Windshield repair doesn't actually remove any of the damage; it merely masks and strengthens it. A successful windshield repair involves cleaning the surface of all debris and foreign objects and then injecting a special resin into the damaged area. This resin is then put under a UV light (or just put out under the sun) to activate the curing agents in the resin. Once cured, the resin becomes crystal clear and is much less visible to the naked eye; however, it's important to understand that every repair will look different when the work is completed. Time passed and prolonged exposure to weather and dirt will make the repair more visible, so it's best to have the windshield repaired as soon as you notice damage.
Can A Cracked Windshield Pass Inspection In Pa
While a windshield repair will be less visible once the repair is completed, the purpose of the repair is to save the cost of replacing a windshield. Once filled properly, the damaged area of a repair will be stronger than it was before it was cracked. Some companies simply squirt a resin into the impact area and never fill the cracks; this completely nullifies the purpose of the repair. If all of the cracks aren't filled, it can still split and you will then need a replacement windshield. We always fill the repair area 100%. And we always give you a warranty on the repairs we complete for you. If you are not happy, or the repair does not pass inspection, we will give you full credit towards a replacement windshield.
Yes, long cracks on windshields can be repaired; however, the truth is any damage that's larger than a quarter will not pass the Pennsylvania State Inspection. Companies that repair larger cracks will take your money knowing that you'll fail the inspection and come back to them for the replacement. This means you're spending more time and money that could have been avoided all together by having the windshield repaired right the first time.
(a) External inspection. An external inspection shall be performed as follows: (1) Verify ownership, legality and proof of financial responsibility. For the purpose of this subchapter, ownership and legality shall be proven by a vehicle registration card, certificate of title or manufacturer’s statement of origin. When a vehicle being held for resale is presented for inspection by a dealer licensed to sell vehicles in this Commonwealth, a VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney evidencing the dealership’s acquisition of the vehicle, or both, may be presented instead of a vehicle registration card, certificate of title or manufacturer’s statement of origin. Reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) When vehicle ownership and legality are demonstrated by presentation of certificate of title, manufacturer’s statement of origin, VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney: (A) The VIN is not in agreement with the certificate of title, manufacturer’s statement of origin, VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney. Exception: If only one digit is incorrect or two digits are transposed, and the owner provides evidence that the appropriate Department form has been completed to correct the error or transposition. (B) The VIN plate is not securely fastened or is defaced, misplaced or missing. (ii) When vehicle ownership and legality are demonstrated by presentation of vehicle registration card: (A) The license plate is not in agreement with the numbers on the vehicle registration card. Exception: If only one digit is incorrect or two digits are transposed, and the owner provides evidence that the appropriate Department form has been completed to correct an error or transposition. (B) The license plate is hanging loosely from its mounting bracket. (C) The license plate is obscured so that the numbers cannot be identified. (D) The license plate lamp, if so equipped, does not illuminate the license plate, except truck-tractors. (iii) Acceptable proof of financial responsibility is not provided. For the purpose of this chapter, financial responsibility shall be proven by one of the following documents: (A) A valid financial responsibility identification card issued in accordance with 31 Pa. Code (relating to insurance). (B) The declaration page of a valid insurance policy. (C) A valid self-insurance identification card. (D) A valid binder of insurance issued by an insurance company licensed to sell motor vehicle liability insurance in this Commonwealth. (E) A valid insurance policy issued by an insurance company licensed to sell motor vehicle liability insurance in this Commonwealth. (2) Check the glazing. (i) Reject if any of the following apply: (A) Approved safety glazing is not used in every windshield, window or wing. (B) A sign, poster or other material whose design prevents a driver from seeing through the material, obstructs, obscures or impairs the driver’s clear view of the highway or an intersecting highway. Under FMVSS No. 205, this