A cracked or chipped windshield is more than an eyesore. It can put your safety at risk and cost you big if left alone. At Save On Auto Glass, we talk to drivers every single day who stare at a ding and wonder: fix it or replace the whole thing?
The answer isn’t always obvious. A tiny rock chip today can spiderweb across the glass by tomorrow. Our job is to look at the damage, explain your options in plain English, and get you back on the road fast and safe.
This guide walks you through every step. You’ll learn exactly when a repair is enough, when replacement is the only safe choice, and how to spot trouble before it spreads. Let’s clear things up.
Gravel flies off dump trucks on the highway. Potholes swallow tires and spit stones straight at your glass. In busy cities and suburbs alike, these hits happen without warning.
Construction zones are the worst. Fresh asphalt means loose chips. One lane change and ping—another star-shaped mark appears. We see this pattern week after week.
Even parked cars aren’t safe. Falling acorns, hail, or a stray baseball can leave a bull’s-eye in seconds. Knowing the risks in your area helps you react faster.
Morning frost followed by blazing afternoon sun stresses glass. The rapid expand-and-contract cycle finds any weak spot and pushes it wider.
We once repaired a quarter-sized chip on a Monday. By Wednesday the same customer called—the crack had raced six inches in one hot-cold swing. Weather is a silent partner in windshield damage.
Parking in direct sun or using scalding defrost on a frozen shield does the same thing. Gentle habits go a long way toward keeping repairs small.
A windshield isn’t just a window. It holds up to 60 percent of your roof strength in a rollover crash. One deep crack and that support vanishes.
Airbags rely on the glass too. They bounce off it to cushion you. Damaged glass can shatter on impact and turn a lifesaver into flying shards.
Night driving with a chip in your line of sight is like looking through cracked glasses. Headlights smear, rain streaks, and reaction time drops. We’ve heard too many close-call stories.
Most states fail vehicles with cracks longer than a credit card or chips in the driver’s direct view. A simple safety inspection can turn into a fix-it ticket.
Police officers notice obvious damage during routine stops. One customer paid a $150 fine because a six-inch crack ran right across the center. A $75 repair would have saved the hassle.
Insurance companies track glass claims. Letting damage grow can raise future rates even if you never file. Staying ahead keeps your record clean.
Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks under three inches often qualify for repair. Anything larger usually means replacement.
Depth matters as much as width. Surface nicks fill with resin and vanish. Cracks that reach the inner layer of glass can’t be trusted to hold.
Count the legs on a star break. More than three legs spreading outward almost always signals a full swap. Our techs measure twice to be sure.
Damage dead-center in the driver’s sightline is a hard no for repair. Even a perfect fill leaves a tiny scar that glints at night.
Edge cracks within two inches of the frame weaken the seal. Water sneaks in, fog forms, and delamination starts. Replacement is the only fix that restores the bond.
Multiple chips scattered across the glass add up. Three or four small ones create a web of weak points. We replace rather than patch a quilt.
Standard laminated glass is thin and flexible. Small chips fill fast with resin and cure in 30 minutes.
Bigger windshields mean bigger price tags. A $400 repair beats a $900 replacement every time.
Heated windshields, rain sensors, heads-up displays—damage near any sensor forces a full OEM replacement. Aftermarket glass often disables the tech.
We once saved a Tesla owner $1,200 by repairing a chip two inches below the camera. One inch higher and the whole $2,000 shield would have gone.
Bull’s-eye: Round impact with concentric rings. Clean and shallow equals easy repair.
Half-moon: Curved crack from a glancing stone. Often repairable if under three inches.
Stress crack: No impact point, just a line from temperature change. Almost always needs replacement.
Combination break: Chip plus legs shooting out. Treat it like the longest leg—over six inches means replace.
Home kits come with a suction cup, resin, and curing strips. They work okay for surface chips under a dime.
Professional shops use bridge injectors, UV lamps, and pit polishers. The difference shows in clarity and strength—repairs vanish and pass inspection every time.
We stock OEM-grade resin that matches factory UV protection. Your windshield keeps blocking 99 percent of harmful rays after the fix.
Mobile techs come to your driveway or office. Perfect for busy parents or anyone who can’t lose a morning.
Shop visits let us calibrate cameras and sensors on the spot. Newer cars need this step after replacement.
Either way, we guarantee the work for life against leaks or stress cracks around the repair.
Comprehensive coverage usually pays 100 percent for repairs with $0 deductible. Replacement often carries a $100–$500 deductible—check your policy.
File online in five minutes. Upload your photos, pick a shop, and drive away fixed. We handle the paperwork so you don’t wait on hold.
One customer thought his deductible was $500. A quick call showed glass repair was fully covered. He saved the entire bill.
Hydrophobic coating: Rain beads and blows off at 40 mph. Night glare drops 30 percent.
Clear bra film: Thin urethane layer over the lower windshield. Stops rock chips cold.
Camera recalibration insurance: Some policies cover the $200–$400 sensor reset after replacement.
We bundle coatings with repairs for $99. Customers tell us the clearer view is worth every penny.
A dad tried a $20 kit on a star crack. Resin oozed inside the layers and turned milky. Replacement cost $650 instead of a $90 pro repair.
Another driver taped a chip “until payday.” Tape trapped moisture; the crack raced overnight. Lesson learned—temporary fixes rarely stay temporary.
Our free inspection would have caught both issues early. No pressure, just honest advice.
Want to dig deeper into how windshields protect you in crashes? Check our guide on windshield safety basics. It’s a quick read that might save your life.
We stock every make and model. Same-day glass for 95 percent of vehicles on the road.
Mobile units carry vacuum sealers, UV ovens, and calibration targets. Your car never leaves the driveway.
Lifetime warranty covers defects and stress cracks around any repair. If it fails, we fix it free.
A clear windshield is your first line of defense on the road. Spotting damage early and choosing the right fix keeps you safe and keeps money in your pocket.
At Save On Auto Glass, we’ve seen every kind of chip and crack. Our promise is simple: honest advice, quality work, and a price that won’t surprise you.
Drive safe, check your glass often, and reach out the moment you see trouble. We’re here to make the process painless.
Save On Auto Glass, based in Sterling Heights (43917 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48314), is a trusted, locally owned auto glass repair and replacement company serving Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan since 1998. Specialising in fast, affordable windshield repair, full auto glass replacement, power window repair, back glass replacement, and ADAS safety system recalibration, the company provides both in-shop and mobile service for maximum convenience. Known for its lifetime warranty, deductible assistance, and commitment to fair pricing, Save On Auto Glass is backed by hundreds of 5-star customer reviews and certified technicians, operating with same-day availability and easy scheduling through their website https://saveonautoglass.com or on their primary line, +1 586-991-5339.
Name: Save On Auto Glass
Address: 43917 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, United States
Phone: 586-991-5339
Website: https://www.saveonautoglass.com/