Windshield Repair or Replacement: Which One Do You Need?

You’re driving down the road when all of a sudden, you hear a rock hit your windshield. No one wants to deal with a windshield rock chip, but it’s a common occurrence. So, what’s the next step after discovering a rock chip in your windshield? The best thing you can do when you get a rock chip is to find a local auto glass shop that can recommend a solution. Sometimes, rock chips cannot be repaired, and a windshield replacement is necessary.

When Can a Windshield Rock Chip Be Repaired?

Whether or not your rock chip can be repaired depends on a couple of factors. First is size and depth. Generally, rock chips smaller than a quarter can be repaired if they are not too deep. A deep rock chip can greatly impact the structural integrity of your windshield and may require a windshield replacement. Secondly, rock chips located on the edges of your windshield or within the driver's line of sight may require a windshield replacement.

How Is a Windshield Rock Chip Repaired?

A windshield rock chip repair usually begins with cleaning the damaged area to remove any loose glass, dirt, or debris. Then, a special resin is injected into the chip using a tool that creates pressure, ensuring the resin fills the chip completely. The resin is then cured using ultraviolet (UV) light, which hardens the material and bonds it to the windshield. After the resin is cured, an auto glass technician will carefully scrape away the excess resin and polish the area to restore clarity. Repairing a rock chip restores the structural integrity of your windshield, ensuring the safety of you and your passengers.

Can I Repair a Rock Chip Myself?

While windshield chip repair kits can be found everywhere, rock chip repair should be left to the professionals. Certified auto glass technicians undergo extensive training to understand the materials and techniques needed for a rock chip repair. Professional auto glass technicians also have access to the highest quality resin to ensure your windshield repair is reliable. If you decide to repair the rock chip yourself, you may risk causing more damage to your windshield if done incorrectly. Allowing a certified auto glass technician to repair your windshield rock chip will ensure that your windshield is structurally sound and provides the highest clarity possible.

Do I Need to Have My Rock Chip Repaired?

While a rock chip may seem like a small problem, it can cause more windshield damage if left unchecked, leading to a costly replacement. It can be hard to tell how severe a rock chip really is with the untrained eye, which is why it’s a good idea to get your windshield inspected by a professional auto glass technician. Rock chips leave the door open for more extensive damage, like large cracks. By getting your windshield rock chip repaired now, you could be saving money and time down the road.

Do You Need a Windshield Repair in the Baltimore, MD or Harrisburg, PA Areas?

When you find a rock chip in your windshield, it’s important to act fast before the damage spreads. A small rock chip will worsen over time, causing you to need a windshield replacement. A professionally trained auto glass company, such as Empire Auto Glass, can recommend the best solution for your rock chip. For mobile or in-shop windshield repair in Baltimore, MD, or Harrisburg, PA, get a free quote from Empire Auto Glass today!