A chipped or cracking windshield is an annoying inconvenience that can be caused by hail or debris thrown up from the road. If yours is flawed, you’re probably wondering whether you should repair or replace it. That decision depends on several factors—the guide below explains how you can tell whether you need auto glass repairs or a new windshield.

Repair

Smaller cracks and chips can often be repaired for a much lower price than a full windshield replacement. If the chip is an inch in diameter or less or a crack is no more than three inches long, you should be able to have it repaired with no problem. Have any small chips or cracks repaired as soon as possible, as vibrations from hitting potholes or curbs can cause the damage to spread.

To repair the windshield, a technician will clean the fissure of any dust and broken glass. Then a clear resin is injected and cured, preserving the windshield’s integrity and preventing the damage from spreading any further.

Replacement

If the chip is directly in the driver’s line of sight, however, it may require replacement, as the resin used for repair can create some discoloration that may impact visibility. If the damage is near the edge of the windshield, it can threaten the structural integrity of the entire windshield. In these cases, a full replacement will be required.

Flaws that are bigger than those covered above may signal a replacement as well. if the chip has occurred over a sensor, there are more than three chips on the windshield, or the damage has penetrated through all layers of the glass, a new windshield is your safest option.

Whether you need a small chip filled or your whole windshield replaced, trust the team at OHS’ Body Shop in Kalispell, MT. They have over 40 years of experience serving Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Polson. In addition to auto glass repair and replacement, they offer dent removal, collision repair, and comprehensive body work. Learn more about their services on their website or call (406) 752-8202 for an estimate.