Repairing a Rock Chip in Your Windshield

Rock chips are common in automotive windshields, and while some are too large to fix, most of them are ones technicians can take care of with a little work. Just a few years ago, a chip in the windshield might have meant replacing the entire glass but not so much anymore. Learn more about the types of rock chips, as well as the requirements, process, safety, and timeframe of rock chip repair.

When evaluating a rock chip, checking the size of the chip is one of the first things you will need to do. Repair is possible for most chips under 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Talk to your technician to see if a chip larger than that is repairable. One quick way to check the chip is to put a quarter over it. If the entire chip or crack is under the quarter, this falls within the size requirements.

A windshield that has long cracks, cracks close to the edge of the glass, previously repaired chips, or large spider cracks coming from the chip will not be a good candidate for chip repairs. Some people will try to repair these chips if they are borderline, but the fix may not last, and the windshield will eventually need replacing.

When you get a chip or small crack in your windshield, get it fixed as soon as you can. Once the glass is cracked, this will allow water to work under the glass and damage it. Temperature changes throughout the day, changes in humidity, or even running the heat or AC in your car can make the crack spread.

Mobile repair is convenient and enables you to easily get your windshield fixed. With professional mobile repair, your vehicle's windshield can be repaired at any location that is convenient for you.

When the technician fixes the chip in your windshield, he or she cleans the glass and inspects the chip. If any debris in the crack exists, removing it is critical for achieving a reliable repair.

Once the chip is clean, the technician will inject a resin into the chip. Technicians can use several techniques to get all the air out and the resin in, but most techs will use a vacuum to do that. Whether on location or in the shop, the entire process takes about thirty minutes to complete.

Windshields consist of two pieces of glass that have a thin rubber or vinyl membrane between them. The glass on each side is thin, and the layer in the middle absorbs shock to help keep the glass from shattering if it cracks. If the rubber were not there, the rock would break the glass and the entire windshield would need replacing.

A properly repaired windshield is as safe as the windshield was before it cracked. The resin bonds with the glass and the inner membrane between the glass layers. The strength of the glass will be as strong as a new windshield and will perfectly safe to drive in less than an hour. This is especially convenient if you have the repair done while you work or shop.

At Affiliated Auto Glass, we specialize in installing automotive glass. If you need glasswork in central Texas, request a quoteright now. Along with chip or crack repairs, we can replace the entire windshield if required. We offer mobile service to make the whole process more comfortable and convenient for you. Let us help with any glass services you need.