critical safety component of your vehicle. It supports airbag deployment, roof strength, and cabin protection in a rollover. Driving with a cracked windshield puts that safety at risk. Even minor damage can weaken the glass and reduce its ability to absorb impact.
Repairing cracks promptly not only prevents further damage but also keeps your vehicle in compliance with safety standards. If your windshield has multiple cracks or deep chips, replacing it ensures the structure performs as intended in a crash.
ADAS Calibration and Modern Vehicle Technology
Many modern cars include advanced safety systems that rely on sensors and cameras mounted behind the windshield. After any windshield replacement, those cameras must be recalibrated to maintain accuracy. Even a slight misalignment can alter lane-keeping or braking assistance.
At Re-Lux Collision, our technicians handle calibration in-house after installing a new windshield. This ensures your technology functions exactly as it should once your vehicle is returned to you.
Caring for Your Windshield After Repair or Replacement
Tips to Keep Windshield Cracks Away
- Avoid sudden temperature changes: Extreme heat or cold can cause cracks to expand.
- Drive carefully behind trucks: Loose gravel and debris are major causes of chips.
- Replace old windshield wipers: Worn wipers can scratch the glass and reduce visibility.
- Keep your windshield clean: Use gentle glass cleaner and avoid harsh materials that could cause small chips.
What to Do If You Get a New Crack or Chip
If you notice a small chip or crack forming, cover it with masking tape to keep out moisture until you reach a repair shop. Avoid washing the car or exposing it to direct sunlight, as heat can cause the crack to spread. Schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Why Optical Clarity Matters
A proper windshield repair restores both strength and clarity. Poorly done DIY kits can leave cloudy spots or light distortions that affect visibility. Professional technicians ensure that the glass is restored to near-perfect optical clarity, maintaining safe driving conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked windshield really be repaired?
Yes, if the crack is short, shallow, and not in the driver’s view. Professional repair can stop the crack from spreading and restore strength.
How long does a windshield repair take?
Most repairs take 30 to 60 minutes. Larger cracks or multiple chips may take longer.
Will my insurance company cover windshield repair or replacement?
Most insurance companies provide coverage for both, depending on your policy. Repairs are often fully covered with no deductible.
Can I drive immediately after windshield repair?
Yes. Once the resin cures under UV light, the windshield is safe to drive. After a full replacement, wait at least one hour for adhesives to set.
How can I prevent future cracks?
Avoid following large trucks closely, repair small chips immediately, and protect your windshield from extreme temperature shifts.
Why Choose Re-Lux Collision for Windshield Repairs
Re-Lux Collision provides expert windshield repair and replacement for all types of vehicles. Our certified technicians follow strict safety and OEM guidelines on every repair, ensuring your windshield performs exactly as designed. We use high-quality resin, precise tools, and professional techniques to make your glass look and function like new.
We also handle all communication with your insurance company to make the process simple. Whether you have a chipped windshield, a small crack, or need a full replacement, our goal is to restore your vehicle safely and efficiently.
The Bottom Line
A cracked windshield might seem like a small problem, but ignoring it can lead to more serious damage and higher repair costs later. The good news is that many cracks and chips can be repaired quickly with professional care. When replacement is the safer option, our team ensures your new windshield is installed and calibrated correctly to meet all safety standards.
Whether you need windshield repair, windshield replacement, or just want a free inspection, Re-Lux Collision is here to help drivers protect their vehicles and stay safe on the road.
Call or visit Re-Lux Collision today to schedule your windshield inspection and keep your view crystal clear.
