The Importance of Repairing a Windshield Crack
A gleaming windshield is great, whether looking at it or through it. But it’s more than a pretty piece of glass. Windshields are an essential safety feature that protects passengers and helps you see the road ahead clearly.
However, windshields are also the most damaged glass on your vehicle. Makes sense, doesn’t it? You can be on the highway when another car, traveling at high speed, flings some debris from its tire. Mother Nature can even get into the act, dinging your windshield with hail.
If you have a cracked or chipped windshield, here’s what you need to know and how to repair it.
What to Do About a Cracked Windshield
Usually, chips no larger than a quarter and windshield cracks no longer than six inches can be repaired. However, delaying this maintenance is not a good idea because it greatly affects driving safety.
For one, a cracked windshield can compromise your driving visibility, reducing reaction time and potentially causing accidents. The windshield also contributes to your vehicle’s overall strength and rigidity, particularly during accidents or rollovers. With a cracked windshield, your vehicle’s structural integrity weakens, making it more susceptible to further damage.
Plus, many modern vehicles have advanced safety features — e.g., forward collision warning and lane keep assist— that connect directly to your windshield. A damaged windshield can affect these safety sensors, causing them to malfunction and require calibration.
Luckily, most insurance companies will cover windshield crack repairs free of charge. (That’s how important your windshield is to safe driving!)
Can a Cracked Windshield Be Replaced?
When you take your windshield in for service, hopefully, the technician will report that they can repair your minor windshield crack. But sometimes — like when the crack is longer than six inches or if it’s located close to the edge — repairing a windshield may not be the best option.
In that case, a windshield replacement is likely required. As mentioned earlier, your windshield helps protect your vehicle’s structural integrity. In addition to coming between you and the wind and rain, your windshield performs important safety features, like protecting your front-seat passenger in the event of an airbag deployment.
You must choose a service facility that follows AGSC (Auto Glass Safety Council) procedures. The AGSC is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to safely repairing and replacing auto glass, especially windshields.
You’ve selected a glass repair facility. Now what?
- A technician will remove your existing windshield and handle the bonding surface. Damage to the bonding surface could result in leaks or corrosion.
- An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality windshield will be professionally installed using AGSC-approved adhesives.
If a forward-facing camera is part of your vehicle’s safety system, they will recalibrate it. That way, you can be confident that your ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Safety) system works, including the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist.
Turn to Jiffy Lube for Windshield Care
The longer you delay repairing a chipped or cracked windshield, the worse it’ll get, so bring your vehicle to Jiffy Lube® as soon as possible. During our windshield repair service, you can expect the following:
1. Visual inspection of exterior glass. A trained technician will look for all types of windshield cracks, as well as chips and scratches to outside mirrors and backlights.
2. Professional assessment. The technician will explain the extent of the damage, answer your questions, and present service options.
3. Fixing the windshield. With your approval, the technician will thoroughly clean the damaged area and inject it with a polymer to repair and seal the crack. After the seal cures, they polish it until the repair is almost undetectable. This should take about 30 minutes.
Jiffy Lube also offers a special windshield treatment that will help increase visibility, even in the wettest weather. Your wipers will glide across the glass! Ask for details next time you bring your car in for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change.
However, if your windshield needs to be replaced, Jiffy Lube service centers do not perform windshield replacements, but we’ll be happy to assist you in coordinating with an outside facility.
NOTE: Not all services are offered at all Jiffy Lube service centers. Please call ahead or check jiffylube.com to ensure the service is available at the Jiffy Lube location near you.