How big of a crack in windshield can be repaired—that’s what you’re probably wondering right now if you’ve got damage on your glass. Look, windshield cracks happen to everyone, whether it’s from a rock on the highway or wild temperature swings. Here’s the deal most small chips and cracks are quick and cheap to fix with windshield crack repair, but once that crack gets too long, you’re in replacement territory. And honestly, you don’t want to wait around on this. The longer you ignore it, the more money you’ll end up spending, plus it’s actually dangerous—your windshield won’t protect you right in a crash, and it messes with your vision while driving. In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly when you can still save your windshield and when you need to replace it.
Types of Windshield Cracks That Can Be Repaired
Damage to the windscreen can take many different shapes, and not all cracks are made equal. Determining whether a repair or replacement is required can be aided by knowledge of the many kinds of windscreen cracks. An outline of the most prevalent kinds and their repairability is provided here.
1. Bullseye
A bullseye crack resembles a circular mark with a dark center and can often result from a direct impact with a small object like a stone.
Repairability: Bullseye cracks are generally repairable if they are less than 1 inch in diameter and don’t extend into the driver’s line of sight.
2. Star Break
This crack features multiple small cracks that radiate outward from the impact point, resembling a star.
Repairability: If the cracks are under 3 inches and haven’t spread significantly, star breaks can typically be repaired. Larger or more complex star breaks may turn into a non fixable crack in windshield.
3. Combination Break
As the name implies, a combination break consists of several different kinds of damage, such as a bullseye with outstretched cracks that resemble stars.
Repairability: These are more challenging but may still be repaired if the total damaged area is under 4 inches and doesn’t compromise the windshield’s structural integrity.
4. Crack Chip
This is a small piece of glass that has chipped away, often leaving a tiny crack.
Repairability: Crack chips are usually minor and can often be fixed easily, as long as they’re not too deep or located near the edge.
5. Edge Crack
Edge cracks originate within 2 inches of the windshield edge and can spread quickly due to structural stress.
Repairability: These are often considered non fixable cracks in windshields because of their location and risk of expansion. In most cases, replacement is recommended.
What About a 6 Inch Windshield Crack?
Alright, so you’ve got a 6 inch windshield crack staring back at you. Can it be fixed? Maybe. It really comes down to where it’s sitting on your windshield, how deep it actually goes, and whether it’s started spiderwebbing out into a bunch of smaller cracks.
Look, I’m gonna be straight with you—once that crack hits 6 inches, you’re basically at the limit of what can be repaired. Go past that length and honestly, most shops won’t even try to fix it. They’ll just tell you to replace the whole thing because it’s not safe anymore. And if your crack’s got arms shooting off everywhere or it’s blocking your view when you’re driving? Forget it. That thing’s done. You need a new windshield.
You should read about windshield replacement in Austin Texas.
Can a 12 Inch Crack in Windshield Be Repaired?
Okay, we’re talking about a serious crack here. Twelve inches is long—really long. And yeah, this is where things get complicated because you’re dealing with what most people would call a non fixable crack in windshield territory. But let’s dig into this because the answer isn’t always black and white.
When a 12-Inch Crack Might Actually Be Fixable
I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes—and I mean sometimes—long crack windshield repair can work even on a 12-inch monster. It’s rare, but here’s when it might be possible:
- Where it’s located matters big time: If that crack isn’t blocking your view when you’re driving and it hasn’t crept all the way to the edge of your windshield, there’s a slim chance a really skilled tech might be willing to give repair a shot.
- What kind of crack you’ve got: Is it a straight line, or does it look like a tree with branches everywhere? Straight cracks (people call them stress cracks sometimes) are way easier to work with than ones that have turned into a spiderweb.
- Has it stopped growing? If that crack hasn’t gotten any bigger and no dirt or water has gotten inside, you’ve got better odds. Once moisture or gunk gets in there, you’re pretty much done.
But listen—these situations are the exception, not the rule. And even then, it depends on whether your tech really knows their stuff and has the right equipment.
