Should I repair or replace my cracked windshield?

Windshield cracks are more than a blemish. They can can spread, weakening the structural integrity of your windshield. Or crack into the passenger cabin. Or become dislodged.

Moral of the story: you need to repair or replace chipped windshields. And quickly, so that dirt doesn’t become lodged in the crack.

But, because windshield replacements cost so much more than repairs (sometimes 4-10 times as much!), your first step is deciding whether you need a replacement, or can get away with a simple repair.

When it’s time to repair or replace your windshield, Telle Tire & Auto Centers can help. For 82 years and four generations, the Telle family has understood the importance of providing strong value through quality products and services. Our ASE-certified technicians provide trusted excellence built on generations of long-term relationships and proven excellence.

See what our past clients have to say, or come in and see for yourself. From basic maintenance to comprehensive diagnostics and full engine repair, Telle Tire & Auto Centers are your one-stop-shop with you every mile of the way.

Crack in your windshield?

Schedule a windshield repair today.

Two questions to ask yourself before shelling out cash for a windshield replacement

Deciding whether to repair or replace is difficult. Use these questions to guide your decision:

  • Where is your windshield crack?
    Cracks in the driver’s direct line of sight or at the edge of your windshield are tricky to repair. Usually, you need to replace, rather than repair, cracks in these locations.Here’s why.Repairing windshield glass can leave behind blemishes that impede sight. For a driver, this can impede navigation. And cracks on the edge of your windshield spread more easily than other chips. Plus, if your windshield is cracked along the edge, it is likely to become dislodged in an accident.
  • How big is the windshield crack?
    Do not repair big cracks—replace the windshield. If the crack is larger than a quarter, you should just replace your windshield. Your windshield provides structural support for your car and big cracks reduce the strength of your windshield. Repairing larger windshield cracks is just putting a band-aid on the larger problem.

Be leery of windshield repair shops that repair big, or ill-placed, cracks. Many St. Louis shops will repair any crack up to 18 inches. But failing to fix the problem fully poses a safety risk to you and your passengers. Telle Tire & Auto Centers will only do windshield repairs if they are the safest, most cost-effective option.

How the windshield repair and replacement process works

We use a special resin during windshield repairs. Your windshield is comprised of three layers: an inner layer of automotive safety glass or laminate, and two outer layers of glass. This resin penetrates all the way to the inner automotive safety glass to seal the crack completely.

For a replacement, it’s important to find a replacement windshield that fits your vehicle perfectly. This can either be an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield—meaning was sourced directly from your dealership—or non-OEM. Either will work fine, as the production of OEM and non-OEM windshields are held to the same high standards. We’ll choose whichever source makes the most economic sense for your particular car.

During the replacement, one of our professionals will first remove the chipped glass. Then they will install your new windshield using the highest quality sealants to ensure the long-term structural integrity of your windshield.

The Telle Difference

If you need a windshield repair or replacement, you should take your car to the nearest Telle Tire & Auto Center. Since 1942, St. Louis car owners have trusted us to provide the highest level of service at the best possible value.

And while people might come to us for our low service costs, they come back we treat them like family and provide high-quality service. Why do we go the extra mile? Because we don’t want you to worry about your car. After all, that’s our job.

Trust your car with the automotive repair technicians that go the extra mile.