Windscreen Repair vs Replacement: How to Know Which One You Need

Just like the brake and tire, the windscreen is also an important part of a vehicle’s safety and visibility. Windscreen damage is a very common issue, and accidents, stones, and weather conditions can be the reasons for its damage. People are often confused when this issue arises, wondering whether to repair or replace it. In this guide, we will learn the options of repair or replacement, factors to consider when making a decision, and tips to prevent this damage.

The Role of Windscreen in Vehicle Safe

The windscreen is not just a glass barrier; it will protect you and your passengers from harm on the road. It serves multiple safety functions:

Helps to see clearly: Even a small crack or chip can distract you and make driving dangerous. A clear windscreen ensured clean visibility.
Shields you from the outside world: Windscreen protects you from wind, rain, dust, and flying debris. It keeps you safe in the car and also prevents objects from entering the cabin in the event of a crash.
Safety in a crash: Most of the windscreen is made from laminated glass, which is designed to hold together when it breaks. Additionally, it also minimises the risk of sharp glass injuries.
Keep your car’s structure strong: The windscreen also supports your car’s roof. If your vehicle ever rolls over, a strong windscreen prevents the roof from caving in, saving you and your passengers. It also works with airbags, providing them with a solid surface for their deployment to maximum safety.

Types & Severity of Damage

Not all windscreen damage is the same. By understanding the type and severity of damage, you can easily analyze whether to repair or replace it.

Types of Damage:

• Chips: Small, localized cracks in the windscreen are often caused by stones. These are typically around 30mm in diameter and can easily be repaired.
• Cracks: Long lines that spread across the windscreen. Cracks develop over time due to stress on the glass, temperature fluctuations, and vibration from driving.
• Star breaks: It looks like a star shape and is a crack that spreads outward in a star pattern.
• Bullseye: A circular damage with a cone-shaped hole and a dark circle around it. A strong impact usually causes it.
• Combination breaks: A mixture of different damage types, such as cracks and chips. It can be not easy to repair.

Factors that Affect Severity

• Size: Larger chips or cracks usually require replacement.
• Location: Damage on the driver’s side or near the edges of the windscreen can be dangerous and requires immediate replacement.
• Depth: Damage that reaches the inner laminated layer often requires replacement.

Why Understanding The Damage Matters

Not all damage requires a replacement. Repair is sufficient if the damage is minor; however, immediate action is required once the damage is noticed. Otherwise, it will be spread quickly due to vibration, temperature, or bumps. Knowing the type of damage helps you make a safe and cost-effective decision about whether to repair or replace.

Windscreen Repair: When it's Enough?

If the damage is minor, around 25mm (0.9 inches), a repair is more sufficient and cheaper option. Specialists utilize a resin injection process to fill the chip or crack, restoring the integrity of the glass. Here’s when repair is fine:

• Small chips and cracks: If the damage is minor and doesn’t affect your line of sight, the repair is the best option.
• Location of damage: If the damage is away from the driver’s side and edges, then repair is the convenient option.

Benefits of Repair:

• Cheapest: Repairing a small chip and crack is much more affordable than replacing the windscreen.
• Quick: Repair can be fast and completed within half an hour.
• Preserve original glass: By repairing, you will keep your original windscreen, which is important for car’s safety.

Windscreen Replacement: When Is It Required?

If the damage is not repairable, then choose a professional windscreen replacement service. Here are the situations when replacement is required.

• Large or multiple cracks: If the crack is more than 25mm or has numerous cracks, repair cannot restore the strength of the windscreen; in this case, replacement is required.
• Damage is on driver’s side: If the chip or crack is directly on the driver’s side, it is distracting or unsafe while driving, even if it’s a small chip. In this case, replacement is the safe option.
• Edge Damage: If the damage is near the edge of the windscreen, it weakens the overall structure, and unsafe to repair.
• Compromised Safety Features: If the damage is affecting the windscreen’s ability to withstand impact or compromises safety features like airbags or cameras (if the car is new), it’s time for a replacement.

Benefits of Replacement:

• Long-term solution: A windscreen wouldn’t weaken over time like a repaired one might. That’s why replacement is a long-term solution.
• Enhanced visibility: A new windscreen provides clear visibility and restores the structural strength that your vehicle needs.
• Complete safety restoration: A new windscreen ensures your vehicle’s safety features are fully functional.

Factors to Consider When Deciding

Sometimes, choosing between repair and replacement can be hard decision. Before making a call, consider these:

Vehicle age and value: If the vehicle is brand new, consider replacing it to maintain the car’s resale value. If the car is older, then repair is typically the most cost-effective choice. However, if the car is at the end of its life, repair is not a smart choice. In this situation, contacting car wreckers for your vehicle would be a more profitable option.
Insurance coverage and costs: Verify with your insurer if windscreen repair or replacement is covered. Always confirm what is included in your policy.
Time and convenience: If you’re in a rush and can’t wait long, repair would be the better option.
Safety and legal requirements: In New Zealand, windscreen damage is a safety concern. If the damage is on the driver’s side or affects the vehicle’s Certificate of Fitness (CoF) inspection because of a damaged windscreen, a replacement is required to pass the inspection.
Long-term impact of repairs: While repair is a cheaper and quicker option, but not a permanent solution in some cases. A repaired windscreen can still be vulnerable to further damage, especially if it’s near the edges. In such cases, replacing is a better option for long-term investment and peace of mind.

Tips to Prevent Windscreen Damage in the Future

You might think that windscreen damage is caused by careless driving, but that’s not the truth. This is a common issue that can happen to anyone at any time. Here are some tips to help you avoid this damage.

• Distance from other vehicles: Keep a distance on gravel roads, especially from trucks.
• Avoid parking under trees: Avoid parking your car near construction areas or under trees.
• Repair small chips promptly: Catching small chips early allows for a simple repair before they turn into large cracks.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes: Sudden temperature changes can also cause windscreen damage. Always use clothing or any other protective material on a windscreen.
• Replace worn wiper blades: Check and replace worn wipers promptly.