Difference Between Windshield Repair & Replacement

Dealing with a cracked or chipped windshield is frustrating. But before rushing to replace it, know your options. Windshield repair can often fix minor damage and prevent cracking from worsening. Understanding the key differences between repair and replacement can help determine the best choice. Read on to learn the difference between windshield repair and replacement.

The Process of Windshield Repair

Windshield repair requires a technician to use specialised tools and resins to fill air pockets and fractures. Here are the steps:

• The glass is cleaned and prepped for maximum adhesion
• Using a bridge, crack edges are opened, enabling air release
• Liquid bonding resin is forcefully injected into the damage
• Once hardened, the area is polished smooth, sealing the damage
• Lighting checks confirm full integration and clarity

The Process of Windshield Replacement

Windshield replacement is a complex process that requires expertise and precision to ensure the new glass is fitted correctly and bonded to the vehicle. Here are the typical steps a technician follows:

• Preparing for Installation

The existing windshield is thoroughly inspected to identify special features like a built-in antenna, rain sensors, or ADAS camera mountings that need to be transferred or reconnected on the new glass.

• Glass Removal

Any windshield trim or moulding pieces are gently detached, giving access to remove the glass.

• Preparing the New Windshield

The inner and outer surfaces are wiped clean and allowed to fully dry.

• Positioning the New Windshield

The technician sets the new windshield onto the vehicle, aligning it evenly on all sides and verifying proper seating in the body frame.

• Bonding & Sealing the Perimeter

Urethane adhesive is applied evenly around the glass in a controlled manner to avoid injecting too much.

• Final Checks & Calibration 

Once cured, the seal is inspected from inside and out to ensure a straight, consistent, leakproof bond.

What to Choose Between Windshield Repair and Replacement?

Consider the following when deciding on repair or replacement:

Damage Location

Repairs can only be done if cracking is in the outer glass layer. Any cracks extending into the inner plastic layer require replacement since injecting resin won't suffice. Damage over 15 cm or in the driver's line of sight usually needs replacement too.

Type of Damage

An experienced technician can often repair chips and star-pattern cracks from rocks. But extensive spidering or cracks longer than a ₹500 note mean the windshield is too structurally compromised. Significant impacts like accidents also require replacement.

Additional Damage 

The outlook isn't good if your windshield already had one repair, but new damage occurs. Subsequent repairs tend to fail because the glass is weaker. Tiny new chips may still be fixable. But if new cracks form from old, damaged sites, replacement is best.

Vehicle Age/Condition  

On very old cars with deteriorating seals and rust, repairing or replacing the windshield may not be worthwhile due to potential leakage. However, if the seals still function correctly, an aged windshield with minor damage can still be repaired instead of replaced.

Driver Safety

Your technician will also determine if the damage affects important sight lines or is weakened enough to compromise safety. This may mandate replacement for structural integrity versus a surface chip repair. While repairs greatly restore strength, replacements offer the highest level.

Conclusion

Consulting a professional technician like AIS Windshield Experts can help assess specific damage and determine if windshield repair or replacement is the right solution. However, minor chips and cracks often allow for affordable, convenient repairs.