If it is older than thirty days, wider than 1/8” or longer than twelve inches, the windshield should be replaced.

If it is smaller than this, take your vehicle to a glass repair shop.

Good repair shops carry more than one glass type to choose from, and they will be able to repair the crack as well. In a repair situation, the crack will still be visible, but as a hairline fracture instead of a chasm, and the crack won’t spread.


Ask the shop to estimate the cost of a repair and a replacement, allowing you to make the best decision for your situation, and compare more than one shop.

Generally replacement will be more costly than repair, but again that depends both on the shop and the condition of your windshield. Shop around to make sure you get the best deal.

Check to see if the shop guarantees their work, and for how long. Quality shops repair the glass and their work.

Check with your insurance company; some policies cover chip repair and/or windshield replacements. Also your insurance company will oftentimes work with specific shops in your area to get you the best deal, or at least give you the names of places to shop.

When it comes to a cracked or chipped windshield, don’t wait; have your windshield repaired before it’s too late, resulting in an expensive replacement.