restriction does not apply to the rear side windows, rear wings or rear window of vehicles subject to this subchapter. (C) A vehicle displays a sticker other than those prescribed under 175.97(c)(relating to glazing), or displays a parking sticker in a location described in 175.97(d). (D) The glass is shattered, broken or has any exposed sharp edges. (E) The windshield is removed. (F) There are defects in an acute area of the windshield—center of the critical area on the driver’s side of the vehicle directly in the driver’s normal line of vision—8 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches high—or discolorations or hazardous cracks to the front, right, left or rear of the driver which would interfere with the driver’s vision. (G) Glass etchings, except those used for vehicle identification, are on windshield or front side windows. (H) Glass etchings extend more than 3 1/2 inches from lowest exposed portion of rear window, rear side windows or rear wings. (ii) This paragraph does not prohibit the use of a product or material along the top edge of the windshield as long as the product or material is transparent and does not encroach upon the AS-1 portion of the windshield as provided by FMVSS No. 205, and the product or material is not more than 3 inches from the top of the windshield. (3) Check the windshield wiper system and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The wipers do not operate as specified by the manufacturer, or 45 cycles per minute if not specified. (ii) The wiper blades are torn or smear or streak the windshield after five cycles. (iii) There is only one wiper, where two are required. (iv) Wipers do not return to the rest position. (v) The windshield washers, if originally so equipped, do not operate. (4) Check the door operation, including tailgate, and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The doors are not on the vehicle if originally fitted by manufacturer. (ii) The doors, including the tailgate, if so equipped, do not open and close securely. (iii) Tailgate or equivalent is not on the vehicle, unless removed for the addition of optional equipment that is present at the time of the inspection. (5) Check the outside mirrors and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) A required mirror is cracked, broken, missing or discolored. (ii) The mirror will not hold adjustment. (iii) The vehicle does not have a mirror where required for the driver’s side and one on the opposite side, each with a minimum reflective surface as follows: Gross Vehicle WeightRequired Reflective SurfaceLess than 10,001 pounds19.5 square inches Over 10,000 pounds50 square inches (iv) Outside rearview mirrors, with a minimum reflective surface as described in 175.98 (relating to mirrors), are not installed on both sides of the vehicle if a certificate of exemption for a sun screening device or other material has been issued by the Department. See 175.264 (relating to mirrors). A vehicle for which a certificate of exemption has been issued for medical reasons may be equipped with only a left outside rearview mirror, unless originally equipped with an outside rearview mirror on both sides of the vehicle. (6) Check the fenders, hood and trunk lid and reject if any of the following apply: (i) Any fender, front or rear, has been removed. (ii) The fenders are not of a type and size used as original equipment. (iii) The hood does not cover the entire motor compartment or cannot be fully closed. (iv) The trunk lid does not close. (v) The fender flares exceed 3 inches in width. (7) Check the flooring and floor beds and reject if any of the following apply: (i) They are not in a condition to support the occupants and cargo. (ii) The floor pan is rusted through so as to cause a hazard to occupants or to permit exhaust gases to enter passenger compartment. (iii) Not equipped with rear wheel shields—mudflaps—as required under 75 Pa.C.S. 4533 (relating to rear wheel shields). (iv) The lamps or wiring are attached to any guard or flap. (v) A flap or guard does not consist of suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps which are strong enough to prevent stones or objects from being thrown through them. (vi) On buses, reject if any of the following apply: (A) The step well or floor on the bus is cluttered or worn to present tripping hazard. (B) The guard rails or grab rails on the bus are loose or fastening parts are missing. (C) The service doors on a bus, bind, jam or malfunction, preventing proper operation. (D) The emergency exit is not easily accessible. (E) The inside or outside quick release mechanism on emergency doors or windows on the bus fails to function positively or opens accidently or too easily. (8) Check the bumpers and reject if any of the following apply: (i) The bumpers are not on the vehicle if required as original equipment. (ii) The bumpers are not firmly attached to the frame or chassis. (iii) Some part of the horizontal bumper bar on