Is It Better To Repair Or Replace A Cracked Windscreen?

It may surprise you to know, your windscreen is actually an extremely important component of your vehicle’s safety system. It works to protect you from the elements, maintains visibility, and even contributes to your vehicle’s structural integrity. These are just a few of the reasons why any damage should always be addressed immediately.

2 Common Types of Windscreen Damage

In the majority of cases, windscreen damage generally falls into two main categories: chips and cracks.

• Windscreen Chips. Usually, the result of something small, sharp or hard hitting the windscreen. Most commonly, this will be small stones flicked up from passing vehicles. As your windshield glass is specially designed to resist this kind of damage, stones mostly hit and pass by without causing any visible damage, but occasionally they will leave you with a pitted area on your windscreen. Windscreen chips can be further classified into their appearance for example, stars, horseshoes, bullseyes or craters.
• Windscreen Cracks. When hitting with excessive force, flying stones or rocks can also cause a windscreen to crack, or cracks can occur in other ways. Chipped windshields that are left unattended are also very likely to develop into cracks as a result of vibrations, temperature changes and moisture.

6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Windscreen Damage

As a vehicle owner, it is your legal responsibility to keep your vehicle functioning at optimum safety levels, which includes all the usual vehicle servicing and maintenance but also extends to looking after your windscreen. Need to know more? Here are 6 of the main reasons why you should never ignore a chipped windscreen.

1. Windscreen Damage Can Affect Structural Integrity

Your windscreen plays a crucial role in preserving the structural integrity of your vehicle in a rollover incident. Up to 70% in fact! This is why leaving a chip or crack (creating a weak spot) is not good, this makes the windscreen more susceptible to shattering, compromising the overall strength. 

2. An Obstructed View Is A Safety Hazard

A chip or crack in your windscreen has the potential to distort the driver’s viewpoint making driving dangerous and reducing the ability to avoid potential hazards. While a small chip might not be a problem in optimal driving conditions, it can quickly cause problems when conditions change, such as heavy rain and times of low light. 

3. You Can Get Fined  

Depending on the size, depth, and location of your crack or chip, driving around could result in fines here in New Zealand. The Transport Agency (NZTA) has strict regulations regarding damaged windscreens (especially where they would cause the vehicle to fail a Warrant of Fitness inspection).

4. Chips Can Grow And Spread

What starts out as a tiny chip can quickly grow into a much bigger issue, such as a crack across the entire width of your windscreen. Things like temperature changes, vibration, and moisture getting into the chipped windscreen can cause minor damage to expand rapidly. The sooner you address a chipped windscreen, the more likely it is to carry out a repair and the less expensive it will be to fix. 

5. You Can Save Money By Repairing ASAP

If you are looking to save money, windshield repairs and replacements should be completed as quickly as possible in order to avoid further (more expensive) damage. This is because repairing a small chip is significantly less expensive than replacing an entire windscreen. It’s also important to note that many insurance providers will completely cover the repair cost, while you may face additional downtime and costs for a full windscreen replacement.

6. Sometimes It's Free! 

In some cases, windshield damage may be covered by your car insurance policy. This will mean you don’t have to pay anything for repairs or replacements (conditions will apply). In NZ, this free service is generally only included under comprehensive coverage insurance policies, so check with your provider for more specific information.

When Should You Replace Your Windscreen

Here are some instances when you will most likely need to replace your windscreen. Please note this information is provided as a guide only, always seek out a windscreen repair specialist for expert advice on windscreen repair and replacement. 

• Damage Located On The Drivers Side. Chips or cracks in the driver’s side of the windscreen are considered to be in the “Critical Vision Area” (CVA), damage within this area is considered to be a visibility safety hazard and will likely require a full replacement.
• Extensive Damage. Large cracks or more than three chips in the driver's line of vision will register as ‘extensive’, making replacement the only option. 
• Failed WOF. If a windscreen chip or crack is longer than 25mm or located in the driver's direct line of vision, it is highly likely your car will fail its Warrant Of Fitness, so you will have to get the windscreen replaced.
• Damage Is Near The Edge. If the chip or crack is situated very near the edges of the windscreen, it is likely to spread more easily and also weaken the structural integrity of the windscreen, so a full windshield replacement is the only safe option. 
• Deep Cracks Or Chips. If the crack or chip is deep enough that it has penetrated the windshield more than halfway, this is a significant safety hazard and can warrant a full replacement.
• Too Many Previous Repairs. There is a limit on the number of repairs possible in your windscreen before a windscreen replacement is unavoidable, this will depend on the extent of the previous repairs, where they are located, and how many there are.

When Should You Repair Your Windscreen

Windscreen repair is much more likely to be an option the earlier you get to it. This will, of course, depend on the extent of the damage and other factors. Windscreen repairs are less costly, less time-consuming and even a little more environmentally friendly. Repairs are more likely when faced with the following circumstances.

• Small Chips/Cracks. Repair is usually possible if the chip or crack is very small (less than 30mm for a chip and 100mm for a crack). This will depend on the type and depth of the damage and its location though. 
• Damage Is Not In CVA. The damage must not be located in the driver's line of sight or Critical Vision Area. According to the NZTA the CVA section of the windscreen is roughly the width of the steering wheel and extends from the top to bottom of the windscreen. 
• Damage Is Not Located Near The Edge. As long as the chip or crack is not right near the edge of the windscreen (at least a few centimetres away) and meets the other criteria above, it can likely be repaired.

How To Choose The Right Windscreen Replacement Specialists

A quick online search can result in many auto glass repair options, so it can be helpful to know what you should be looking for when choosing the right one!

• Check For Guarantees. Ensure they offer guarantees/warranties for the windscreen work – all good auto glass repair companies should be happy to offer extended guarantees.
• Ask About Insurance. Find out if they do insurance work and deal with the insurance company directly - it will be a lot less hassle for you!
• Find Out About ADAS Calibration. Always ask about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration. Most modern cars have this technology, and it will need to be recalibrated when the windscreen is replaced.
• Check The Glass. Find out if they use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass (made by the car’s manufacturer) or Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) glass (a cheaper alternative) – either is fine, but you may have a preference depending on your circumstances.

‍Whether you need a windscreen repair or replacement, addressing damage promptly will save you time and money as well as ensuring the safety of your vehicle’s occupants. Don’t delay take action now and get those chips and cracks looked at by a professional windscreen repair company - keep safe out on the roads!