Windshield chips can be a nuisance. They can obstruct your view and cause concern about potential cracks. You may be considering a windshield chip repair. Here’s what you need to know about repairing chips, what’s repairable, and the repair process itself.
What Windshield Chips Can Be Repaired?
Not all windshield chips are created equal. The good news is that many small chips can be effectively repaired, restoring your windshield’s clarity and structural integrity. Here are some general guidelines for repairable chips:
- Size: Generally, chips smaller than the size of a quarter (including any cracks extending from the chip) are considered repairable.
- Depth: Shallow chips that haven’t penetrated beyond the innermost layer of the windshield are ideal candidates for repair.
- Type: Cracks with single or multiple branches (star cracks) can sometimes be repairable depending on the severity.
What Chips Can’t Be Repaired?
While repairs offer a cost-effective solution for many chips, some types of damage require a full windshield replacement. Here are some red flags that your chip might not be repairable:
- Size: Chips larger than a quarter are typically too big for effective repair.
- Depth: Deep chips that have penetrated through multiple layers of the windshield compromise its structural integrity and require replacement.
- Location: Chips located directly within the driver’s line of sight can be a safety hazard and may not be repairable due to potential visibility obstruction after repair.
- Heated Windshield: If your windshield is fully heated, chip repairs are not able to be performed due to the risk of shortening the heating system, causing more issues with the vehicle.
- Multiple cracks: Windshields with complex crack patterns radiating from the chip (spider cracks) are generally not repairable.
- Damage near edges: Chips located on the windshield’s edges can weaken the structural integrity and might require replacement for safety reasons.
The Windshield Chip Repair Process
Windshield chip repair is a relatively quick and inexpensive process compared to a full windshield replacement. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what to expect:
- Cleaning: The area around the chip is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or debris.
- Resin injection: A special resin is injected into the chip using a vacuum and heat to remove air bubbles and ensure complete filling.
- Curing: The resin is cured using ultraviolet light, which hardens it and restores clarity to the damaged area.
Benefits of Windshield Chip Repair
Choosing repair over replacement offers several advantages:
- Cost-effective: Repairs are significantly cheaper than replacing your entire windshield.
- Time-saving: The repair process usually takes less than an hour, compared to the several hours it can take to replace a windshield.
- Maintains structural integrity: Early repairs prevent small chips from developing into larger cracks that can compromise the windshield’s strength.
Getting Your Windshield Chip Repaired
If you have a small chip in your windshield, don’t delay! Contact Stiller Auto Glass to assess the damage and determine if repair is possible. We can also provide you with a quote and handle the repair process efficiently.
By acting promptly and opting for repair when possible, you can save money, time, and ensure the continued safety and clarity of your vehicle’s windshield