medium and heavy trucks and buses does not fall within 16—30 inches above ground level. (iv) A broken or torn portion is protruding so as to create a hazard. (v) The bumper extends beyond the body line or is longer than originally equipped, whichever is greater. (9) Check the lamps and lenses and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) An exterior bulb or sealed beam, if originally equipped or installed, fails to light properly, except ornamental lights. (ii) The turn signal lamps do not flash between 60—120 flashes per minute. (iii) The turn signal lamps do not properly indicate the right or left or hold in position when so switched or do not self-cancel if originally designed to do so. (iv) The back-up lamp does not turn off automatically when the vehicle goes forward, there is no indicator on dash that lights or there is no audible warning signal. (v) The lamp shows a color contrary to the lighting chart. (vi) The lamp or filament indicated at the switch position does not light when the correct switch indicates the lamp should be on. (vii) The lamp has a missing or broken lens. (viii) A required lamp is missing. (ix) The auxiliary equipment is placed on, in or in front of a lamp. Exception: A bus used for public transportation may be equipped with a device used to carry pedalcycles mounted on the front of the bus if the device, including the pedalcycle, does not extend more than 36 inches. (x) The fog lamps operate with the high beams of headlamps. (xi) The auxiliary driving lamps operate with the low beam of a standard headlamp system or alone. (xii) The headlamps are out of adjustment as follows: (A) Mechanical aimer: (I) The horizontal aim is more than 4 inches to the left or right. (II) The vertical aim is higher or lower than 4 inches from the center. (B) Screen or photo electric type tester. (See Charts 1—3 (relating to headlight aiming screen distance and marking identification; high beam inspection limits; and low beam inspection limits): (I) Turn the lamps on high beam and reject if the center of the beam is horizontally more than 4 inches to the right or left of straight ahead or if the center of the light beam is vertically more than 4 inches above or below horizontal line. (II) Turn the lamps on low beam and reject if the upper edge of the beam is more than 4 inches above or below horizontal center line of headlamp or if inner edge of beam is more than 4 inches to right or left of vertical line. (10) Check for protruding metal and reject if torn metal, glass or other loose or dislocated parts protrude from the surface of the vehicle so as to create a hazard. (11) Check the fuel tank cap and reject if the fuel tank filler cap is missing. (12) Check the shock absorbers and reject if the vehicle continues a free rocking motion greater than three cycles after release, indicating loss of the shock absorber function. (13) Inspect the fifth wheel completely and reject if any of the following apply: (i) The lower half of the fifth wheel is not securely affixed by U-bolts or by other secure means. (ii) The lower half of the fifth wheel is cracked, loose or missing or has inoperative locking devices. (b) Internal inspection. An internal inspection shall be performed as follows: (1) Check the steering column completely and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) Freeplay exceeds the following allowances: Wheel diameterFreeplay 16 inches or less2 inches 18 inches2 1/4 inches 20 inches2 1/2 inches 22 inches2 3/4 inches (ii) The gear box is loose on the frame. (iii) The energy-absorbing column is defective. (iv) The steering wheel, except one specially designed for a handicapped driver, is not circular or equivalent in strength to original equipment or has an outside diameter of less than 13 inches. (v) The front wheels cannot be turned to the full right or left position without binding or interference. (vi) The flexible steering coupler—rag joint—is badly misaligned—twisted or out of alignment between attaching collars. (vii) The U-bolts, or positioning parts, are absent or loose. Some steering column systems are designed to permit some movement. (viii) The steering wheel is not properly secured. (2) Check the high beam and turn signal indicator lights and reject if indicator lights are not working. (3) Check the horn and reject if any of the following apply: (i) There is no horn or other acceptable audible warning device. (ii) The horn or other warning device is not audible under normal conditions for a distance of not less than 200 feet. (iii) The vehicle is equipped with a siren, bell, whistle or a device emitting a harsh or unreasonably loud sound, except on emergency vehicles and vehicles equipped with an antitheft device. (4) Check the brake pedal and reject if any of the following apply: (i) The brake pedal travel exceeds 80% of total available travel. (ii) The brake pedal fades while vehicle is stopped. (iii) There is excessive friction in the pedal linkage