Can you fix a cracked windshield without replacing it?

Replacements are usually better than repairs when it comes to a cracked windshield. The primary reason for replacing a cracked windshield is its impact on the structural integrity of the vehicle. Even minor cracks can weaken the windshield, making it susceptible to further damage. This compromises the overall safety of the vehicle and its occupants. Attempting to repair a windshield crack rather than replace it is dangerous, as it can give you and your passengers a false sense of safety. Even if a crack appears to be repaired, it may still negatively affect your vehicle. Below are more associated risks to consider: 1. Extensive damage: Windshield cracks spread rapidly due to various factors, such as temperature changes, vibrations, and road conditions. Attempting to fix a cracked windshield without replacing it can often lead to the crack expanding, necessitating a replacement. 2. Impaired visibility: A cracked windshield can significantly impair driving visibility, posing a serious risk to the driver and other motorists. The distortion caused by the crack can make it challenging to accurately judge distances and objects, increasing the likelihood of accidents. 3. Violation of legal requirements: In many jurisdictions, cracked windshields are subject to strict regulations. Police officers may issue citations or fines if a cracked windshield obstructs the driver's view or compromises the vehicle's safety standards. To comply with the law, it’s essential to replace a cracked windshield. 4. Malfunctioning advanced safety features: Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety technologies, including sensors and cameras integrated into the windshield. These features may not function optimally if the windshield is cracked. In conclusion, a cracked windshield cannot be fixed without replacing it due to its impact on structural integrity, compromised visibility, legal requirements, and the emergence of more significant cracks. Utilizing a professional windshield replacement service is crucial to ensure your vehicle’s safety and functionality.

Contact Your Local Glass Doctor Auto of Fort Washington, PA, for Windshield Repair

Promote a safe and responsible driving experience for yourself and your passengers by fixing any windshield cracks or chips right away. For more information on our windshield repair and replacement services, contact our service pros.

Windshield Repair for Chips

Some windshield chips can be repaired if they're detected early enough. But if debris has had a chance to accumulate inside the chip, the damage can spread to other parts of the glass. This is when a minor windshield repair has the potential to become a full windshield replacement.

Glass Doctor Auto of Fort Washington, PA Full-Service Plan

For an additional cost, we also offer the Full-Service Plan, which includes the following: The Future Installation Option covers the costs associated with windshield replacement and repair that are not already covered within the Windshield Protection Plan, such as labor, adhesives, and moldings. The Hydrophobic Coating Option repels rain, snow, and dirt to provide a clear front-windshield view while driving — something you'll appreciate during Fort Washington's snow-heavy winters. The Wiper Blade Option includes new wiper blades to keep your windshield free of dirt and debris.

Windshield Repair and Replacement in Fort Washington, PA

You may be ready for a snowy Fort Washington winter, but is your windshield prepared? To create the safest and most comfortable driving experience, replace chipped or cracked windshield glass immediately.

In addition to protection from extreme outdoor elements, UV rays, and debris, your windshield provides an essential safety component - structural integrity.

In the event of a car accident, a damaged windshield could cause your car's roof to cave in or your airbag deployment to fail.

The service professionals at Glass Doctor Auto of Fort Washington recognize the importance of keeping you and your passengers secure. That's why we offer windshield repair and replacement services to get you back on the road safely in no time.

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Repairing vs. Replacing Your Windshield

Our experts assess your windshield to determine if a repair or replacement is necessary. We will always choose the safest and most cost-effective option for your vehicle. Whether you have a minor windshield chip that needs repair or extensive damage that requires replacement, we've got you covered.

Here are some criteria our service pros use to determine whether you need a windshield repair or replacement:

Windshield chips bigger than 25mm in diameter need a full windshield replacement.
Windshield cracks cannot be safely repaired and warrant a replacement.
Any chips located on the driver's side cannot be safely repaired and will likely require replacement.

Windshield Replacement

Although Fort Washington is a safe, family-friendly area that is not known for its high rate of car collisions, accidents still occur. It’s essential for residents to remain cautious in order to promote safety in the area. We are dedicated to protecting residents on the road via efficient windshield replacement services.

We provide two types of protection during windshield installation: the Windshield Protection Plan and the Limited Windshield Warranty.

The Windshield Protection Plan:

Covers glass damage for 12 months from your windshield installation date — damages from collisions, vandalism, fraud, and acts of God are excluded
Includes unlimited repairs or a one-time replacement to your windshield — labor is excluded
Covers the cost of glass should you need a replacement

The Limited Warranty Plan:

Offers a lifetime warranty against leakage
Accounts for any workmanship errors or manufacturing defects
Covers the labor involved in resealing the leak in your windshield. If we can't reseal it, we'll replace it

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Windshield Replacement

Professional Windshield Services

Driving with a broken windshield can be illegal. Trust Glass Doctor to keep you in compliance with national laws, install your replacement glass correctly, and keep the original factory equipment intact. Our priority is to keep you and your passengers safe on the open road.

