Get Help With Racks, Glass, or Vehicle Upgrades

Visit Our Aspen Shop or Schedule a Consultation

Stop by our Aspen location to see rack options in person, talk through your needs, or schedule windshield service. Prefer to plan ahead? Use the contact form to request a consultation and our team will follow up promptly.

If your project involves more advanced overland or camper van upgrades, be sure to check out our sister company, White River Overland, located in the same shop.

Visit our shop

 

The Cracks & Racks Way

  • An icon of a handshake with black outlines on a white background.

    Personalized Consultation

    Every project starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your vehicle, lifestyle, and gear so we can recommend the perfect fit.

  • A black and white icon of a pencil and ruler.

    Fitment & Measurement

    We don’t guess; we measure. From roof lines to hitch size, our technicians ensure everything fits your vehicle precisely before installation.

  • A black and white icon of a wrench.

    Expert Install

    Our certified technicians handle every install with care, using the right tools, torque specs, and hardware for a clean, secure, factory-quality finish.

  • A black and white icon of a clipboard with a check mark in the center

    Quality & Safety Checks

    Before any vehicle leaves the shop, we double-check all fasteners, seals, and alignments to make sure your gear is road-ready and adventure-proof.

  • A black and white icon of a graduation cap.

    Customer Education

    We’ll walk you through loading, locking, and maintenance tips so you feel confident using your new rack, box, or accessory from day one.

  • A black and white icon of an outstretched hand.

    Ongoing Support

    Our support doesn’t end after the install. Need adjustments, warranty help, or advice for your next upgrade? We’ve got you covered.

Aspen’s Local Experts in Vehicle Racks & Windshields

Cracks & Racks is a locally owned and operated Aspen shop serving the Roaring Fork Valley for over 30 years. From vehicle racks and accessories to professional windshield repair and replacement, our team helps locals and visitors alike keep their vehicles safe, functional, and adventure-ready.

Whether you need help choosing the right ski rack, bike rack, cargo box, or hitch, or require auto glass repair or replacement, we’re here to provide straightforward advice and quality workmanship you can trust.

Serving Aspen & the Roaring Fork Valley

We proudly serve customers throughout:

  • Aspen

  • Snowmass Village

  • Basalt

  • Carbondale

  • Glenwood Springs

As a long-time local business, we understand the demands mountain driving, winter weather, and outdoor recreation place on your vehicle. Our recommendations are based on real use in Colorado conditions, not generic online advice.

A person wearing purple gloves cleaning the windshield of a black car using a red squeegee.

Our Products & Services

  • Bike Racks

    Hitch and roof options for road, MTB, gravel, and e-bikes. Secure, durable, and easy to load.

  • Ski & Snowboard Racks

    Winter-ready carriers that keep your skis and boards safe, organized, and easy to load for every trip to Aspen’s mountains and beyond.

  • Rooftop Tents

    Durable, comfortable rooftop tents that turn your vehicle into a ready-to-go basecamp for Colorado camping and overland travel.

  • Cargo Boxes

    Spacious, weatherproof cargo boxes that add reliable storage for family trips, ski gear, and year-round adventures.

  • Truck Toppers

    High-quality commercial and recreational truck toppers that add protection, security, and utility to your bed space.

  • Hitches

    Vehicle-specific hitches designed for towing, bike racks, and hauling gear with confidence and reliability.

  • Overland Gear

    Purpose-built overland gear designed to enhance capability, storage, and comfort on every trip.

  • Accessories

    From lock cores to mounting hardware, lighting, and straps, our accessories make your rack system and vehicle more functional and secure.

  • Installation

    Professional, stress-free installation so your racks, carriers, and accessories are mounted correctly and ready for adventure.

  • Resources

    Helpful guides, gear tips, and expert advice to get the most out of your rack system, vehicle accessories, and Colorado adventures.

WindshielD FAQs

  • Often, minor damage on a windshield can be repaired using a specialized process that injects a clear, acrylic resin into the damage. The resin displaces air, and then cures and hardens in ultraviolet light to restore the original integrity and most of the original clarity at the repair site. This process takes roughly 30 minutes and can be done while you wait. As a bonus, rock chip repair is also covered 100% by most insurance companies without a deductible.

  • Yes. We have the latest calibration technology and trained, certified staff to perform re-calibration on nearly every vehicle on the road today. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) are complex safety systems, and most manufacturers require recalibration after a windshield replacement. Calibration is included with your insurance claim and can be completed while your vehicle is here for service.

  • Yes, windshield replacement does require an appointment. We stock many windshields locally and receive daily deliveries from Denver suppliers, so same-day service is sometimes available. Most appointments can be scheduled within 24–48 hours, and if needed, we can install a temporary covering prior to your appointment.

