Falk Auto Body & Glass Helps Red Wing Drivers Navigate Glass Damage Press Services

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Windshield: Expert Auto Glass Repair Guidance

Red Wing, United States - February 10, 2026 / Falk Auto Body & Glass, Inc /

Red Wing, MN - Falk Auto Body and Glass, Inc., is helping Minnesota drivers make safer decisions about auto glass damage by explaining when windshield repair is possible and when replacement is necessary. With fluctuating temperatures, gravel roads, and unpredictable weather, the demand for professional auto glass repair remains high across the state. Acting quickly after damage appears can mean the difference between a quick fix and a full windshield replacement.

Modern windshields do more than block wind and rain. They provide structural support, protect occupants during rollovers, and help airbags deploy correctly. When damaged, the glass loses its ability to perform these critical functions. Falk Auto Body & Glass notes that even a small chip can compromise safety if left untreated.

Factors That Influence Whether Windshield Damage Can Be Repaired or Replaced

Size and Location Determine Repair Options

Not every chip requires a full windshield replacement. If a chip is smaller than a quarter or a crack is shorter than six inches, repair is often possible, especially if the damage sits away from the edges and outside the driver’s line of sight. However, chips near the windshield’s perimeter or cracks that reach the corners almost always require replacement due to structural vulnerability.

Damage within the driver’s field of vision, even if small, can cause glare and distortion. This affects visual clarity and overall safety, making replacement the better choice. Technicians at The “quarter test” and “dollar bill test” can be used to determine whether damage qualifies for repair.

Depth and Safety Features Add Complexity

Windshields consist of laminated glass layers bonded by a plastic interlayer. If damage penetrates both layers, repair is no longer viable. Drivers can check for deeper damage by running a finger along the inside surface of the windshield. If the damage can be felt from inside the vehicle, the glass likely needs replacement.

Modern vehicles also integrate safety features like rain sensors, cameras, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) into the windshield. Damage near these systems, even if minor, can interfere with their function. For these vehicles, recalibration must be done after replacement to restore accuracy.

Repair and Replacement Follow Defined Steps

Auto glass repair involves inspection, cleaning, resin injection, UV curing, and polishing. Each step must be executed precisely for the glass to regain strength and clarity. Delivering expert auto glass repair in Red Wing, Falk Auto Body & Glass selects resin formulations specific to each type of damage and applies them under tightly controlled conditions.

Replacement is more complex. It includes the complete removal of the old glass, cleaning and prepping the frame, applying urethane adhesive, installing the new glass, and waiting for the adhesive to cure. For vehicles with ADAS systems, the shop completes full calibration to ensure lane departure warnings, emergency braking, and other features continue functioning properly.

Delaying Repairs Comes with Risks

Postponing windshield repair leads to damage progression. Temperature changes, vibration from driving, and moisture infiltration all accelerate cracking. What starts as a dime-sized chip in the fall may become a full-length crack by winter. Choosing glass repair services within 48 to 72 hours often preserves the option for repair over replacement.

Driving with a cracked windshield also reduces visibility and increases the chance of glass failure during a crash. When the windshield’s strength is compromised, airbags may not deploy correctly, and the roof structure can collapse more easily during a rollover.

Falk Auto Body & Glass Serves the Red Wing Area with Certified Glass Repair Services

Drivers throughout Red Wing, Cannon Falls, Hastings, and surrounding areas trust Falk Auto Body & Glass for expert glass repair services. The facility offers both OEM glass for replacements and industry-leading resin systems for repairs. Whether the issue is a minor chip or a full windshield replacement with sensor recalibration, the team delivers service backed by decades of experience and a commitment to safety.

To schedule a windshield evaluation, contact Falk Auto Body & Glass at (651) 388-1218 or email mike@falkautobody.com. For those seeking the best auto glass repair near you, this local team delivers trusted results with every repair.