Name two common indications that a windshield should be replaced rather than repaired.

• A. A crack longer than a few inches or spanning the windshield, or any crack that is directly in the driver's line of sight.
• B. A chip smaller than 1 inch.
• C. A minor scratch on the exterior surface.
• D. A crack that is not in the driver's line of sight.

Answer: (A)

Two common indications that a windshield should be replaced rather than repaired are when a crack is longer than a few inches or spans the windshield, and when any crack directly affects the driver’s line of sight. Large cracks compromise the glass’s structural integrity and are unlikely to be fully and safely repaired; they can continue to propagate with changes in temperature or road vibrations, making replacement the safer choice. A crack in the driver’s line of sight is a visibility hazard because it can distort vision or cause glare, which repairs cannot reliably fix, so replacement is needed to restore clear, safe viewing. In contrast, smaller chips or minor scratches outside the line of sight are typically repairable, and cracks not in the line of sight may be addressed with repair if within the repairable size and location.