or components, if the pedal levers are misaligned or improperly positioned, or if the pedal pad is missing. (iv) The low-vacuum indicator fails to activate at a reading of 8 inches Hg (mercury). (v) Any brake warning system is not working. (vi) Air brakes, if any of the following apply: (A) With the engine stopped and brakes not applied, the gauge indicates a loss of more than 3 pounds per minute. (B) With the engine running, the gauge indicates a loss of more than 4 pounds per minute after the full brake application for 2 minutes. (C) With the engine running at fast idle, the time to raise the pressure to cutout exceeds 5 minutes. (D) A warning device—audible or visible—does not operate at all pressures at and below 60 psi pressure. (5) Check the parking brake operation and reject if the pedal or lever reaches its limit of travel before the parking brakes are set. (6) Check the seat and safety belts if the vehicle is so equipped and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The driver’s seat or back rest is not firmly attached. (ii) The metal spring protrudes from the driver’s seat. (iii) The seat adjusting mechanism slips out of a set position. (iv) There is no safety belt for each seating location, if the vehicle was originally so equipped, or if seats have been added. (v) The safety belt webbing is frayed. (vi) The belt buckles do not operate properly. (vii) The belt anchorages are broken. (7) Check the inside mirror and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The mirror is cracked, broken or discolored. (ii) The mirror will not hold adjustment. (iii) An object or material is hung from or blocking inside mirror. (iv) Mirror is missing, unless the vehicle is equipped with outside mirror, except on school buses. (8) Check front windshield defroster system, if so equipped, and reject if the defroster fan does not function. (c) Under the hood inspection. An under the hood inspection shall be performed as follows: (1) Check the hood and reject if any of the following apply: (i) The latch does not hold securely in fully closed position. (ii) The latch release mechanism or its parts are broken, missing or so poorly adjusted so that hood cannot be closed properly. (iii) The double latch mechanism is not operating as originally equipped. (2) Check the motor mounts, either here or during beneath vehicle inspection, and reject if the motor mounts are broken, cracked or missing. (3) Check the air pressure and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The air pressure relief valve does not operate. (ii) The compressor drive belts are worn, loose or frayed so as to prevent proper operation of the compressor. (iii) Air intake cleaner is clogged so as to prevent proper air intake. (iv) The air compressor has loose mounting bolts. (v) The air compressor has a cracked, broken or loose pulley. (4) Check the fuel systems and controls. (i) Reject if any of the following apply: (A) There is liquid fuel leakage at any point in system. (B) Part of fuel line is not securely fastened. (C) A fuel tank or line was not specifically designed or manufactured as fuel tank or line. (D) A fuel line is in contact with high temperature surfaces or moving parts. (E) The fuel tank or line intrudes into a driver, passenger or cargo compartment, except if the vehicle was originally so equipped. (F) The throttle does not return to the idle position when the actuating force is removed. (G) The firewall has holes or cracks which would permit fumes to enter the driver and passenger compartments. (ii) If the vehicle is equipped with an alternate fuel system, see Subchapter M (relating to alternate fuel systems and controls). (5) Check the exhaust system and reject if there is an exhaust leak. (6) Check the brake system and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The master cylinder leaks. (ii) The power brake lines or hydraulic hoses or lines leak or are disconnected, flattened or restricted. (iii) The hydraulic booster for the power brake system is leaking or inoperative or has excessively worn belts that would prevent proper operation of the pump. (iv) The brake hoses seep or swell under application of pressure. (v) The connecting hoses are improperly joined; for example, a splice made by sliding the hose ends over a piece of tubing and clamping the hose to the tube. (7) Check the battery and reject if the battery is not securely fastened with a device specifically designed for that function. (8) Check steering gear box and reject if loose on frame. (d) Beneath the vehicle inspection. A beneath the vehicle inspection shall be performed as follows: (1) Inspect the tires and wheels and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) A tire has two adjacent treads with less than 2/32-inch tread remaining at any point—less than 4/32-inch tread on the front tires of vehicles having gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds. (ii) The tire is worn so that tread wear indicators