If a repair is deemed failed, what is the required action?

• A. The windshield should be inspected for safety
• B. The repair can be tried again in a different shop
• C. The windshield must be replaced
• D. Only a cosmetic touch-up is needed

Answer: (C)

Repairs are designed to restore the windshield’s safety by sealing and supporting the damaged area. When a repair is deemed failed, it means the damage cannot be brought back to safe, acceptable strength and visibility. The crack or chip may continue to propagate, and the structural integrity required for a glass component in a vehicle is not guaranteed anymore. In this situation, replacement is the proper action to restore safety and meeting safety standards. Cosmetic touch-ups or reattempting the repair elsewhere do not address the underlying safety risk, so they’re not appropriate options. Replacing the windshield ensures the vehicle has a structurally sound, clear, and safe glass surface.