The type of damage to your glass is what determines whether the glass needs repair or replacement. If your glass has a crack larger than a dollar bill or is chipped in the driver’s line of site, it will need to be replaced. Cracks at the edge of the windshield tend to spread very quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the glass. If they’re caught in time, they can be repaired. But in most cases, it’s usually advisable to replace the windshield. Bear in mind that if your windshield took a big enough hit, it may simply be beyond saving.

Repairs: Rock chips are repaired using a tool that injects special resin into the window, sealing the chip and preventing further cracking. When a chip is repaired, it will prevent the chip from spreading into a full fledged crack. Getting a chip filled right away will help ensure the damage does not spread. But be aware that even the most advanced glass repair techniques have their limits. So if your windshield is severely damaged, you will need to replace it.