When to repair and when to replace your windshield?

A cracked windshield is an inconvenience that almost every driver encounters. A stone flung from the wheels of the vehicle ahead, extreme frost, or simply an improper defrosting method - there are many causes of damage. But does it always mean an expensive replacement? Not necessarily. Let us explain when a quick and affordable repair is sufficient and when replacement is truly unavoidable.

Windshield repair: when is it appropriate?

Repair is possible and even recommended in the following situations:

• The damage is smaller than a 2-euro coin - if the stone chip (a so-called "bull's eye" or "star break") is smaller than the diameter of a 2-euro coin, it can be effectively repaired with special resin.
• The crack is shorter than 15 cm - smaller cracks can be stabilised to prevent further spreading. The repair stops the damage from getting larger.
• The damage is NOT in the driver's line of sight - if the chip is outside the driver's direct field of vision (approximately a 30 cm wide strip in front of the steering wheel), repair is fully adequate.
• The damage is not near the edge of the glass - cracks near the glass frame (within 5 cm of the edge) tend to spread quickly, and repair may not be sufficient there.

When is replacement unavoidable?

There are situations when repair simply is not enough and the windshield needs to be completely replaced:

• The crack is longer than 15 cm - long cracks reduce the structural integrity of the glass and cannot be reliably repaired.
• The damage is in the driver's line of sight - even repaired damage in the direct field of vision can scatter light and impair visibility, which is a safety risk.
• Multiple damages close together - if the glass has several chips or cracks in one area, repair would not restore sufficient strength.
• The damage has penetrated both layers - windshield glass is laminated (two layers of glass with a PVB film between them). If the damage is penetrating, replacement is necessary.
• The glass is old with multiple damages - after years of use, the glass may be weakened by micro-cracks. In such cases, replacement is the safer option.

How much does it cost?

Here is an approximate cost overview:

The replacement cost depends on the vehicle make and model, the type of glass (original vs. aftermarket), and whether ADAS system calibration is required.

5 tips to prevent windshield damage

1. Maintain a safe following distance - on the motorway, keep at least a 2-second gap from the vehicle in front of you. Stones flung from wheels are the most common cause of damage.
2. Never pour hot water on a frozen windshield - thermal shock can cause cracking. Use a scraper or de-icer instead.
3. Park in covered areas - a garage or carport protects the glass from extreme heat and frost.
4. Avoid driving behind trucks - lorries and construction vehicles are more likely to kick up stones.
5. Address small damages immediately - a small chip turns into a long crack over time. The sooner you repair it, the cheaper it will be.

What to do when your windshield gets damaged?

1. Cover the damage with clear tape - this prevents moisture and dirt from getting in, which improves the repair result.
2. Call us at 0910 453 214 - we will advise you whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
3. Bring your car to the nearest branch - we have 31 branches across Slovakia, so one is sure to be nearby.
4. We handle the insurance claim for you - we cooperate with 8 insurers and manage the entire process from A to Z.