Why fix a chip now instead of later
A chip is a weak spot in the outer layer of the windshield. Temperature swings work on it — a defroster blasting cold glass on a January morning, then afternoon sun on the dash. Small chips turn into cracks that run, and once a crack runs, the windshield has to be replaced.
A repair fills the break with resin, stops it from spreading and clears up most of what you see. You keep the glass the vehicle came with and — just as important — the factory seal around it.
What can usually be repaired
- Chips and bullseyes up to about the size of a quarter
- Star breaks with short legs
- Short cracks — under about six inches — that haven't started running
When we'll tell you to replace instead
- Damage bigger than a quarter, or a crack longer than about six inches
- Damage within about two inches of the edge, where the glass carries load and breaks spread fast
- Damage right in the driver's line of sight — even a good repair leaves slight distortion you'd look through every day
If it's a replacement, we say so — and if it's repairable, we say that too, even though replacement pays us more. More on that here: windshield replacement in Pocatello.
Until you can get in
- Put a piece of clear tape over the chip to keep dirt and water out of the break. Clean breaks fill better.
- Go easy on the defroster and avoid blasting hot or cold air straight at the glass.
- Skip the car wash pressure wand on that spot.
Insurance
Glass damage usually falls under comprehensive coverage, and many insurers would rather pay for a chip repair than a whole windshield later — in a lot of cases the repair costs you little or nothing out of pocket. Policies differ, so bring us your insurance info and we'll work the claim with your carrier so you're not the one on hold.