  • On the day of your appointment, please plan to leave your car with us for about 3–4 hours. This allows time for installation and for the adhesive to cure for at least one hour before it’s safe to drive. If your vehicle is equipped with ADAS camera systems, we may need it a little longer to complete the calibration.

  • Yes. We’re a preferred provider for all major insurance carriers. Windshield replacement falls under the comprehensive portion of your policy (a “no fault” claim), not collision. You’ll just be responsible for your deductible, and your insurance covers the rest once the claim is set up. Some companies even offer separate glass coverage with little or no deductible — we can help you handle the entire process.

  • Definitely. We’ve worked on Range Rovers, Audis, Lexuses, and many other luxury vehicles for years. Our certified technicians are skilled, conscientious installers who take pride in their work. You can trust that we’ll take excellent care of your vehicle and return it to its original condition.

  • At this time, we don’t offer pickup, drop-off, or mobile service. All work is performed in our Aspen Business Center shop, where we can maintain the quality and precision we’re known for — especially important during Colorado’s colder months when temperature and moisture can affect the installation process.

  • We don’t currently offer a pickup or drop-off service, but we can take you to the nearby RFTA bus stop on Highway 82. Buses run regularly throughout the day, and local taxi services are also available in the Roaring Fork Valley.

  • Yes. Your new windshield and installation are guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle. We guarantee it will be free from air or water leaks, stress cracks, and visual blemishes. If something isn’t right, we’ll make it right.

  • You can find your vehicle’s year on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb — usually near the top-right corner — or on your registration or insurance card. If you’re unsure, just give us a call and we’ll help you figure it out.

  • Many vehicles have different factory options like heated glass, rain sensors, ADAS systems, or acoustic layers. We use your VIN to decode these options so we can order the exact parts that fit your vehicle perfectly.

  • A rain sensor is a small device attached to the windshield that detects when the glass is wet and automatically turns on your wipers. It’s usually mounted near the rear-view mirror and may look like a trapezoid, sometimes with a faint blue or red tint. If you’re unsure whether your car has one, we can help identify it.

  • Some windshields have heating elements across the glass, while others just heat the wiper area at the bottom. Look for thin orange lines or a grid pattern — those indicate heating elements. If you’re not sure, just ask us when you schedule your appointment and we’ll confirm it.

  • Tinting is a light, built-in color from the manufacturer that reduces glare. Shading is a darker band along the top of the windshield — typically blue, green, gray, or bronze — to block sun rays. Not all vehicles have factory shading, but we can help you choose the right option if you’d like to add or remove it.

  • Rust around a windshield often results from improper installation where the metal surface (called the pinch weld) was scratched and left untreated. Over time, moisture causes rust. This is one of the main reasons why quality installation matters — we take extra care to prevent that from happening.

  • If we see visible rust, that usually means it’s also present under the windshield. We’ll remove the rust and treat the metal with a special etch primer before installing your new glass. This ensures the adhesive bonds properly and prevents further rust from developing.

  • Yes. Please leave your parking passes, oil change decals, or membership stickers on the glass — we’ll remove and reapply them when possible. If a sticker can’t be reapplied, we’ll return it to you so you can get a replacement.

  • We don’t currently offer scratch removal for glass. The process is very time-intensive and often distorts visibility, so it’s not a service we recommend or provide.

  • No — automotive glass is our specialty. We focus exclusively on vehicle glass to deliver the highest level of precision and expertise.

RACK & Carriers FAQs

  • Appointments are recommended, especially during peak winter and summer seasons, but we often have openings for quick installs. Give us a call and we’ll get you scheduled.

  • Most installs take 30–90 minutes depending on the system.

  • Absolutely. Tell us what you drive and what you need to carry bikes, skis, boards, cargo, kayaks, etc. and we’ll recommend the right setup for your roof type, gear, and daily use.

  • Yes. We stock common parts like mounting hardware, lock cores, keys, straps, and brackets for Thule, Yakima, Kuat, Rhino-Rack, and more.

  • You can, but we’ll recommend best practices depending on the product. Some items like crossbars and bike trays can stay on all year. Cargo boxes and ski racks may be removed to minimize noise and drag when not in use and reduce sun damage.

  • Yes, any roof-mounted gear can affect both. We always install systems with optimal alignment and positioning to minimize noise and aerodynamic drag. Newer carriers and crossbars are designed to be much quieter.

  • Every vehicle has a different dynamic and static roof load rating. We check those numbers before recommending a system so your rack or box is safely within your vehicle’s limits.

  • Yes. All installations are covered by our workmanship guarantee, and the products themselves carry manufacturer warranties. If something doesn’t feel right after install, stop by and we’ll make it right.

  • Definitely. After installation, we give you a hands-on walkthrough: loading skis or bikes, adjusting clamps, using lock cores, and best practices for long-term use.