Can a Rock Chip in Your Windshield Be Repaired?

If you’ve ever heard the sharp crack of a rock hitting your windshield while driving, you know that sinking feeling that your glass may have sustained damage. When you take a look, even a tiny chip can leave you wondering, “Do I need to replace the whole windshield, or can this be repaired?” The good news is that, in many cases, a rock chip can be repaired, saving you time, money, and the hassle of a full replacement.

In today’s blog, we’re going to explore when a rock chip can be repaired, what the repair process looks like, and why acting quickly is so important.

What is a Rock Chip?

A rock chip, also known as a stone chip, is a small break in the windshield glass caused by debris like gravel or stones hitting your windshield at high speed. Rock chips typically appear as a small divot, star-shaped crack, or bullseye-shaped mark. Chips like these are common, especially for drivers who travel on highways or rural roads.

While it might seem minor, even a small chip can grow into a larger crack over time due to things like pressure, rough driving conditions, and temperature changes.

When Can a Rock Chip Be Repaired?

Not all chips are the same, and not all of them are repairable. Whether your windshield can be fixed depends on a few key factors:

• Size of the Chip: Generally, chips smaller than a quarter (about 1 inch in diameter) can be repaired. Cracks under 6 inches may also be repairable, but it depends on their location.
• Depth of the Damage: If the chip only affects the outer layer of glass and hasn’t penetrated the inner layer or plastic interlayer, it might be fixable.
• Location of the Chip: If the chip is directly in the driver’s line of sight or near the edges of the windshield, repairs may not be recommended. In these cases, a replacement may be safer because the structural integrity is seriously compromised.
• Number of Chips: Multiple chips or cracks, especially if they’re close together, can compromise the windshield’s integrity and may require a full replacement.

The Repair Process

Windshield chip repair is a relatively quick and straightforward process. Most repairs can be completed in under an hour. Here’s how it works:

• Inspection: A technician first inspects the chip to determine if a repair is appropriate.
• Cleaning: The damaged area is cleaned to remove any debris, dirt, or moisture.
• Resin Injection: A special resin is injected into the chip using a tool that creates pressure to force the resin into all parts of the crack or chip.
• Curing: The resin is then cured using ultraviolet (UV) light so it hardens and creates a bond.
• Polishing: The technician will polish the repaired area to restore clarity and smoothness. This makes the damage virtually invisible and prevents further cracking.

Why You Should Act Quickly

Even a small chip can expand quickly due to vibration from driving or changes in temperature. This is especially true in freezing or hot weather. Waiting too long to repair a chip in your windshield may mean a full replacement becomes necessary, which will cost more time and money.

Quick repairs also help maintain the structural integrity of your windshield. Your windshield isn’t just there to keep bugs out—it plays a crucial role in supporting the roof in the event of a rollover accident and allows airbags to deploy correctly.

Will My Insurance Cover the Repair?

In many cases, yes. If you have comprehensive coverage, many insurance companies will cover windshield chip repairs, but you may have to meet your deductible.

Do You Have a Rock Chip in Your Windshield in the Livingston Area?

If you live, work, or are visiting Livingston, Hammond, or French Settlement, LA, and you discover a rock chip or any damage to your windshield, contact us at Elite Auto Glass. We offer insurance claims assistance and a lifetime warranty on our workmanship. Click here for a free quote.