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A tiny rock can get kicked up from the road by a passing car in the blink of an eye. That puny rock can cause substantial damage to your RV’s windshield. Having a crack or chip in your windshield can be annoying but costly to fix.
So if you’re on the receiving end of a rock, do you know how to fix a cracked windshield? If not, let’s take a look at what you can do!
Is It Safe to Drive With a Cracked Windshield?
In general, there’s nothing to worry about if you don’t know how to fix a cracked windshield. These cracks weaken your windshield and can spread across the entire surface of the window if left untreated. You should have no issues as long as you can see and the crack doesn’t obstruct your vision.
However, if the crack grows substantially or makes it difficult to see, you should have it addressed immediately. Failure to fix the crack is unsafe and can draw attention from law enforcement. Rules and regulations vary from state to state regarding cracks in windshields. So make sure you’re familiar with your local regulations before you delay fixing a crack in your windshield.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Cracked RV Windshield?
You have to remember that windshields will not repair or replace themselves. The key to avoiding replacing your windshield is to repair it immediately. Putting off a costly repair will typically only result in a more expensive bill for replacing your windshield.
Learning how to fix a cracked windshield can help save you quite a bit of money. Whether or not you’ll need to replace your windshield entirely will depend on the location, size, and severity of the crack.
If the damage obstructs your view, you’ll have no choice but to replace your entire windshield. This is often due to local laws and regulations prohibiting drivers from driving around without an unobstructed view.
Typically, any cracks larger than 3 inches long will require replacing the windshield. Cracks can grow due to temperature changes and bumps in the road, so you should address them immediately.
In terms of severity, the more cracks in your windshield, the more likely it’s beyond repair. Some states will allow a crack or two, but the windshield must be replaced if they are too close together. Don’t delay having your windshield checked out, or you’ll only end up with one option.
First Assess the Damage
There are a few things to consider when deciding if your windshield is repairable or not. Here’s what you need to know.
Size
The size of the crack in your windshield matters. If you catch it early, you can prevent a crack from splintering across your entire windshield. Once a crack exceeds 3 inches or more in length, you’ll likely have no other choice than to replace the whole windshield. Have a professional look at the crack immediately, and you may be able to avoid a larger repair.
Location
As mentioned before, if the crack obstructs your vision, you’ll have to replace the entire windshield. Most states that allow drivers to drive around with a cracked windshield often draw the line when a crack obstructs a driver’s vision. Your local repair shop likely won’t repair a crack if it blocks the driver’s view.
Additional Damage
A windshield has multiple layers to it, and the top layer is typically what cracks. However, some chips and cracks can occur below the surface, and the damage can be extensive. This can cause issues for the entire structure of the windshield. If there is damage below the surface, you may be looking at replacing instead of repairing it.
How to Fix a Cracked RV Windshield Yourself
If you want to avoid a costly repair, there’s a chance you can fix a cracked RV windshield yourself. First, you’ll need to learn how to fix a cracked windshield. However, this only works on minor cracks in your windshield and is likely only a temporary fix that can buy you some time. You can pick up a windshield repair kit at AutoZone or your favorite auto parts store.
- Easy to use-takes only minutes
- Repairs all types of laminated windshields
First, you’ll want to clean the windshield as best as possible and remove all the bugs and other gunk from the surface. Use a pin to clean out the pit of the crack as well as you can. Follow the instructions for your specific kit, but there’s typically a container of resin that you inject into the pit. Let the resin cure. Once it does, you’ll likely have a hard time finding the old crack.
Again, this isn’t a permanent fix but can last for some time. It may even be enough to help you avoid replacing the windshield for months or years down the road.
How to Fix a Cracked RV Windshield With Insurance
Some states require insurance companies to cover the cost of replacing a cracked windshield. This often falls under their comprehensive coverage and will require you to pay your deductible. If you have it repaired, many insurance companies will waive the deductible.
You’ll need to call your insurance company to initiate the claim. They’ll likely send a professional to your vehicle or ask you to take your vehicle to an auto glass facility. The professionals will examine the cracked windshield and recommend some next steps to your insurance company.
Typically, you’ll have a new windshield or your current one repaired within an hour or two. Ensure you’re communicating directly with your insurance company during the entire process. This can help you avoid making any decisions that weren’t pre-approved by your insurance company and leave you footing the entire bill.
How to Fix a Cracked RV Windshield Without Insurance
If you don’t want to involve your insurance company or your policy doesn’t cover cracked windshields, you’ll need to do some research on how to fix a cracked windshield. Call around to the local auto glass facilities and tell them the specifics of your RV’s windshield. They’ll likely have a few recommendations on how to proceed and give you a quote. Compare the options and look up reviews on any serious contenders.
Pro Tip: If you want to consider RV-specific insurance, you should ask yourself if Is Good Sam RV Insurance Right For You?
Does Safelite Replace RV Windshields?
Safelite does replace RV windshields. However, some manufacturers, like Newmar, recommend that owners bring their RVs back to the factory to replace their windshields. This is to avoid any issues with an improperly installed windshield.
A poorly installed windshield can lead to leaks, stress fractures, or the windshield popping out. Considering the cost of an RV windshield, you want to make sure it’s done right.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix an RV Windshield?
Costs can vary greatly when it comes to fixing your RV windshield. If you go the DIY route, you may only cost $15 for a repair kit. If you go through your insurance company, you may only need to pay your deductible. However, some insurance companies will waive the deductible if you only repair the crack and don’t replace the windshield.
If you have no choice but to pay out of pocket for the entire process, it may not be as bad as you think. Professionals know how to fix a cracked windshield, but it may cost you less than $100.
However, replacing the entire RV windshield can be rather pricey. An RV windshield can cost upwards of $2,000. This is why it’s important to have any cracks or chips in your windshield addressed immediately.
Preventing RV Windshield Cracks
There are a variety of reasons why an RV windshield will crack. Sometimes it’s out of your control, whether it’s a rock, hail, or an accident.
It’s best to avoid gravel roads, keep your distance from construction vehicles on the highway, and seek shelter from hail. However, sometimes you just have to cross your fingers and hope that lady luck is on your side!
Don’t Let a Cracked Windshield Get You Down
A cracked windshield isn’t the end of the world. Most people experience a crack or chip in their windshield at some point. It’s part of the risk you take when traveling down the highway.
You can help prevent the damage from spreading or worsening by taking action immediately. You’re not doing yourself or your bank account any favors by putting off having a crack or chip in your windshield looked at by a professional. Knowing how to fix a cracked windshield is a great way to save money and keep you on the road.
Have you ever had to repair a cracked or chipped windshield?
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another thing to keep in mind is traveling on uneven ground or traveling with your air bags out of adjustment (if you have air suspension). When your coach is riding down the road unevenly, it puts undue stress on the frame and can cause your windshield to stress crack or pop out in a corner.