Windshield Replacement

Our team will replace your broken or cracked windshield with industry-standard glass.
Learn More Windshield Replacement
Windshield Repair

Our auto glass specialists assess the damage to determine whether it can be repaired.
Learn More Windshield Repair
ADAS Calibration

Glass Doctor’s experts use state-of-the-art tools to ensure windshield sensors work properly.
Learn More ADAS Calibration
Car Window Replacement

We’re ready to handle all your car window repair needs.
Learn More Car Window Replacement

Customer Reviews

View All Reviews

We had a great experience with Glass Doctor. They went above and beyond. Was even willing to take a loss for us to get an OEM windshield for us. Story is that we originally had our windshield replaced with after market glass on our Audi Q7 not knowing that future alignments and diagnostics wouldn’t calibrate. When we had to get an alignment done we ran into a bunch of problems with calibration. Chris the owner and his staff reached out to our insurance company and had to battle it out with them. Him and his team went above and beyond to get the OEM windshield covered. He did say worst case scenario, if the insurance didn’t pay the claim out he would just charge us cost of windshield minus what he already got paid on the aftermarket glass making him take a loss. Overall a great small business that everyone should support!

PAUL KIM
5/5
★★★★★
My dad's had a 20" crack in his windshield , so reached out to a few places for quotes. Honestly, the majority of the places that I spoke to were polite and professional, so not knocking any other locally owned glass repair shops. I will say safelite is a joke, though. Definitely look to locally owned shops for your glass repairs/replacements. Chris was helpful throughout the process, and guarantees his work. I was most worried about possible noise issues with a windshield replacement, but the road noise in my dad's car almost seemed quieter (go figure). Thanks and kudos to Chris and Glass Doctor. I would definitely recommend them for any of your auto glass needs.

Dan
5/5
★★★★★
Great experience. New MOPAR windshield replacement done in my driveway in less than 24 hours from first contact. Professional and responsive team at every step of the process. Highly recommended.

Kevin Kelly
5/5
★★★★★
Great friendly and helpful staff. Chip repair looks excellent!

Wash n' Woo & Co
5/5
★★★★★
Extremely professional & fantastic work! Couldn’t be happier- would recommend for all your glass needs!

Lily Peaches
5/5
★★★★★

The Neighborly Done Right Promise® delivered by Glass Doctor®, a proud Neighborly company.

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Glass Doctor of Fort Washington Auto

We proudly serve the following areas with expert glass repair and replacement.

Hours

- Ambler
- Audubon
- Bedminster
- Blooming Glen
- Blue Bell
- Bridgeport
- Cedars
- Collegeville
- Colmar
- Conshohocken
- Creamery
- Dresher
- Dublin
- Eagleville
- Earlington
- Flourtown
- Fort Washington
- Glenside
- Gwynedd
- Horsham
- King Of Prussia
- Lafayette Hill
- Lansdale
- Montgomeryville
- Norristown
- North Wales
- Oreland
- Plymouth Meeting
- Spring House
- Willow Grove

FAQs about Windshield Repair and Replacement

Replacements are usually better than repairs when it comes to a cracked windshield. The primary reason for replacing a cracked windshield is its impact on the structural integrity of the vehicle. Even minor cracks can weaken the windshield, making it susceptible to further damage. This compromises the overall safety of the vehicle and its occupants.

Attempting to repair a windshield crack rather than replace it is dangerous, as it can give you and your passengers a false sense of safety. Even if a crack appears to be repaired, it may still negatively affect your vehicle. Below are more associated risks to consider:

1. Extensive damage:

Windshield cracks spread rapidly due to various factors, such as temperature changes, vibrations, and road conditions. Attempting to fix a cracked windshield without replacing it can often lead to the crack expanding, necessitating a replacement.

2. Impaired visibility:

A cracked windshield can significantly impair driving visibility, posing a serious risk to the driver and other motorists. The distortion caused by the crack can make it challenging to accurately judge distances and objects, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

3. Violation of legal requirements:

In many jurisdictions, cracked windshields are subject to strict regulations. Police officers may issue citations or fines if a cracked windshield obstructs the driver's view or compromises the vehicle's safety standards. To comply with the law, it’s essential to replace a cracked windshield.

4. Malfunctioning advanced safety features:

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety technologies, including sensors and cameras integrated into the windshield. These features may not function optimally if the windshield is cracked.

In conclusion, a cracked windshield cannot be fixed without replacing it due to its impact on structural integrity, compromised visibility, legal requirements, and the emergence of more significant cracks. Utilizing a professional windshield replacement service is crucial to ensure your vehicle’s safety and functionality.
For an additional cost, we also offer the Full-Service Plan, which includes the following:
- The Future Installation Option covers the costs associated with windshield replacement and repair that are not already covered within the Windshield Protection Plan, such as labor, adhesives, and moldings.
- The Hydrophobic Coating Option repels rain, snow, and dirt to provide a clear front-windshield view while driving — something you'll appreciate during Fort Washington's snow-heavy winters.
- The Wiper Blade Option includes new wiper blades to keep your windshield free of dirt and debris.
Some windshield chips can be repaired if they're detected early enough. But if debris has had a chance to accumulate inside the chip, the damage can spread to other parts of the glass.

This is when a minor windshield repair has the potential to become a full windshield replacement.
Promote a safe and responsible driving experience for yourself and your passengers by fixing any windshield cracks or chips right away.

For more information on our windshield repair and replacement services, contact our service pros.

Glass Doctor professional smiling and standing by company van.

Join Our Team

At Glass Doctor, we have over 60 years of experience as a respected leader in the glass service industry. Our dynamic work environment allows team members to thrive, offering flexible scheduling, generous pay, and opportunities for professional growth. We are committed to excellence and treat our employees with the same respect and integrity that we extend to our customers.

Join us and build a rewarding career today!

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Services We Provide

Auto Glass

Windshield Repair and Replacement in Fort Washington, PA

Let Us Call You

Repairing vs. Replacing Your Windshield

Windshield Replacement

Professional Windshield Services

Windshield Replacement