Do I Need a Windshield Repair or Replacement?
Modern front windshields can be repaired in some cases if the damage meets certain criteria. This page explains chip and crack repair guidelines, and answers some common questions.
Ready for a free quote to repair or replace your glass? Call Pinnacle Auto Glass at 480.907.3982 today!
Or request a free quoteRepair Guidelines for Chips and Cracks
Minor damage to your front windshield glass can sometimes be repaired. The following guidelines provide a basic idea of what types of chips and cracks may be repairable.
Not all chips or cracks that meet the guidelines below can be repaired. Your Pinnacle Auto Glass technician will be able to give you an exact answer as to whether your damage is repairable or if you'll need a complete replacement.
Chip Guidelines*
- Only chips in the front windshield can be repaired
- Chip needs to be in the outer layer of windshield glass
- Chip cannot contain any crushed glass
- Chip cannot be within 2 inches of any edge of the windshield
- Chip must be smaller than half an inch, or about the size of a quarter
* Also applies to other minor damage like chips and scratches
Crack Guidelines
- Only cracks in the front windshield are repairable
- Crack cannot be in the driver's field of vision when looking straight ahead.
- Crack cannot be within 2 inches of any edge of the windshield
- Crack must be singular (i.e. not multiple connected cracks)
- Crack must be smaller than 6 inches, or about the size of a dollar bill.
FAQ
Most windshield cracks are not repairable. Cracks that meet certain criteria, as explained in our Crack Guidelines section, can sometimes be repaired.
No, the maximum crack size that can be repaired in most cases is 6 inches, or about the size of a dollar bill.
No, cracks must be shorter than about 6 inches in order to have any chance of being repaired.
In some cases, yes. In order to be repairable, cracks need to meet the criteria in our Crack Guidelines.
Yes, many chips in your front windshield glass can be repaired. In order to be repaired, chips need to meet the criteria in our Chip Guidelines.