A woman says Safelite turned a minor repair into a much bigger issue: a windshield replacement.
In a TikTok that’s generated over 226,000 views as of this writing, Abigail Roberts (@thenewpinkalicious) says Safelite broke her entire windshield after she went in to have a tiny chip repaired.
“I had a knick in my windshield that was about one centimeter, and I needed to get it fixed before going back to school,” Roberts says.
The Safelite representative purportedly told Roberts, “I need to tell you this as a precaution; about 10% of the time when we fix windshields the suction we use to cure the resin ends up cracking the windshield. So much that you need to get a new one.”
“Ten percent of the time seems a little high, but I am no car mechanic. So whatever,” Roberts says.
About 10 minutes later, the Safelite service tech reportedly told Roberts that the windshield had cracked. The crack that was once one centimeter spanned from the edge of the window to the driving wheel, she says.
The service tech reportedly asked Roberts her availability and she responded that she was driving to New Jersey the next morning.
“Do you want me to make an appointment with a Safelite in New Jersey?” the service tech asked, she says.
“No, probably not. Not after what just happened,” Roberts says she responded.
Should You Get Windshield Knicks Repaired?
Many people who commented on her post said the knick should’ve been left alone.
“Always leave tiny knicks. I was advised against fixing a knick three years ago. It hasn’t spread or changed at all,” one said.
“This is not a Safelite specific problem, there is always a risk of the chip cracking out because there’s pressure being applied to the chip. Basically it pulls a vacuum to expand the chip so that more resin can get in. Chances are if it cracked out while doing that the chip was already going to expand in the next few days,” another explained.
“This is why if you can see fine with the chip and crack don’t fix it. I’m not spending $600-1,000 on my windshield. But call insurance and see if they cover it in your plan,” a third added.
According to AAA, it’s best to act quickly when you notice a chip or crack to avoid needing a window replacement. Windshield chips of any size should be repaired, as they can be dangerous, AAA says.
Additionally, the windshield plays a vital role for driver safety, Glass.com reports. Many drivers think it’s okay to drive with a crack in their windshield, but it can pose a safety risk. “Windshields keeps the roof from crushing in on you in a rollover, it allows the airbags to deploy in the correct position to cushion passengers, and prevents you and your family from being ejected in a serious collision,” per the Auto Glass Safety Council.
When To Repair The Windshield
A windshield repair is needed when the chip’s diameter is an inch or less, AAA reports. This is roughly the width of a quarter. Another test that can be done is using a dollar bill. If the bill can fully cover the crack, a repair is needed instead of full replacement.
To do a repair on the windshield, a resin injection is the most common repair technique used. This works similarly to caulk to fill the damage, preventing further crack progression and restoring the strength of the glass.
This repair can be done by an auto glass facility, mobile repair service, or with a DIY kit.
“I just went to the auto store and got a kit to fill the chip,” one TikTok commenter shared.
When to Replace Your Windshield
According to Glass.com, replacing your windshield will be determined by the size of the crack, the type of glass, and size of windshield. It’s typically advised to replace your windshield when the following occurs:
- The glass is tempered glass, not laminated glass
- The crack is longer than a dollar bill (generally not covered by insurance)
- The crack or chip is deep enough that it penetrated more than halfway into the windshield
- The crack or chip extends to the outside edge of the windshield
If any of these have occurred, it’s best to have a glass technician take a look at the windshield and replace.
Motor1 has contacted Roberts via TikTok direct message and email. Additionally we have contacted Safelite via email. This story will be updated if either party replies.