Can a Windshield Rock Chip Be Repaired?

Finding a rock chip on your windshield is unsettling, and those tiny cracks and chips can disrupt your visibility. They also pose a safety hazard to you, your passengers, and everyone on the road alongside you. For something as small as a rock chip, you wonder if it can be repaired or if you’ll need a full windshield replacement. 

In many cases, a rock chip can be repaired. But there are instances where a rock chip cannot be repaired and a full windshield replacement would be necessary. Before we can go into that further, you must understand windshield damage. 

Windshields are the only thing protecting us and our passengers from flying debris, rocks, and weather. They also protect us in case of a collision and for all these reasons windshields are designed to be durable and resilient. Still, they are not impenetrable and damage does occur. The size, location, and depth of the rock chip are all huge factors in whether you can have the chip repaired or if you need a windshield replacement. 

What Do I Do If I Notice a Rock Chip?

The first thing you want to do is act quickly. Letting a chip sit too long or exposing it to extreme temperatures gives it ample opportunity to spread across your windshield. Plus, as time passes things like moisture and dirt can infiltrate the chip. This will make it all the harder to repair. 

How Do I Assess Repairability?

Acting quickly after discovering a rock chip is imperative. First, you need to contact a local, independent windshield repair service with a good reputation. Mobile services offer consumers a level of convenience you can’t find anywhere else. The technician will ask some questions and your answers will give them the ability to assess whether you need a replacement or a repair will suffice. The following factors will be considered by the technician when they assess your situation. 

• Size: Small chips are easier to repair than large ones. The standard is typically about one inch in diameter. Anything larger will likely need a full replacement. 

• Type of Damage: There are all kinds of windshield damage. Star breaks, bullseyes, or a combination of both will help the technician determine if your windshield can be repaired. 

• Location: If the chip is near the edge of the windshield or in the driver’s line of sight it may not be repairable. We must never impair the driver's visibility and edge chips compromise the windshield's structural integrity. 

• Depth: Windshields are two pieces of glass with a flexible plastic layer in between them. If the chip penetrates both layers of glass a replacement may be necessary for many reasons including any disruption to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology. 

Can I Repair a Rock Chip on My Windshield with a DIY Kit?

While you may be tempted to fix a small rock chip yourself to save some money, you can truly be doing yourself and your bank account harm in the long run. Here are the benefits of avoiding DIY solutions and searching for a reputable mobile auto glass repair service. 

• Experience and Expertise: Reputable auto glass companies hire trained technicians who then gain a ton of experience. These technicians have the knowledge and skills to assess the damage and determine the most effective solution.

• Quality of Repair: Auto glass technicians have specialized tools and high-quality resin that will bond with your glass. They also cure it with a UV light and smooth it down so it’s not noticeable. Most of all, they will be able to tell if the repair restores the structural integrity of your windshield.

• Safety: Your windshield needs to be structurally sound to maintain your safety. This includes the airbags and structural support if you have an accident. If the windshield isn’t repaired correctly all of these safety features will be compromised. 

• Saves Time: Mobile auto glass repair services come to you whether you're at work, home, or even on the side of the road. They work quickly and will get you back on the road with barely a hiccup in your routine. 

• Warranty and Insurance: Many insurance companies will cover a windshield repair but not if it’s DIY. And, if there’s further damage due to your DIY attempts, you could void your warranty and find that the insurance doesn’t cover it. Also, many reputable mobile auto glass repair services offer warranties on their work. 

Did You Discover a Rock Chip on Your Windshield in Batesburg-Leesville, SC?

If you live or work in Batesburg-Leesville, Columbia, Saluda, or the surrounding areas of South Carolina, and you found a rock chip on your windshield, contact us at Clearity Auto Glass. Our expert windshield repair technicians will be happy to assess your situation over the phone. Once they have a clear vision of what you need they can set an appointment to get one of our trucks out to you right away.