Windshield Repair Questions, Answered.

Most likely, yes. Rock chips, star or bullseye chips, and single-line cracks up to 14 inches can typically be repaired — saving hundreds over a replacement. The fastest way to know is to call us for a free mobile estimate. We don't charge hidden fees for coming to you.

A precision process that uses modern tooling to inject a special clear adhesive resin into the damaged area, then cures it under pressure and UV light. When done properly, structural strength is restored and most of the cosmetic damage disappears.

Repairs cost a small fraction of replacement, take about 30 minutes, and keep your factory seal intact. With faulty installations on the rise across the industry, a proper repair is the safer, smarter, and far more economical option whenever possible.

A small fraction of a replacement, which on a modern vehicle runs $300–$500+ once you factor in antennas, defrosters, and sensors. See our full pricing on the Pricing page — and 95% of comprehensive insurance policies waive the deductible entirely.

Most damage is from rock or object impact. Less common are twist or stress cracks caused by frame flex or improper mounting. If a crack has no point of impact, it generally shouldn't be repaired — there's a high chance another crack will start in the same area, and the vehicle may need a dealer inspection.

Keep moisture and dirt out of the break. Wipe the area with a DRY paper towel (never get it wet), then cover the chip with a small piece of clear UPS-style packing tape. Avoid duct tape, scotch tape, masking tape, or blue painter's tape — moisture wicks under them. Then call us.

Surface pits — usually the size of a pen tip up to about 1/8 inch — are cosmetic and unfortunately cannot be filled. Unless there's a small crack or a dark area underneath, they're nothing to worry about.

No. Nail polish is far too thick to penetrate the break and isn't formulated for glass. It actually hinders a proper repair by sealing contamination in. Use clear packing tape instead.

Four common reasons: (1) dirt was trapped in the crack before repair, (2) low-grade resin that continues to shrink, (3) the tech didn't cure under pressure, or (4) Midwest temperature swings repeatedly expand and contract the glass. We use patented premium resin and proper pressure curing on every repair.

Yes — and when that happens it should be replaced, not repaired. Damage on the opposite side means the impact penetrated both layers of laminated glass.

Never. Butane flames hit 2,000–2,400°F and any temperature above 80°F breaks down the resin's adhesion properties. It can also spread the damage or close the legs of a star break. If a tech is using a lighter, they don't know what they're doing.

Gently flexing the glass with a probe reveals hidden cracks that weren't visible at first glance. We make sure every leg gets filled with resin — leaving even one unfilled can cause the whole repair to spread later.

Yes. We keep our resin warm in the heated cab, and we can use defrost on low, a halogen heat lamp, or simply move the vehicle into the sun to bring glass temperature up. Covered parking is ideal — wind drops glass temperature fast, so face the vehicle away from the wind if you can.

Of course — just don't stand too close. There's a small chance the injector can spray resin to the side, and the acrylic acid in UV resin can burn skin and eyes. We always wear protective glasses for the same reason.

Yes. Even repairs in the acute area (roughly the size of a sheet of notebook paper directly in front of the steering wheel) average 90% clarity and will pass. If a repair ever fails inspection, we refund your money. We will decline a repair if we believe it would impair the driver's vision.

Not for repair quality. We do about as many repairs on OEM windshields as aftermarket, and the results are equivalent when all other factors are equal.

Glas Tek specializes in repair only. For replacements we always recommend Spencer Auto Glass — over four decades in business, A+ BBB rating, and the only St. Louis replacement shop with that rating.

Because replacement is more profitable. Most shops cap repair at a quarter-sized chip and push you toward a new windshield. Glas Tek only does repair — so we'll do everything possible to save your glass.

Absolutely. Dealers will often charge for a brand-new windshield otherwise. We do dozens of lease-turn-in repairs every year and guarantee they pass the inspection.

Be very careful. We've watched these techs clean the glass with window cleaner before repair — contaminating the break with moisture and dirt before they even start. Once contamination is inside a chip, there's no way to clean it out. Always use a certified tech.

Usually yes. A good shop can carefully remove them with a razor blade and reapply them — they typically look close to new. The exception is stickers that have been on the glass for many years.

Probably not well. Once water hits sap on the glass, it neutralizes and wicks down into the break — and contaminated cracks can't be cleaned. In spring, avoid parking under trees if you already have damage.

Spray a window cleaner like Windex, gently scrape with a straight-edge razor blade, then wipe off the residue with a soft dry towel or paper towel.

Mist a 3:1 vinegar-to-water mix on your windshield the night before to prevent ice. To stop wipers from freezing down, slip plastic newspaper bags over the blades — lift gently and don't let the wiper arm snap back.

No. If a rock actually penetrated the laminated glass, you'd know — it would be unmistakable. Windshields are two layers of glass with a safety plastic interlayer designed to keep objects out and passengers in.