What the Car Companies Say vs. What Repair Shops Do
Here’s where it gets interesting. Most car manufacturers and insurance companies play it safe. Their official line? Anything over 6 inches should be replaced, no questions asked. According to the car makers (they call them OEM guidelines), a 12-inch crack is a safety hazard, plain and simple. It messes with how your windshield’s layers are supposed to work together.
But then you’ve got some auto glass shops—especially ones with newer technology like advanced resin injection systems—who’ll tell you they can handle long crack windshield repair even at 12 inches if conditions are perfect. Should you do it? That’s on you. You might save some cash now, but you’ve gotta think about whether it’s really safe down the road.
When You Just Need to Replace It
Let’s be real—most of the time, a 12-inch crack means you’re getting a new windshield. There’s no way around it. You definitely need replacement if:
- That crack has reached the edge of your windshield
- It’s right where you need to see when you’re driving
- It’s gotten longer or started shooting off in different directions
- Your car has all those fancy driver assistance features (lane keep assist, automatic braking, that kind of stuff) that need your windshield to be perfect to work right
Bottom line? A 12-inch crack is almost always a non fixable crack in windshield situations. Don’t mess around with your safety trying to save a few bucks.
You should read about How to Stop a Windshield Crack from Growing Safely and Easily.
How Big of a Crack in Windshield Can Be Repaired
So you’ve got a crack and you’re wondering—what size windshield crack can be repaired without having to replace the whole thing? Good question. Size definitely matters here, and knowing where that line is can save you a lot of headaches (and money).
The Old-School Rule: 6 Inches Max
For years, the go-to answer has been pretty simple—if your crack is 6 inches or less, you can probably get it fixed. A 6 inch windshield crack is basically the cutoff point where most shops feel comfortable using standard resin injection to patch things up. Anything shorter than that usually seals up just fine without messing with how strong your windshield is.
New Tech Is Changing the Game
Here’s where things get interesting though. Repair technology has gotten way better lately. Better resins, better tools—all that stuff. Because of this, some really experienced techs can now fix cracks that are 12 or even 14 inches long. Yeah, seriously.
But hold on—this doesn’t work for every crack. Whether they can pull it off depends on:
- What kind of crack it is: A straight line? Way easier than something that looks like a spiderweb with branches going everywhere.
- Is it still growing? If that crack has stayed put and isn’t spreading, you’ve got a shot. If it’s getting bigger, forget it.
- Where’s it sitting? If it’s blocking your view while you drive, no tech worth their salt is gonna try to repair it.
- Who’s doing the work: Not every shop has the skills or equipment to handle long crack repairs. You need someone who really knows what they’re doing.
When Repair Just Isn’t Happening
Even if your crack seems like it should be fixable based on size alone, there are other things that can turn it into a non fixable crack in windshield situation:
- It’s at the edge: Cracks that touch or start right at the edge of your windshield? Those spread fast and almost never get repaired.
- It went too deep: Your windshield has layers. If that crack punched through both of them, you’re looking at replacement.
- Stuff got inside: If dirt, water, or even Windex has leaked into that crack, the repair probably won’t hold.
- You can’t see properly: If that crack is right where you need to look while driving, repairing it isn’t safe or even legal in most places.
Oh, and if you’re dealing with how big of a rock chip can be repaired—same deal applies. Most chips under an inch are no problem, but once they start cracking outward or they’re in a bad spot, all bets are off.
What Your State Says About It
This is important—different states have different rules about what’s legal to drive around with. In some places:
- A 6 inch windshield crack right in your field of vision will fail you at inspection, no questions asked.
- If your car has cameras or sensors on the windshield (like for lane keeping or automatic braking), any damage near those might mean automatic replacement, even if the crack is tiny.
- Some states straight-up ban repairs on edge cracks or anything past a certain length, period.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
You’ve got a crack in your windshield and you’re probably thinking, “Whatever, I can still see fine. I’ll deal with it later.” I totally get that. But honestly? Driving around with a cracked windshield is way more dangerous than you might think. How risky it is really depends on how big the crack is, where it’s at, and how messed up it actually is.
1. Your Windshield Is Basically Holding Your Roof Up
So here’s something wild that most people have no clue about—your windshield isn’t just keeping wind and rain out. It’s actually a major part of what keeps your whole car from collapsing if you roll over. Seriously. And when your airbags explode out in a crash, they’re pushing against that glass. Even a crack that doesn’t look like a big deal can totally screw with that.
