[Daily Knowledge] Do stones often break glass? Here's how to repair or replace cracks
Stone-cracked windshield (i.e. cracks or dents on the windshield caused by small stones) is a very common problem for car owners in Hong Kong! There are two main ways to deal with it: repair or replacement , depending on the crack. The following is a detailed explanation:
1. Determine whether it can be repaired or must be replaced
Generally repairable situations:
- Crack length less than 15cm
- Cracks/potholes are not in the driver’s primary field of vision
- No multiple radial cracks
- Does not penetrate the entire glass
Replacement is necessary:
- Cracks larger than 15cm or with multiple branches
- The crack is directly in front of the driver's line of sight
- The crack has penetrated two layers of glass
- Cracks affect the airbag sensing area
- Affecting structural safety (such as corners, near A-pillars)
2. Repair process (Windshield Repair)
-
Deal with it as soon as possible <br>To prevent the crack from expanding. If you encounter a problem, you can temporarily seal it with transparent tape to prevent moisture and dust from entering.
-
Go to a professional shop for repair <br>Repairs are usually done by resin injection , which involves injecting transparent repair resin into the cracks, curing it with ultraviolet light, and restoring the strength and appearance.
-
advantage
- Lower cost (about HK$300-$800)
- Fast processing time (usually 30-60 minutes)
- Will not affect the original glass structure
- The original sealing and waterproof rubber edge can be retained
-
Patching limitations
- The cracks will fade after repair, but sometimes there will still be traces.
- Too large a crack or multiple cracks are difficult to completely hide
3. Windshield Replacement
- Remove the original broken glass
- Cleaning sealant and installing new glass
- Re-glue and seal, and let it stand until the glue solidifies
- Pay attention to using original glass or high-quality aftermarket parts
- Cost : $1,500-$4,000 (depending on the model and brand)
- Time : 1-3 hours, allow time for glue to cure
IV. Precautions
- Repair or replacement is recommended to be carried out at a professional glass repair shop
- Do not DIY repairs yourself . DIY kits are difficult to fully repair and may cause safety hazards.
- Check the car insurance (some full insurance covers front windshield repair/replacement, or glass insurance)
- Do not wash the car immediately after treatment to prevent water from entering the car before the new glue dries.
5. How to prevent stones from hitting the glass?
- Keep a distance from large trucks and gravel trucks
- Try to avoid getting too close to the car in front of you
- Check the glass regularly for small cracks
VI. Summary and Suggestions
Repair small cracks early to prevent them from getting worse; if the cracks are large or in important locations, be sure to replace the glass to ensure driving safety.