contact the road in any two adjacent grooves. (iii) Part of the ply or cord is exposed. (iv) A tire has been repaired with a blow-out patch or boot. (v) There is a bump, bulge or separation. (vi) A tire is marked ‘‘not for highway use,’’ ‘‘for racing purposes only’’ or ‘‘unsafe for highway use,’’ or has a similar designation. This subparagraph is not applicable if the Department has issued a permit under 75 Pa.C.S. 4969 (relating to permit for movement of vehicles with oversize wheels and tires) authorizing the vehicle to be operated with oversize wheels and tires. (vii) There are other conditions or markings reasonably believed to render tire unsafe for highway use. (viii) The front tire on a bus is retreaded or recapped. (ix) A front tire has been regrooved. (x) A tire has been regrooved or recut below the original tread design depth, except a tire which is identified as having extra undertread rubber. (xi) The diameter of one of the duals is not within 3/8 inch of other. (xii) A tire’s tread extends beyond the outer edge of the wheel housing, inclusive of fender flares, or exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications as to size. (xiii) The tires used on same axle are not the same size or type of construction—bias, belted, radial or snow. (xiv) The wheel nuts or bolts are missing or loose or have improper thread engagement. (xv) The stud or bolt holes are worn out of round. (xvi) Part of wheel is bent, cracked, welded or damaged so as to affect safe operation of vehicle. (xvii) The rear wheel does not track the front wheel in the straight ahead position as originally designed. (xviii) The wheel base on one side differs from the wheel base on other side by more than 1 inch, unless the vehicle’s design specifications indicate different left and right wheel base dimensions. (xix) Studded tires are in use after April 15 and before November 1. (xx) Any axle has missing tires or rims. (xxi) A tire makes contact with the body or chassis. (xxii) A tire is smaller than the manufacturer’s recommended minimum size or below the manufacturer’s recommended load rating. (2) Inspect the steering system and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) Movement at the front or rear of a tire is greater than 1/4 inch on wheels 16 inches or under, greater than 3/8 inch on wheels 17 inches or 18 inches, or greater than 1/2 inch on wheels over 18 inches. Make sure any looseness detected is not wheel bearing free play. (ii) The linkage components are not secured with cotter pins or other suitable devices. (iii) The steering stops allow the tire to rub on the frame or the chassis parts. (iv) The front wheels are incapable of being turned to the right and left steering stops without binding or interference. (v) The universal joint is worn, faulty or shows repairs that were obviously welded. (vi) The front axle beam or steering components are cracked or show repairs that were obviously welded. (3) Inspect the suspension system and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The ball joint movement is in excess of the manufacturer’s specifications. (ii) The shock absorbers are missing. (iii) The shock absorber mounting bolts or mounts are broken. (iv) The shock absorbers have severe leakage—not slight dampness. (v) The sway or stabilizer bar is missing or broken if originally equipped. (vi) The coil spring or main leaf spring is broken. (vii) The spring attaching part is loose, badly worn, broken or missing. (viii) The king pin movement is in excess of 1/4 inch on rims less than 20 inches in diameter. (ix) The king pin movement is in excess of 1/2 inch on rims 20 inches in diameter or larger. (x) A torsion bar spring is broken. (xi) A part of a torque, radius or tracking component assembly or a part used for attaching the same to the vehicle frame or axle is cracked, loose, broken or missing. This subparagraph does not apply to loose bushings in torque or track rods. (xii) The air suspension is leaking or deflated. (4) Inspect the floor and reject if any of the following apply: (i) The floor bed or inner panels have openings which would allow exhaust gases to enter either occupant compartment or trunk. (ii) The floor bed is not sufficient to hold the weight of the driver, passengers and cargo. (5) Inspect the vehicle frame and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The vehicle frame is not in solid condition. (ii) The repairs are made with tape, tar paper or cloth, or are made in another temporary manner. (iii) The frame components are missing, cracked, rotted or broken, or are in a deteriorated or dangerous condition. (iv) An adjustable axle assembly has locking pins missing or not engaged. (6) Inspect the exhaust system and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The vehicle has no muffler or noise suppressing system or the muffler has external repair. (ii) There are loose or leaking joints. (iii) There are holes, cracks or leaking seams in the exhaust