Repairing a windshield chip or crack helps to prevent the damage from growing in size. If you do not repair the chip quick enough, it will eventually grow into a long crack. Once it has grown into a long crack, you will have no choice but to replace your windshield, thus costing you more money and time.
Are rock chips difficult to repair?
Thankfully, rock chips are fairly simple to repair. Most of the time, the work can be completed at your home or work. Small rock chip repairs will take about a half hour to complete. How much does it cost though? Depending on where you live, a windshield chip repair typically costs about $65. Repairing your windshield will also keep the original factory seal intact.
What is a windshield chip repair?
A chip in the windshield is a pocket of air that is trapped between the first layer of glass and the plastic laminate that is holding your windshield together. As the glass expands and contracts with hot and cold temperatures, or as your car vibrates from hitting bumps and potholes, that small chip will start to grow in size. It is wise to repair these small rock chips before they get any bigger.
A windshield chip repair is done by injecting a small amount of resin into the glass. The machine will remove the trapped air and fill in the damaged area with the acrylic resin, helping prevent it from cracking further. Unfortunately, this does not hide the damage. If a windshield repair is completed properly, it will improve the cosmetic appearance anywhere from 75% to 90%.
Repairing your windshield will preserve the integrity of the glass and prevent any further damage. Although, you will still see a small scar leftover from the chip or crack, the main purpose of the chip repair is to stop the damaged area from spreading.
Is it dangerous to drive around with a cracked windshield?
Yes. Your windshield protects you from road debris while driving. Your windshield is also important to the structural integrity of your vehicle. The roof of your vehicle can collapse if you’re ever in an accident or the airbags could deploy and shatter the glass onto you and your occupants.
A damaged windshield is approximately 60 to 70 percent weaker than undamaged glass. This is a risk that can be avoided by repairing the rock chips as soon as possible.
If you did not repair your windshield chip in time and the crack has spread into your line of vision while driving, it is recommended that you replace your windshield.
What if the chip is too big to fix?
If the windshield chip cannot be repaired, a replacement is necessary. The cost of a windshield replacement depends on the make and model of the vehicle and any sensors or cameras built into the glass.
Quick Tips
- Repair your rock chips as soon as possible. This reduces the likelihood of them cracking and needing replacement.
- Find a windshield repair service that will guarantee their repairs. Better safe than sorry!
- Repair or replace a damaged windshield in your vehicle. It will improve the resale value and will be safer to drive.
So, in the end. Is windshield chip repair worth it? We’d like to think so. Our mobile windshield chip repair service in Edmonton is always repairing rock chips for our lovely customers. They’re saving their time and money and so should you!
If you live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and are in need of a chip repair, do not hesitate to contact us.