Check the terms of insurance and repair contracts. The cost of repair or a full replacement varies widely depending on your location, insurance, and type of windshield. If you have any insurance at all, a visit to an auto glass repair shop could surprise you.
How To Repair A Cracked Windshield
A professional repair is more expensive than a DIY kit, but the result may be significantly less visible. In Florida, Arizona, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Massachusetts, comprehensive auto insurance will cover the entire cost of repair or replacement. If you are in another state or country, or if your auto insurance isn't comprehensive, you may need to pay some or all of it yourself.
To repair a windshield, first assess the damage to know how it can be repaired. Typically, windshield cracks are easy to fix. Chip in the windshield one inch in diameter or forming a small star crack can be repaired with a windshield repair kit. If you're on a budget, consider repairing the damage yourself. There are many do-it-yourself windshield chip and crack repair kits on the market, available at most mass-market and auto parts stores. The secret to success is to start with an absolutely dry windshield that's somewhere near room temperature. Dry is really.
Consider the driver's line of sight. Damage directly in the driver's line of sight can interfere with driving even after repair. The most dangerous area is a 12 in (30 cm) wide stretch of glass centered in front of the steering wheel, and extending the height of the windshield wipers. Replacement is recommended if this area is damaged. You may decide to make the repair and judge the visibility afterward. In this area, two points of damage within 4 inches (10 cm) of each other require replacement.
This pattern of damage can create a blind spot for the driver, obscuring the line of sight from both eyes. Purchase a bridge-style windshield repair kit. You can buy a windshield repair kit at an auto parts store, department store, or online. Ideally, choose one with a 'bridge' applicator that fastens to the glass using suction cups. These are more stable than a syringe applicator. The applicator should also include a vacuum system to remove the air from the crack as you go.
Almost all repair kits have similar components and work the same way. However, it's a good idea to read the instructions that come with the kit, to check for special requirements.