Chips and Cracks: When to Repair or Replace a Damaged Windshield
Rabbit Auto Glass Replacement of Phoenix is an Arizona's #1 auto glass company, offering premier auto glass repair and replacement services throughout the valley.
If your vehicle’s windshield gets chipped or cracked, should you repair or replace it? Regardless of where you live, your windshield may take a beating. There could be pea gravel falling from uncovered construction trucks, sanitation vehicles laying down salt and sand when the weather calls for it and the occasional chunk of unknown debris kicked up by cars passing by.
I once had a pigeon fatally misjudge the 18-wheeler I was following under an overpass and fall onto my windshield. I thought my whole windshield was going to come down on me. It’s amazing that windshields survive as long as they do.
No matter the cause, it’s important to repair or replace your windshield
after it has been damaged to help ensure it doesn’t get worse, according to Allstate. Whether you need to fix a small ding or replace the whole windshield, here’s what you need to know about a damaged windshield
However, if the chip is directly in the driver’s line of sight, there are more than three cracks or chips on the glass, the damage is at the edge of the windshield or the windshield is old and covered with tiny divots, it should be replaced rather than repaired, says Phoenix Auto Glass. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the windshield serves as an important structural part in many vehicles that contributes to the overall strength of the car — this is why it’s important to repair cracks before they grow and your windshield must be completely replaced. Phoenix Auto Glass can do all Arizona Auto Glass Replacements!
The repair process works by injecting a special resin into the chipped area. For cracks, holes may be drilled at the ends of the crack to help prevent it from spreading. Windshields are made of three layers: A layer of resin or polymer is sandwiched between two layers of glass, says Popular Mechanics. Drilling to, but not through, the plastic takes an experienced hand.
If your windshield can be repaired, do it immediately. A small chip can spread across the windshield if you hit a big pothole, drive on a bumpy road or make an aggressive turn, says Glass.com. And, most states make it illegal to drive a car with a cracked windshield, says the Insurance Information Institute. If you’re on the road away from home, Phoenix Auto Glass can come to you.
DIY Repair
If you’re comfortable doing so, you can attempt to repair the chip or crack yourself. There are many do-it-yourself repair kits available at auto parts stores, and they often replicate the resin injection technique of the professionals. The difference, of course, is the quality of the tools and materials as well as the training and expertise of the person administering the repair. Because these kits may not perfectly replicate a professional repair, you might want to consider using them on chips that are located in an inconspicuous area, like the bottom right corner of the passenger side.
Remember, a key function of the repair is to help prevent the crack or chip from expanding or spreading, and also to help restore some of the structural integrity of the glass. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the DIY repair process, consider stopping by one of our locations
and getting it done quickly and professionally.
The takeaway: Repair if possible and logical. Replace if you must. And consider using Phoenix Auto Glass for best results.
Give us a call (480) 331-7882
When should I Replace My Autoglass
In Arizona heat, cracks spread faster, safety systems rely on the windshield for support, and small delays often turn repairs into full replacements.
Professional Auto Glass Inspection includes inspecting condition, installation quality, and safety related performance. The process includes exterior and interior assessments, seal and mounting checks, and visibility verification.
Phoenix heat, intense sunlight, and monsoon weather accelerate crack growth and weaken structural integrity faster than many drivers expect. Waiting can compromise visibility, reduce crash protection, and increase overall costs.
Choosing a quality auto glass repair shop in Phoenix or Tucson means looking beyond price alone.
What you do in the first moments after damage appears can affect safety, repair eligibility, and long term costs. Arizona heat accelerates crack spread, so fast and informed action matters.
Arizona does not publish a single size based statute for cracks or chips, but it does enforce safety, visibility, and equipment standards through vehicle code, inspection rules, and federal adoption. Replacement becomes required when damage interferes with the driver’s clear view, compromises structural safety,
In Phoenix, a small windshield chip can turn into a spreading crack faster than many drivers expect. Extreme heat and rapid temperature changes stress the glass, especially when a chip already exists.
Phoenix heat does not just affect comfort, it directly changes how automotive urethane adhesives behave. High temperatures speed chemical reactions, shorten working time, and can weaken long term bond strength if conditions are not controlled.
In hot climates like Phoenix, proper windshield installation is more critical than many drivers realize.
Extreme heat, road vibration, and long commutes in Arizona make these misconceptions costly and sometimes unsafe. Not every chip is harmless, cracks do not politely wait, and do it yourself kits rarely survive Phoenix heat.