If you’ve recently acquired windshield damage, you may be wondering if your windshield crack is too big to be repaired. When it comes to windshield repair, there are two standards for repairing windshield cracks, the insurance company’s standards and the Fix-A-Crack standard. Here is an overview of the two with the biggest question being: Is my windshield crack too big to be repaired. The answer is sometimes, YES. But often NO.
Insurance Company Windshield Repair Standard often says YES to is a windshield crack too big to be repaired?
Most insurance companies state that if your windshield damage is greater than 6” (or the size of a dollar bill), it is not repairable, they will not pay for the repair and they will recommend that your windshield be replaced. We follow this standard. However, it is just that a standard and not a law: Fix-A-Crack specializes in long crack repair. Generally up to 13 inches; however, we can sometimes pull of the impossible depending where the crack is on your windshield. This does not replace advice that your windshield should be replaced, but it leaves you with an option that might just buy you some time.
Fix-A-Crack Windshield Repair Standard
Fix-A-Crack is a long-crack specialty repair shop. We are known throughout the Rio Grande Valley as the leader in long-crack repair and shops refer their “unrepairable” long-cracks to us. In fact, our owner and lead technician has been invited by industry vendors to teach our techniques to other glass shop owners.
We fix (and warranty) long crack repairs up to 14” long unless the size and location of the crack:
1 – Compromises the structural integrity of your windshield,
2 – Causes a distraction hazard or
3 – Negatively affects safety features such as a Heads Up Display or your forward facing camera.
The Fix-A-Crack Complete Long Crack Repair Process
Our goal is to help you save your windshield. Therefore, we perform what is called a “Complete Long Crack Repair” which involves three steps.
Step 1 – Filling the Impact Point
This is a step most glass shops skip. However, if the impact point is not filled, you may have lines radiate from the impact in other directions. Filling the impact point also stabilizes the remainder of the repair.
Step 2 – Creating a Termination Point
We create a stopping point at the end the line to keep the crack from spreading further. We have a variety of methods for doing this.
Step 3 – Filling the Line
This is not a cosmetic fix. We add specialized windshield resin to the line to give your long windshield crack more stability so that the repair stays intact and does not spread further.
FAQs
1 – How can you evaluate if my windshield crack is repairable?
The best way for us to evaluate your windshield damage is to stop by our shop (304 E. Pecan, Suite P, McAllen, TX 78501) and let us look at it in person. You may also text us a picture of the damage to 956-360-0178.
2 – Will the crack disappear after the repair?
No. Just like your skin has a scar after it heals, your long crack repair will have a “scar” and still be visible, but the visibility will be reduced by about 50%
3 – Is it better to repair my long windshield crack or replace it?
If it is repairable, the answer comes down to your personal preference. We will help you consider variables such as:
- Tolerance of visibility
- Price of repair vs. price of replacement
4 – Do you provide a warranty on long crack repairs? Our customers tell us that Fix-A-Crack offers the best long-crack repair warranty in McAllen, Texas. Contact us for the details.
Need local help? See windshield repair in McAllen or request a quote from Fix-A-Crack.
Related Fix-A-Crack Services
- windshield repair and replacement in McAllen
- our McAllen windshield repair guide
- windshield replacement services
- request a free quote
Related at Fix-A-Crack
See chip repair, windshield replacement in McAllen, and auto glass questions.
Call 956-360-0178 or contact the shop. 304 E Pecan Blvd, Suite P. In-shop only.
Safety glazing background: NHTSA.
Related: contact the shop and are diy windshield repair kits worth it.
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