Any windshield damage should be fixed right away. Because today's small problem can become tomorrow's headache. When left untreated, windshield damage is likely to spread.

Windshield Repair

Minor damage can be mended before it spreads and requires additional money and time to fix. Repair is possible when only the outer layer of the laminated safety glass is damaged.

Here are typical rock chips that can be repaired: If they are smaller than the size of a quarter, and are not in the driver's direct line of sight.

These types of repairs take about 30 minutes to fix and usually leave a small blemish where the glass was broken.

Windshield Replacement

If the damage appears in the "acute area" or the driver's line of vision, the windshield will need to be replaced.

When replacement is required, the installation time will depend on the adhesive used and weather conditions plus the thoroughness of the installer. Be sure to ask the installer to provide an estimate, including the amount of time a vehicle needs to sit before it is safe to drive again.