Spider Crack on Windshield: Repair or Replace?

When a storm hits, it’s not always clear what kind of damage your vehicle might face. While rain might be expected, hail can quickly turn a typical storm into a costly event.    Hailstones, ranging from small pellets to large golf-ball-sized chunks, can cause significant damage to your car’s windshield.   This damage isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can impact your safety. A cracked or chipped windshield compromises the protection your car provides in the event of an accident. Whether it’s a small chip or a large crack, it’s crucial not to ignore the damage.   In this blog, we’ll look at the causes of hail windshield damage and how to prevent further issues with timely repairs or replacements. Let’s dive in.   What Is Hail Damage? Hail damage happens when frozen chunks of ice—known as hailstones—pummel your windshield.    Unlike snowflakes, these icy invaders are hard, heavy, and unrelenting. They form when updrafts in a storm carry raindrops into freezing altitudes, turning them into ice. These hailstones can vary from the size of a pea to as big as a baseball (yes, seriously!).   Hail windshield damage can range from tiny chips that look harmless to deep cracks that scream for immediate auto glass repair & replacement. Even if it looks like a minor dent, don’t be fooled. When left unchecked, a small flaw can spread like a spiderweb—and not the friendly neighborhood kind.   Causes of Hail Damage on Windshields Here’s a breakdown of the primary causes of hail windshield damage:   1.  The Size and Density of Hailstones Hail isn’t just ice—it’s dense, solid, and packed with layers of frozen water. The larger and denser the hailstone, the more impact it delivers. Think of it as the difference between being hit by a snowball and a rock-hard ice pellet. Not pleasant, right?   2.  Speed of Impact Gravity doesn’t mess around. As hailstones fall, they pick up speed. And if you’re driving during a hailstorm, you’re adding your own speed to the equation. The combined velocity turns even small hailstones into windshield-cracking projectiles.   3.  Temperature Fluctuations Cold glass is brittle glass. If your windshield is already chilly and rigid, a sudden impact from hail can cause it to crack more easily. This is particularly common in winter or during early spring storms when temperatures are unpredictable.   4.  Pre-existing Weaknesses Got a tiny chip or crack that you’ve been ignoring? It’s a weak spot just waiting to betray you. Hail finds these vulnerabilities and makes them worse, turning minor damage into major cracks that scream for a windshield replacement.   5.  Lack of Shelter If your car is parked out in the open during a hailstorm, it’s like standing in the rain without an umbrella—except the rain is solid ice. Without shelter, your windshield is a sitting target.   Effects of Hail Damage on Windshields Hail windshield damage doesn’t just ruin your windshield’s good looks; it has real-world consequences.  Here’s how it can affect you: 1.  Chips and Tiny Pits These might seem like no big deal, but they scatter light and can create glare while driving at night. Worse, these tiny imperfections are prone to spreading, especially with temperature changes. 2.  Cracks and Spiderwebs Larger hailstones can create noticeable cracks or those dreaded spiderweb patterns. These aren’t just ugly—they compromise the windshield’s ability to protect you. A cracked windshield is like a cracked shield; it won’t hold up when you need it most. 3.  Shattered Glass In extreme cases, a hailstorm can shatter your windshield entirely. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. If your windshield is shattered, a windshield replacement is non-negotiable. 4.  Compromised Safety Systems Today’s cars are smart, with features like lane-keeping assistance and emergency braking. These systems rely on sensors embedded in the windshield. If hail damages the glass, these systems might malfunction. This means that alongside a replacement, you might need ADAS calibration to ensure everything works correctly.   5.  Water Leaks and Interior Damage Cracks and gaps can let water seep into your car. Over time, this leads to musty smells, mold, and electrical damage. Trust us, mildew isn’t the air freshener you want.   How to Protect Your Windshield from Hail Damage You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared you are. Here’s how to give your windshield a fighting chance:   1.  Park Under Cover Whenever possible, park in a garage, carport, or under any form of shelter. Even a tarp or car cover can soften the blow of hail. The more coverage you can provide, the less chance your windshield has of taking direct hits from hailstones.   2.  Invest in a Hail Protection Cover Specialized hail covers provide an extra layer of protection. Think of it as a helmet for your car. These covers are designed to absorb the impact of hail and prevent cracks or chips from forming on your windshield.   3.  Watch the Weather Keep an eye on forecasts, especially if you live in a hail-prone area. If a hailstorm is predicted, avoid driving if you can. By staying informed, you can plan ahead and avoid exposing your vehicle to potential damage.   4.  Use a Windshield Shield Some shields offer additional protection. They won’t stop massive hail, but they can prevent minor damage. They are typically lightweight and easy to deploy, making them a simple yet effective way to protect your windshield during a storm.   5.  Repair Chips Immediately Don’t ignore minor chips. A quick windshield repair now can save you from a full auto glass repair & replacement later. Taking care of small damage early on can prevent it from spreading, reducing the risk of more serious issues after a hailstorm.   6.  Check Your Insurance Make sure your insurance policy covers hail damage. If the worst happens, you’ll be thankful for the backup. Reviewing your policy regularly ensures that you’re not caught off guard when it’s time to file a claim.   Final Words Hailstorms might be brief, but their impact on your windshield can last long after the skies clear. Whether it’s a tiny chip or a full-blown crack, hail damage compromises your safety and visibility. Knowing the causes helps you stay prepared, and acting fast with windshield repair or windshield replacement ensures you’re protected on the road.   Your windshield is more than just a piece of glass; it’s your shield against the elements. So, when hail turns your windshield into a battlefield, don’t leave your safety to chance—let Auto Glass America come to the rescue.    Our skilled technicians provide fast and dependable auto glass repair and replacement services, getting your vehicle back to peak condition in no time.   Don’t let a cracked windshield ruin your confidence—contact Auto Glass America today and drive with clarity, security, and trust!

