If you have a chip in your windshield that is the size of a quarter or a crack that can be completely hidden under a dollar bill, the chip or crack can be filled in and repaired in most cases. However, the primary exception to this rule is when the chip or crack is alongside the edge of your windshield. If you have a chip or crack there, the regular rules do not apply. This can leave you with many questions. Here are a few of the questions you may have about chips or cracks around the edges of your windshield:

How Are Chips or Cracks Around the Edges of Windshields Repaired? 

Unfortunately, cracks or chips that are near or alongside the edges of your windshield are not repairable. If the crack or chip is near the edge, the windshield should be replaced, not repaired. 

Why Does a Windshield Need to Be Replaced If There is a Crack or Chip Alongside the Edges? 

Your windshield is held in place by a thin layer of adhesive. If your windshield has a crack or chip alongside the edges of the windshield, the unevenness of the crack or chip can rub along the adhesive, causing it to loosen. As it loosens, your windshield can begin to bounce or move around. This can cause the chip or crack to grow, or can even cause the glass to begin to break away. 

How Quickly Should You Replace the Windshield If You Have a Crack or Chip Around the Edges? 

If you have a crack or chip around the edges of your windshield, it is important to have the windshield replaced as quickly as possible. Your windshield plays an important role in protecting you when you are involved in a car accident. It helps support the weight of the roof and shields you from debris that may fly up from your car during the impact. If your windshield is damaged and not being thoroughly held in place, its structural integrity is compromised and it may not fully protect you in a car accident. 

If you have a crack or chip anywhere on your windshield, it is important to bring it to an auto glass repair shop quickly. An auto glass repair shop can assess the damage and help you determine if the crack or chip should be filled or whether your windshield needs to be replaced. This can help to ensure the structural integrity of your windshield and keep you safe in the event of an accident. 

Contact a company like Capital Collision Center Inc for more information and assistance.