- If you’re in a wreck and your windshield’s already cracked, there’s a way higher chance it’ll just blow apart or pop out completely. That’s bad news for everyone inside.
- And if you’ve got a passenger airbag, it’s literally using your windshield as something to push against when it deploys. A cracked windshield might just give way under all that pressure.
2. Trying to See Through a Crack Sucks
This one’s pretty straightforward, right? If you’ve got a crack running right through where you’re looking when you drive, it’s a nightmare. The sun hits it and blinds you. Headlights at night make it worse. And your brain keeps focusing on the crack instead of the road.
- Cracks smack in the middle or on your side of the windshield are the absolute worst. You’re literally trying to see around them the whole time you’re driving.
- Even those little chips can catch light in weird ways and make everything harder to see, especially when it’s dark out or super bright.
3. That Thing Can Spread Like Crazy Out of Nowhere
Here’s what really gets me—cracks don’t just chill there. They grow. And sometimes they grow fast. Temperature changes, bumpy roads, even closing your door too hard can make a tiny crack suddenly zip across your whole windshield.
- One day it’s scorching hot, the next morning it’s freezing—your windshield expands and contracts with that, and boom, your crack gets way bigger.
- Hit a nasty pothole? That jolt can take a small crack and turn it into a total disaster in like two seconds.
So if you’re about to go on a road trip or you’re doing a lot of highway driving, you’re really rolling the dice with a busted windshield.
4. Cops Can Actually Pull You Over for This
Yeah, you can get a ticket for driving with a cracked windshield. Not kidding. And if you need to get your car inspected, good luck passing with a crack. They’ll especially nail you if:
- That crack is blocking where you need to see
- It’s sitting in the area your wipers go across
- Your car’s got all those fancy cameras and sensors on the windshield for lane assist and all that—if your crack is anywhere near those, you’re gonna need the whole thing replaced
Fines, points on your license, or mandatory repairs may apply, depending on your state or local traffic laws. Insurance companies may also deny claims if it’s found that the vehicle was driven in an unsafe condition. For more in depth information you can read this Is It Dangerous To Drive With A Cracked Windshield.
Time Factors in Windshield Crack Repair
Alright, here’s something you really need to know—how fast you act on that crack makes a massive difference. The longer you wait, the worse your chances get for a successful repair.
Fresh Cracks vs. Old Damage
If you just noticed that crack today or yesterday, you’re in luck. Get it fixed within the first 24 to 48 hours and you’ve got the best shot at a solid repair. Why? Because right now, that crack is still clean. There’s no dirt jammed in there yet, no water’s leaked inside, and you haven’t been driving around stressing the glass and making it worse with every bump in the road. Fresh, clean cracks let the repair resin bond properly and actually seal things up right.
But if you’ve been ignoring that crack for weeks or months thinking “I’ll deal with it later”? Man, even if it still looks small enough to fix, you might be past the point where repair is gonna work. Old cracks get contaminated, they weaken, and they’re just plain harder to fix reliably. You might end up needing a full replacement anyway.
What Modern Repair Tech Can Handle
Here’s some good news though—the repair methods we have access to now are way better than what was available even a few years ago.
What You Can Get Done Today
The repair systems out there now use much better resins and way smarter techniques. We’re talking vacuum-assisted methods that can really pull that resin deep into the glass where it needs to go. And these newer UV-cured resins? They dry stronger and clearer than anything you could get before.
What Happens When You Get It Fixed
So what can you expect when you bring your car in? Here’s how it goes down:
- We clean that damaged area completely—can’t leave any dirt or oil on there
- We create a vacuum seal right over the damage to pull out all the air
- We inject this specially made resin directly into your crack or chip
- We cure it with UV light so it hardens up solid
- We polish the spot until you can barely see where the damage was
When you get this done right by someone who knows their stuff, that crack can pretty much vanish. More importantly, you get your windshield’s strength back so it can actually protect you like it’s supposed to.