Whether it’s from a flying rock hitting your vehicle or an unfortunate accident, having to deal with a broken windshield is frustrating. Whatever the reason behind it, a broken windshield must be fixed right away to preserve your car’s structural integrity and safety.    A good and dependable windshield repair depends on your process, regardless of whether you want to replace it or hire an expert. This article will offer helpful information to assist you in understanding the procedure. We’ll guide you through a step-by-step windshield replacement procedure in detail, from setup to clean up after installation.   Pre-Installation Preparation Careful pre-installation preparation is essential before starting the windshield replacement.   The first step is to assemble the appropriate equipment and supplies. You can refer to your vehicle’s manual to find out what supplies you will need for the process. Common supplies required include:   Glue: Windshield glue or adhesive is used to fix the windshield. Once the windshield is placed properly the glue is cured or hardened. A clean microfiber cloth: This is required to clean the area that holds the windshield. Cleaning the sides will ensure that there is no debris or particles present before the glue is applied and the windshield is fixed properly. A new windshield: Check your manual for the windshield dimensions of your vehicle. Alternatively, you can use a tape measure to measure the windshield. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for instructions on how to get the exact measurements. Gloves: These are required to keep your hands safe from glue or broken shards of glass. Blade: A blade can be used to scrape off any excess glue or material before the fresh glue is applied.   When you have all the supplies, carefully check the replacement region for any damage or dirt that might cause problems during installation. To ensure seamless and effective windshield replacement, keep your workstation neat and free of distractions.   Removing the Damaged Windshield Replacing the broken windshield is a delicate operation that needs to be done with proper care and accuracy.   Start by gently removing the windshield, including any shards of glass and pieces of glue surrounding the windshield perimeter. Make sure to wear thick gloves to protect your hands from the broken pieces. Use a blade to remove any sticky material from the sides to ensure that the new windshield is fixed properly.   Cleaning and Preparing the Surface Before beginning the windshield replacement process, the car’s frame needs a squeaky clean prep job. This means wiping away any dirt, dust, or old adhesive. A spotless surface is key for a strong, long-lasting bond between the windshield and the frame. Use a clean microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution to make sure there is no residue or dirt on the frame.    Installing the New Windshield Place the replacement windshield onto the vehicle’s frame to ensure correct alignment and fit. Make any required adjustments & take your time to ensure the windshield rests flat with the surrounding frame. After positioning the windshield correctly, line the perimeter with a premium windshield adhesive. Follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer.    By forming a solid link between the windshield and the car, the glue supports the structure to stop leaks and air penetration. Firmly press the windshield into position to guarantee the glue coating is distributed evenly and is securely attached to the frame.   Curing and Final Checks Once the windshield has been mounted, the glue must be cured for several hours so that it sets completely. Check the vehicle’s manual for specific instructions regarding the curing time required.   Positioning your car under sunlight will speed up the curing process. Avoid operating the car and exposing it to severe weather or temperatures during this drying period, as this might weaken the adhesive’s integrity.    Ensure the windshield is installed and aligned correctly by doing comprehensive final inspections when the glue has completely dried. Look for any indications of adhesive leaking, misalignment, or other problems that must be addressed.    By executing these last inspections, you can be confident that the windshield repair is done to the highest quality, resulting in dependable operation and road safety.   Post-Installation Care and Tips Following windshield replacement, you must adhere to appropriate post-installation maintenance instructions to guarantee maximum durability and performance: Refrain from driving the car for at least 24 hours to provide sufficient time for the glue to get cured. Do not wash the car/expose it to extreme cold/hot temperatures during this time.   If you notice any leaks or air entering the vehicle, there might be a chance that the windshield has not been installed properly. In such cases, it is best to consult a professional windshield replacement service to get a new windshield installed.    Quick and Efficient Windshield Replacement Services   Replacing a windshield is a task that must be implemented perfectly with great attention to detail. Using the windshield replacement procedure above, you can successfully replace your broken windshield. However, if you are not confident or think that the windshield has not been installed properly, it is best to seek professional advice.    Auto Glass America provides windshield repair and replacement services in several major cities in the USA. Our experts will provide the best care for your vehicle, ensuring that your windshield is as good as new so you can drive worry-free.    If you are looking for a car windshield replacement in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

