Which Windshield Cracks Can Be Repaired?

We’ve all been there — you’re driving down the freeway and ping! a small rock hits your windshield. At first, it’s just a tiny chip. But give it a few days and that little mark can turn into a full-blown crack.

Here’s the question everyone asks: “Can this crack be repaired, or do I need a whole new windshield?”

At GlassFixit Auto Glass, we get this question almost every day — and the answer depends on a few key things like the type, size, and location of the damage.

Chips Can Be Repaired — Cracks Usually Can’t

Here’s the quick rule of thumb:

• Chips (like bullseye, star break, or half-moon) → ✅ Usually repairable
  
  
• Cracks (especially long or spreading ones) → ❌ Usually need replacement
  
  

That’s because cracks affect the structural integrity of your windshield — and once they start spreading, there’s no safe way to stop them permanently.

Learn more about how windshield safety standards are defined by NHTSA’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 205).

How We Decide What’s Repairable

At GlassFixit, we use a few simple factors to guide whether a repair is possible or not:

1. Size of the Crack

• If the crack is less than 3 inches long, there’s a good chance it can be repaired.
• If it’s between 3–6 inches, it depends on its depth and position.
• If it’s more than 6 inches, it’s usually safer to replace the glass.

2. Depth of the Damage

If the crack or chip has only affected the outer layer of the glass, it’s likely repairable.
But if it’s gone through the inner layer (the clear plastic interlayer that holds the windshield together), it needs replacement.

3. Location on the Windshield

Cracks that reach the edge of the windshield or are directly in the driver’s line of sight are a no-go for repairs. Even if we fix it, the clarity might not be perfect — which could interfere with safe driving.

Also, if the crack is near your car’s ADAS sensors or camera mounts, a replacement is recommended to ensure recalibration and safety. You can read more about this from Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC).

4. Number of Cracks or Chips

If there are multiple impact points or cracks that intersect, it’s best to go for a new windshield. Repairing several weak spots won’t hold up well in the long run.

Why Replacement Is Sometimes the Smarter Choice

While repairing a small chip might seem like the cheaper and faster option (and it is), it’s not always the safest one. A windshield isn’t just there to block wind — it’s a key structural component of your car. It helps the airbags deploy correctly and keeps the roof from collapsing in a rollover. That’s why when in doubt, it’s safer to replace.

Pro Tip: Fix Chips Before They Turn Into Cracks

A small chip might not look serious today, but with California’s hot sun and cool nights, temperature changes cause the glass to expand and contract — turning a chip into a full crack in no time. So, if you spot a chip, get it repaired right away. It’s cheaper, faster, and helps you avoid replacing the entire windshield later.

What We Recommend at GlassFixit

Here’s our friendly rule:

“If it’s a chip, we’ll fix it.
If it’s a crack — we’ll replace it.
Because your safety always comes first.”

At GlassFixit, we use premium-grade resin for chip repairs and OEM-quality glass for replacements. Plus, our team handles insurance claims and ADAS recalibration so you can get back on the road safely and stress-free.

Visit our shop in Santa Clara today!

Santa Clara:  1250 Norman Ave, Santa Clara CA 95054

Got a cracked windshield? Contact us now for a quick assessment!