Small chips away from the edge and out of the driver's direct view can usually be repaired with resin. Long cracks, damage at the edge of the glass, several chips, or damage in the driver's line of sight usually mean the windscreen should be replaced.
What decides repair or replacement?
Three things: the size of the damage, where it is, and whether it has started to crack. A small bullseye or star chip in the middle of the passenger side is a good repair candidate. A crack that runs, reaches the edge, or sits where the driver looks is not.
Why do chips turn into cracks?
Windscreen glass is always under stress from temperature changes, the body flexing over bumps, and pressure from the demister or a car wash. A chip is a weak point. A hot Sydney afternoon followed by a cool change, or one pothole, can send a crack across the glass.
What does chip repair actually do?
Chip repair injects resin into the damaged area, cures it, and restores strength to the glass so the chip stops spreading. The mark usually becomes much less visible, but it will not always disappear completely.
When is a replacement the better choice?
Replace the windscreen when a crack is already running, the damage is at the edge, there are several chips, or the damage sits in the driver's view. If the car has a camera or sensor behind the rear-view mirror, mention it when you ask for a quote.
How do I get a fast answer?
Take one photo of the damage with a coin beside it for scale and one of the whole windscreen. Send both through the quote form and we will tell you whether repair or replacement makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cracked windscreen be repaired?
Short cracks sometimes can, but most running cracks need a replacement. Chips are the damage that repairs best.
Is chip repair worth it?
Usually, yes. It is quick, done on-site, and stops a small chip turning into a full replacement.
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