If, for instance, the windshield had a crack or chip, you would likely not be concerned. You would not bother yourself with the fact that the repair or replacement would not be under warranty. So, let’s get inside auto warranties, whereby you may need to deal with such matters to save some of the money you work so hard to earn. Find out if windshield replacement is covered by warranty, which classes of windshield damages are usually included in auto warranties, discover what kind of auto warranties exist, and understand the role of comprehensive auto insurance.   What Windshield Damage is Typically Covered? Not all windshield damage types are equal. Knowing what is typically covered will help you plan for the potential costs. Typical coverages of warranties include the following:   Manufacturing Defects: These include flaws caused by the manufacturing process, such as weak glass stress cracks or improper installation. Defects in materials or workmanship: Damage caused by a lack of quality products during manufacturing is usually covered through a basic or comprehensive warranty. Stress Cracks: Stress cracks are caused by a structural weakness in the glass or car frame itself. If the cracking results from no impact, then it must be a manufacturing flaw and probably covered by warranty. Unexpected Damage: This involves breakages caused by an outside source, such as road debris, a loose flying rock, or vandalism. Although these cracks are typically covered under comprehensive automobile insurance, some warranties offer coverage if they occur within a certain period and in certain circumstances.   Some warranties do not cover the following:   Cosmetic Damage: Minor scratches, chips, or blemishes that do not impact the windshield’s structural integrity. Wear and Tear: Damage caused by normal usage through time, including chips from normal driving conditions.   Check your warranty documentation or contact your dealer for a complete description of what is included.   Types of Vehicle Warranties Knowing all the available vehicle warranties is important so you will know what’s covered. For your guidance, here’s a breakdown:   Basic Warranty   Coverage: This warranty usually covers defects in material and workmanship. It guarantees free repair for any manufactured defects that may affect the quality of the vehicle. Duration: The warrant, in most cases, ranges from 3 to 5 years or by the number of miles driven (36,000 to 60,000 miles), typically through the manufacturer.   Powertrain Warranty   Coverage: This warranty covers the major components of your vehicle engine, transmission, and drivetrain (axles and transfer case)-protection against any failure or defects with such major components. Duration: Powertrain warranties generally are longer than standard warranties. According to the manufacturer’s policy, they normally last 5 to 10 years or up to 100,000 miles.   Comprehensive Warranty (or Full Warranty)   Coverage: This type of warranty is so comprehensive that it covers virtually everything that can be done to the vehicle and its systems, except for normal wear. Some plans include some types of windshield replacement. This can be a great policy when small damage calls for windshield replacement without costing too much out-of-pocket. Duration: It can be very different according to the company, and contracts are usually set for a minimum of 3 to 7 years, though often at higher mileage limits that may exceed 100,000 miles.   Extended Warranty   Coverage: Extendable warranties include coverages beyond the length of the initial warranty. Similar coverages often cover similar components as in the base warranty but often add extra features or roadside assistance. Duration: Extendable warranties may be acquired with different levels of years and may range from 1 year to 7 years, depending on the type of plan selected.   Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Play a Role? Comprehensive auto insurance can make all the difference when determining whether your windshield replacement is covered. This type of insurance provides extensive protection against a variety of Non collision incidents. Here’s what you should know:   Non collision Events Coverages: The most complete form of insurance covers theft, vandalism, or other losses caused by natural causes, such as a hailstorm, fallen tree, etc. Such damage may lead to cracking and breaking the windshield. Windshield Repair and Replacement: Comprehensive insurance generally covers small-scale repairs and complete windshield replacements, depending on the type and severity of the damage. Deductibles and Out-Of-Pocket Expenses: Full-coverage insurance will reduce the expense of repairs; nonetheless, you must pay the deductible indicated in your policy out of pocket. The higher the deductible, the lesser your premium, but the greater the costs when making a claim. Claim Process and Preferred Providers: Processing claims for windshield repair or replacement isn’t much of a hassle. Having these usually makes the process smoother and even quicker to complete repairs. Review Your Policy: Check your comprehensive auto insurance to see what is covered and when. If you are unsure, call your provider. In simple terms, comprehensive auto insurance means valuable protection against damage caused by other incidents of windshield injuries. According to your policy conditions, it will help to repair or replace the windshield at reduced costs.   Conclusion In summary, this all depends on your windshield type and the nature of the damage. Some warranties can cover some instances, but sometimes, comprehensive auto insurance will provide you with some protection for your windshield. Always review the warranty documents and automobile insurance policy to see what is there.   Auto Glass America can meet all your windshield replacement and repair needs, including side window repairs, AutoGlass repair and ADAS Calibration at one location. Our skilled experts specialize in high-quality repairs that prioritize safety and customer satisfaction.   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)   How Can I Tell if My Windshield Is Under Warranty? It is often possible to get windshield coverage information from warranty documents you may have received with your vehicle’s issuance or by contacting your dealership, which will determine what damages are included.   Is a Cracked Windscreen Covered under Warranty? No, not under warranty. Coverage under warranty is determined on the individual basis of warranty terms. Of course, in most cases, if it is due to some manufacturing defect, then it would be covered.   Is Cracked Glass Covered Under Warranty? In most cases, cracked glass is covered under standard warranties only if it results from a defect.