Many chips and short cracks can be repaired instead of replacing the whole windshield, but only if the damage is dealt with early and falls within certain limits. This page explains how resin repair works, when it is possible and why timing matters in Portland's climate. It is general information and does not offer repair.
Why timing matters
A fresh chip is the best candidate for repair. Dirt and moisture get into the break over time, which makes the repair less clear, and temperature swings, rough roads and a hot defroster on a cold windshield can turn a small chip into a crack running across the glass. Once that happens, repair is usually off the table and the whole windshield has to be replaced. A temporary clear tape or a pad over the chip keeps rain and dirt out until it can be assessed.
How resin repair works
- The damaged spot is cleaned and any loose glass is removed.
- A tool creates a vacuum over the break to draw out air and moisture.
- Clear resin is injected into the chip or crack.
- The resin is cured with ultraviolet light, then scraped flush and polished.
The resin bonds the glass, stops the damage from spreading and restores much of the strength of the pane. The mark usually remains slightly visible, since the aim is structural, not cosmetic.
When repair is usually possible
- The chip is about the size of a quarter or smaller
- Cracks are short and not spreading
- The damage is not directly in the driver's line of sight
- The damage has not reached the edge of the glass
If the damage is larger, deep or in the wrong place, see windshield replacement. Many insurers waive the deductible for chip repairs, so check your policy and read how glass claims work.
Other glass
Door, side, vent and rear glass are usually made of tempered glass, which cannot be repaired and must be replaced when it breaks. See the guides to side window replacement and rear glass replacement, and the overview of auto glass and car window repair.