Repairable Windshield Cracks vs. Those That Need a Full Replacement
Posted in Windshield Repair, on October 08, 2025
The windshield, while one of the most crucial safety features in your car, also tends to be one of the most overlooked parts of your vehicle. Many drivers dismiss windshield chips or cracks as long as they do not impact their visibility. However, any and all windshield damage needs to be evaluated by a professional as soon as possible. Not all cracks are the same. Some can be fixed with windshield crack repair, whereas others may require an entire windshield replacement. Generally speaking, however, addressing damaged glass as soon as possible can help reduce the need for a replacement. Contact MRM Auto Glass today for auto glass repair in Newmarket.
Here are the main differences between repairable and non-repairable windshield issues.
Why Timely Windshield Assessment Matters
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Timely intervention will make the most significant difference when it comes to preventing the need for an entire windshield replacement. What many car owners may not realize is that once you have a chip in your windshield, over time, it will continually expand as your windshield experiences more trauma. The longer you go without repairs, the deeper and longer the crack can get. Once a crack exceeds a specific size, windshield repair may not be sufficient to treat the damage.
Common Types of Windshield Damage
- Stone Chips: These are small chips in the windshield that are often caused by flying rocks or pebbles that get kicked up while driving. These are the easiest type of crack to repair.
- Bullseye Cracks: Bullseye cracks are slightly larger than a chip and are cracks with circular cracks forming around the central crack. Since these cracks are smaller and well-contained, they are usually repairable.
- Star Breaks: This is a configuration of multiple cracks that radiate from one part of the windshield, forming a star pattern. Unless these cracks are small, there is a good chance you may require a windshield replacement.
- Edge Cracks: These are cracks that form on or around the edges of your windshield. These cracks almost always require a replacement because they compromise the structural integrity of your windshield significantly.
Signs Your Windshield Crack Can Be Repaired
- Damage is minor and doesn’t extend too far across the windshield. Anything under 4-6 inches is usually repairable.
- If your crack does not extend out to the edges of your glass.
- Only the outer layer of glass is affected. If the inner part of the glass remains intact, it should be repairable.
- Damage hasn’t collected dirt or moisture over time. Once the crack becomes really dirty, it won’t be able to be safely cleaned out, resulting in the need for a windshield replacement.
Trust MRM Auto Glass for Windshield Crack Repair
Overall, it is always less time-consuming and costly to address windshield damage early because it is much more likely that you will require windshield crack repair over a full replacement. However, this does depend on the type of crack you come in with. The larger and deeper the crack, the more likely it is that you will need a windshield replacement. Regardless of the damage, you should bring your car to MRM Auto Glass at your earliest convenience for auto glass repair in Newmarket. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
