Repair/Replacement Guidelines

In deciding whether to repair or replace windshields, consider the following:

• Does the windshield comply with FVMSS 205, FMCSR 393.60D (b) and applicable state regulations?
• Is there a break or crack in the glass?
• What was the general condition of the glass before it was damaged?
• Is the glass already sand pitted or abraded? This causes a decrease in the amount of visibility and contributes to driver fatigue. Sitting in the shop, the windshield might not look 'that bad', when it might already be a problem for the driver in a rain/snow situation, or under conditions of glaring light.

Glass condition can be checked by direct observation and inspection for stone chips and cracks. This is best accomplished by using a bright light.

Driver complaints or write-ups indicating poor glass condition may include:

• visible damage.
• windshield streaking in a mist, rain or snow.
• stars or glare from light sources at night.
• abnormally short life of wiper blades or frequent blade replacement.

Glass in poor condition causes accelerated wiper blade wear and never clears well for the driver. Safety should always be the first concern-the driver should have the best possible view from the cab. Although the situation may vary by vocation, a windshield more than 12 months or 200, 000 miles old might be sufficiently pitted or abraded to require replacement.

Other inspection guidelines include:

• Is there leakage around any part of the windshield?  Many fleets use silicone to fix leaks, which can trap moisture and cause rust. Ice and mud may build-up around silicone repairs. Silicone can distract the driver's view/vision, depending on placement and workmanship. Instead of using silicone for a temporary fix, the windshield should be removed and the gasket and glass should be inspected for the cause of leaks.
• Does the gasket show signs of 'weathering', cracks or checking?  If so, the gasket should be replaced.
• Are there any hazy areas present?  Hazy areas in the glass, normally around the edges; are signs of glass delamination. The glass should be replaced.
• Is the damage on both sides of the windshield?  Windshield repair can only be performed on the outside layer of glass. If both layers of glass are broken it can't be repaired  .
• Is the damage old or full of dirt?  If so, it should not be repaired.
• How big is the damage?  The size of a repairable defect varies between systems, but a conservative rule used in the repair industry is "if a crack fits under a dollar bill, other defects fit under a fifty-cent piece and the location is not closer to an edge than the width of a dollar bill, it may be repairable."