Is It Possible to Repair a Rock Chip in My Windshield?

When you hear that unmistakable sound of a rock hitting your windshield, the first thing you feel is fear. Then, when you check it out, your fears become reality, and your windshield is chipped. Chipped windshields can quickly spread, which puts you and your passengers in an unsafe situation.

Much of the structural integrity of a vehicle depends on the windshield. This is why rock chips not only can be repaired, but must be repaired as soon as possible. Of course, not all rock chips can be repaired, so let’s go over the requirements.

Size

What size is the chip in your windshield? If the chip isn’t larger than a quarter, it’s possible an auto glass technician can repair it so you don’t have to replace the entire windshield. But if it’s bigger, odds are you will have to replace it. It’s always best to consult a professional auto glass technician.

Location

Where is the chip located on your windshield? Location is important. If the chip obstructs the driver’s view or is near the edge of the windshield, then you will likely have to replace the entire thing. Obstructed views are an issue legally, and the edge is where much of the strength comes from, which means the structural integrity is seriously compromised.

Depth

How deep is the chip? Windshields are made of layers of glass and plastic to prevent the glass from shattering into sharp pieces during a collision. If the chip has penetrated deeper than the outer layer of glass, then you might need to replace it instead of repairing the rock chip.

Age

How old is the rock chip? The sooner you bring your vehicle into a shop or have a mobile auto glass technician come to you, the better your chances are of being able to repair that rock chip. If you put it off, it could spread, get filled with dirt, and become a crack that cannot be repaired.

Can I Repair the Rock Chip Myself?

You can with a DIY kit, but we don’t recommend doing that, no matter how small the chip is. When an auto glass technician repairs a windshield, they clean the chip, inject a resin, and then use a UV lamp to cure it. Once it’s cured, they polish it down to a point where you would never know there was a chip.

Those DIY kits are not the same, and vehicle owners who use them often find they did more damage and have no choice but to replace the entire windshield. Also, DIY fixes and damage are not covered by insurance companies or warranties.

Other Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Windshield Repair Service

A professional auto glass service will have experienced technicians who do this every day. You’ll save time and money because you won’t have to repair DIY errors, and you may get a workmanship warranty for the repair.

Let’s face it, it’s just safer to have your windshield professionally repaired. The windshield helps your vehicle maintain structural integrity in a crash, particularly if the vehicle rolls over. That rock chip compromises your safety, so you don’t want to leave that in the hands of a DIY kit you bought off the shelf of an auto shop.

Does Your Windshield Have a Rock Chip in Covington, LA, or the Surrounding Area?

If you live, work, or are visiting Covington, Mandeville, or Ponchatoula, LA, and you have a rock chip in your windshield, contact us at Hunter’s Auto Glass. We offer in-shop and mobile windshield repair services, which means we can come to you no matter where you are. Click here for a free quote!