Some windshield damages are small and minor, while others can be extensive and serious. We always advise fixing your windshield as soon as possible, regardless of the size or severity of the damage. But how long does it take to fix a windshield?
How long it takes to fix a chipped or cracked windshield depends on the damage (chip or crack) and its extent, the technician’s experience, and the repair methods. In general, minor damages can be fixed within 30 minutes, while more significant damages, which don’t require replacement, may take up to an hour.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of damages and their estimated repair times. This post will also describe the various methods used to fix a windshield and their corresponding repair times.
Types of Windshield Damage and Estimated Repair Times
1. Chips
What happens when small pebbles hit your windshield while driving? They leave behind chips and small glass pieces missing, ranging from tiny dings to small cracks. These damages may seem insignificant, but if left unfixed, they can quickly spread and become bigger problems.
- A single chip is usually repairable in 30 minutes.
- Multiple chips may take around an hour to repair.
- Too many chips or chips near the edge of the windshield can take longer to fix.
2. Cracks
Cracks are more severe than chips and can be caused by various factors, like extreme temperature changes or impact from a collision. The size and location of the crack also impact the repair time.
- A small crack (less than six inches) tends to be fixable in an hour.
- Longer cracks may take up to two hours to repair.
- If the crack is too extensive or is located near the edge of the windshield, replacement may be required, which could be somewhere in the ballpark of three hours, depending on the vehicle and situation.
The Factors Affecting How Long It Takes to Fix a Windshield
Now that you know the estimated repair times for different types of damages, it’s important to review what affects how long it takes to fix a windshield.
1. Size, Type, and Number of Damages
As mentioned earlier, the size and type of damage significantly impact repair time. A small chip can generally be fixed in less than an hour, while a larger crack may require multiple hours.
Chips are easier to fix than cracks, and windshields with multiple damaged spots will take longer to repair.
2. Location of the Damages
The location of the damages also plays a crucial role in determining repair time. For instance, chips or cracks near the edge of the windshield may require more time to fix as they are closer to the structural support of the vehicle’s frame.
3. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can also affect repair times, as certain materials used for repairs may need specific temperature ranges to bond properly with the windshield glass. For example, if it’s too cold, the adhesive may take longer to cure, which will prolong the repair time. Rain and high humidity can also make the curing process take longer.
4. Your Technician’s Experience and Skill
Your technician’s experience and skill level may also impact how long it takes to fix a windshield. A well-trained and experienced technician may be able to complete a repair faster than someone new to the job.
5. Type of Windshield
Different types of windshields may require different techniques or materials for repairs, which can affect the time it takes to fix them. For example, laminated glass used in most modern vehicles requires a specialized resin for repairs, which may take longer to cure than tempered glass.
The Steps Involved in Fixing Windshield Chips
Chips and cracks have different repair processes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on fixing windshield chips:
- Preparation: Before any repair work can begin, the technician will clean and dry the damaged area to ensure proper material adhesion.
- Resin Injection: Once the area is clean, the technician will use a specialized tool to inject resin into the chip. The resin fills in the gap and restores structural integrity to the glass.
- Curing Process: After injecting the resin, a UV light helps to cure or harden the material. This process may take a few minutes, depending on weather conditions and the type of resin used.
- Polishing: Once cured, remove the excess resin using a blade and polish the surface to make it smooth.
- Final Inspection: The final step is for your technician to complete the windshield repairs to ensure they are successful and meet safety standards before declaring the windshield fixed and ready.
The Steps Involved in Fixing Windshield Cracks
Cracks require a slightly different approach compared to chips. Here’s how technicians fix windshield cracks:
- Preparation: The technician will start by cleaning and drying the damaged area.
- Drilling: Drill mildly inside the cracks to remove stubborn dirt and improve silicon adhesion. Drilling small holes at the dual ends of the crack also helps prevent it from spreading further.
- Resin Injection: Next, resin is injected into the drilled holes and then spread along the length of the crack using specialized tools.
- Curing Process: The curing process for cracks may take longer due to the larger surface area that needs to be filled with resin.
- Polishing: After the resin has cured, remove the excess material and polish the surface to make it smooth.
- Final Inspection: Like with chips, a final inspection helps to ensure the crack has been properly repaired and meets safety standards.
Please Note: Not all cracks can be fixed, so you need to know when to replace a windshield to make sure you have reasonable expectations when you’re dealing with a problem. If the crack is too large or extends through both layers of glass, then windshield replacement may be necessary for safety purposes.
Never Wait to Fix a Windshield Chip or Crack
It’s important never to put off fixing a chip or crack in your windshield, no matter how small it may seem. A damaged windshield can compromise your car’s structural integrity, putting you at risk in an accident. On top of that, a small chip or crack can become a larger issue if left untreated and what could have been fixed could lead to requiring a full windshield replacement if you aren’t careful.
Only a trained and certified technician should perform windshield repairs to ensure proper techniques are used and safety is maintained. Experts also know how to handle windshield leak repairs.
Attempting to fix a windshield yourself may result in further damage or compromise the integrity of the glass. Call us today for professional windshield repair services.