system. (iv) There is a muffler cutout or similar device. (v) Part of the exhaust system passes through the occupant compartments. (vi) The elements are not securely fastened with proper clamps and hangers. (vii) The exposed exhaust system does not have an adequate heat shield or protective system. (viii) The exhaust does not discharge to the outside edge of the vehicle body, including a truck bed, or as originally designed, except for the following: (A) Gasoline powered buses, including school buses. The exhaust system of a bus powered by a gasoline engine shall discharge to the atmosphere at or within 6 inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus. (B) Buses, including school buses, powered by fuels other than gasoline. The exhaust system of a bus using fuels other than gasoline shall discharge to the atmosphere either at or within 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the vehicle; or to the rear of all doors or windows designed to be opened, except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency exits. (7) Inspect the braking system and remove at least one front and one opposite rear wheel. It is not necessary to remove the wheel and drum assembly if there is a removable backing plate that allows examination of the brake system. Reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) The hydraulic hoses or tubing leaks; is flattened, restricted, insecurely fastened or improperly retained; or has exposed cords. (ii) The wheel cylinder leaks, has missing parts or is improperly retained or not functioning. (iii) The caliper leaks, has missing parts or is improperly retained or not functioning. (iv) The lining is broken; not firmly attached to the shoe; or is contaminated with oil, grease or another substance that would affect proper brake operation. (v) There are leaks in the air brake system valves, diaphragms or piston cups. (vi) The drums are scored deeper than .060 inch. (vii) The inside diameter of the drum is greater than the maximum diameter stamped on the drum or greater than .090 inch over the original drum diameter for unmarked drums less than 14 inches, or greater than .120 inch over original drum diameter for unmarked drums 14 inches or larger. (viii) The disc thickness is less than the minimum stamped on the assembly or less than the manufacturer’s specifications. (ix) The bonded linings are less than 3/32 inch at the thinnest point. (x) The riveted linings are less than 1/32 inch above the rivet head at the thinnest point. (xi) The bolted lining is worn to less than 5/16 inch at the center of the shoe. (xii) The air pressure relief valve does not operate. (xiii) The air compressor belts are worn, loose or frayed so as to prevent the proper operation of the compressor. (xiv) The air intake cleaner is clogged so as to prevent proper air intake. (xv) There is mechanical damage other than wear. (xvi) A truck or truck-tractor with three or more axles manufactured after October 26, 1986, is not equipped with service brakes on all axles. (xvii) A truck or truck-tractor with three or more axles manufactured between July 24, 1980 and October 27, 1986, is not equipped with service brakes on all axles after February 26, 1988. (xviii) The brake hoses seep or swell under application of pressure. (xix) The connecting hoses are improperly joined; for example, a splice made by sliding the hose ends over a piece of tubing and clamping the hose to the tube. (xx) One or more of the following are mismatched across a motor vehicle steering axle: (A) Air chamber size. (B) Slack adjuster length. (C) Retracted push rod lengths differing by more than 1/2 inch. (8) Inspect critical body mounts and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) Body mounts do not hold as required. (ii) A body mount is broken, cracked, deteriorated or missing. (9) Inspect the fuel system and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i) There is fuel leakage. (ii) Part of the system is not securely fastened. (iii) The system is not properly routed. (e) Road test. Perform a road test and reject if one or more of the following apply: (1) The parking brake fails to exhibit normal resistance when an attempt is made to move the vehicle both forward and backward from a stopped position. (2) The automatic transmission will not hold in the park position. (3) The vehicle is not capable of stopping within the maximum stopping distance prescribed in Table I or swerves so that any part leaves the 12-foot lane. (4) There is a malfunction of the braking or steering mechanism—particularly shimmy, wander or pull—or another questionable operating behavior that affects the safe operation of the vehicle. (5) The speedometer does not operate. (6) The odometer does not operate, except a motor vehicle at least 25 years old or a vehicle over 17,000 pounds registered gross weight. (7) The vehicle cannot be driven both forward and backward.Authority
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