You’re on your way to work, dropping the kids at school, or cruising down the coast for a weekend getaway when — crack! A rock pings off your windscreen, leaving an annoying line or chip right in your view.
Your first thought might be: Can a cracked windscreen be repaired? Or am I up for a full replacement (and a big bill)?
It’s a common question, and the answer depends on a few key factors. Let’s break it down clearly so you can work out the best (and safest) next step.
When Should You Repair a Cracked Windscreen?
The good news? You can safely repair many small chips and cracks, saving time and money.
Your windscreen can usually be repaired if:
- The damage is smaller than a $2 coin (think of those annoying small chips you sometimes see).
- It isn’t right in the driver’s line of sight, where it could affect your vision and reaction time.
- It’s not too close to the edge, which could weaken the glass’s structural integrity.
A quick glass repair not only restores strength but also stops the windscreen crack from spreading. Most windscreen repairs take around 30 minutes, and a high-quality service means you’ll hardly have to disrupt your day.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Windscreen?
There are situations where a repair simply isn’t safe or possible. You’ll usually need a windscreen replacement if:
- The crack is larger than a $2 coin or spider-webbed across the glass.
- It reaches the edge of the windscreen, affecting overall stability.
- It directly impacts the driver’s vision.
Remember, your windscreen is more than just a barrier against the weather. It’s a crucial part of your car’s structural integrity, supporting the roof and helping airbags deploy properly. A severely damaged windscreen isn’t just annoying, it can be dangerous.
Why Fixing a Chip Early Matters
It might be tempting to leave that small chip for ‘later,’ especially if you’re busy. But Perth’s hot summers, cold mornings, and rough roads can quickly turn a small chip into a major windscreen crack.
If a crack spreads, you can’t repair it and will need a full replacement, which costs more and takes longer.
Getting that glass repair done early is a great value-for-money move. You’ll save yourself hassle, extra costs, and keep your car windows safe and compliant.
Understanding ADAS and Your Windscreen
You’ll find Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in many modern vehicles. These include:
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Auto High-Beam Assist
These systems rely on cameras and sensors, often mounted on or behind the windscreen.
After you replace a windscreen, you need to recalibrate the cameras and sensors to ensure they work correctly. Even a tiny misalignment, less than a millimetre, can cause your car to misjudge distances, react incorrectly, or disable safety functions altogether.
Recalibration isn’t optional. It’s a critical step to ensure all those smart safety systems still work as designed to protect you and your passengers.
Can a Cracked Windscreen Be Repaired if I Have ADAS?
A small, repairable crack usually won’t affect your ADAS system.
However, if a replacement is necessary, it’s essential to have professional expert technicians handle both the glass replacement and the ADAS recalibration in one go. This ensures your vehicle’s safety features stay reliable and accurate.
Check What Your Insurance Covers
Many major insurance policies include coverage for glass damage. Depending on your policy, you may not even have to pay an excess for repairs, and some will cover repair or replacement, resolved quickly and easily.
Check your insurance coverage for glass so you know what’s included and can steer clear of unexpected costs.
Want to know more about how insurance covers windscreens? Read the full guide here.
Your Next Steps
Here’s a quick guide:
- Check the damage. If it’s smaller than a $2 coin and away from the edge and the driver’s view, it may be repairable.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes. Don’t blast your heater or air conditioning directly onto the crack.
- Get it assessed quickly. Acting fast improves your chances of a simple, low-cost repair.
So, Can a Cracked Windscreen Be Repaired?
In many cases, yes, but it depends on the size, position, and severity. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of avoiding a full replacement and keeps you safer on the road.
If you’re not sure, it’s always best to get professional advice rather than risking it spreading or impacting your safety systems.
Get Your Windscreen Repaired by Champion Autoglass
Unsure whether to repair or replace your cracked windscreen? It’s always best to get professional advice.
Champion Autoglass offers mobile services across Perth, with expert glass technicians who can assess your windscreen on-site, handle ADAS recalibration, and help with insurance if needed.
Whether it’s a small chip or a full replacement, we provide high-quality service, honest advice, and a lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Don’t wait for a small crack to turn into a major problem. Book an assessment or give us a call today, and get back on the road quickly and safely.