Replacement Costs of Windshield Repair vs. Replacement
If you’ve got a chipped or cracked windshield, one of the first questions you might ask is: “Should I repair it or replace it—and how much will it cost?” The answer depends on several factors including the size, location, and severity of the damage, as well as your vehicle type and insurance coverage.
Typical Cost of Windshield Repair
Windshield repairs are usually affordable and quick, especially for minor chips or cracks under 6 inches.
- Average cost: $50–$150
- Repair time: 30–60 minutes
- Best for: Small cracks, bullseye chips, star breaks, crack chips
Repairs are often covered by comprehensive insurance without a deductible, especially if you’re fixing the damage before it worsens.
Windshield Replacement Costs
If the crack is too large, deep, or in the driver’s line of sight—or if it has spread to the edge—replacement is likely necessary.
- Average cost: $200–$600
- Luxury or high-tech vehicles: $800–$1,200+
- Factors affecting cost:
- Make and model of vehicle
- Presence of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- OEM vs. aftermarket glass
Calibration of sensors and cameras after installation (common in newer vehicles) can significantly add to the cost.
Insurance Considerations
- Comprehensive coverage typically covers windshield damage (both repair and replacement).
- Deductibles may apply:
- Repairs are often covered at no cost.
- Replacements may require paying a deductible (usually $100–$500), depending on your policy.
- Some states (e.g., Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina) require insurers to waive the deductible for windshield replacement.
Tip: Always check if the repair or replacement is cheaper than your deductible before filing a claim.
When Paying Out-of-Pocket Makes Sense
- The crack is small, and the repair is under $100.
- Your deductible is higher than the cost of replacement.
- You want to avoid a claim on your insurance history.
- You’re planning to sell the vehicle soon and want a quick fix.
Cost-Benefit Comparison Chart
Option | Estimated Cost | Covered by Insurance? | Best For |
Windshield Repair | $50–$150 | Usually, often no deductible | Chips, cracks < 6 inches, not in driver’s line of sight |
Windshield Replacement | $200–$600+ (up to $1,200 with sensors) | Yes, but may require deductible | Cracks > 6 inches, edge cracks, ADAS-equipped vehicles |
Out-of-Pocket Repair | $50–$100 | N/A | Minor damage, high deductible, no insurance coverage |
Insurance Replacement | Varies (you pay deductible) | Yes | Major damage, vehicle under full coverage |
Final Thoughts
When it comes to how big of a crack in windshield can be repaired, the general rule is up to 6 inches—but every case is unique. Factors like crack location, type, and depth all matter. For anything beyond that, especially a non fixable crack in windshield, replacement may be the safest option. If you’re unsure, Texas Reliable Auto Glass is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice, affordable windshield crack repair, or full replacement services. Call now or book online your safety is our priority!
FAQs
What Is The Maximum Crack Length That Can Typically Be Repaired?
Most auto glass technicians can safely repair cracks up to 6 inches long. Cracks longer than that may still be repairable in some cases, but are generally considered higher risk and often require windshield replacement.
Can A 12-Inch Crack In The Windshield Be Repaired?
While rare, a 12-inch crack might be repairable under specific conditions (straight crack, stable, not in the driver’s view). However, most industry professionals recommend windshield replacement for cracks of this length due to safety concerns.
Does The Location Of The Crack Affect Whether It Can Be Repaired?
Yes. Cracks near the edge of the windshield or in the driver’s line of sight are less likely to be repairable. Edge cracks often compromise structural integrity, making them a non fixable crack in windshield.
Do Modern Repair Tools Allow Fixing Longer Cracks Than Before?
Yes, advancements in resin technology and tools have made it possible to repair longer cracks—sometimes up to 12–14 inches—but this is not guaranteed and depends on multiple factors like crack type and vehicle model.
Is It Cheaper To Repair A Crack Than Replace The Windshield?
Absolutely. Windshield crack repair typically costs $50–$150, while replacement can range from $200–$600+, especially for newer vehicles with sensors. If the crack is repairable, fixing it early can save you time and money.
How to stop windshield crack from spreading?
Avoid sudden temperature changes and slamming doors. Seal the crack with clear tape or nail polish to keep moisture out. Repair chips early with a resin kit, and replace the windshield if the crack grows.
