Author Topic: How to repair windshield from rock chip?  (Read 7422 times)

CrimsonStache

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How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« on: February 03, 2016, 07:34:31 AM »
Question for the board. I was driving to work yesterday and a rock chipped my windshield. It's a small bullseye chip about .5" in diameter on the bottom left of the windshield out of my eye-sight. Should I attempt to repair it, leave it alone and see if it spreads, or get it professionally repaired?

lthenderson

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2016, 07:41:45 AM »
In my experience, you need to get it repaired and I would go the professional route. They put a vacuum pump on it to draw the adhesive into the cracks as far as possible which results in a much more durable repair. At least where I live, getting this done is cheap, maybe $30 or $40 total.

If you don't fix it, you may be fine or it might get worse. I was riding with someone that had a rock chip on their windshield for years with no problems and then with a loud pop, a crack went clear across the lower part of their windshield. I have gotten chips on my 18 year old car twice and I still have the original windshield.

This may be obvious to most but I have met people who didn't know so I always tell someone that when you get a crack or rock chip fixed, it doesn't disappear and become invisible. You will still see the divot or crack. In your case it sounds like it isn't in the main area of vision so shouldn't be a problem.

Oh_Wrd

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2016, 07:43:26 AM »
Every insurance policy I have had will pay for this repair with no out of pocket cost as long as it is caught quickly before the crack starts to spread (and I've almost always had liability and "unisured motorist" coverage only).  I don't have any knowlege about how to actually fix it, but I'd call you agent asap to find out if it is covered.  If you delay, it will often start spider-webbing across the windsheild with nasty cracks.

Dee18

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2016, 07:43:42 AM »
My car insurance has free chip repair.  They send someone out to your car who examines it and repairs it on the spot.  I  had it done twice, but the chips were smaller.  The repairs lasted for as long as I had the car, more than a decade! 

Joggernot

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2016, 08:09:21 AM »
Yep, insurance should pay for everything.  Otherwise, very cheap to have professionally done.  If you're really into saving money, $10 at an auto store will get you a kit to try to fix it yourself.  I've found those lacking in quality of results.  Recommend that you do the professional job.

Spork

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2016, 08:14:08 AM »
Lets not forget that many of us (don't know about the OP) have older cars with only liability coverage here....

I've tried a couple of the DIY kits.  I *DO* think they work from the perspective of "hold the window together and stop the crack."  I have had ZERO luck with actually repairing it the way the pros do it.  It might be ever so slightly better.  It isn't "fixed."

If you want it to go away in its entirety, you'll have to talk to the pros.  If you don't have insurance coverage, let them know up front.  People are weird about giving different prices for covered vs non-covered.  Often if you tell them you are paying, they'll give you a lower price.

Edit to add:
Here was my question on the same topic from a while back.  I mainly add this because it shows before/after pics (but not great ones) of a DIY repair.

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/do-it-yourself-forum!/diy-windshield-repair
« Last Edit: February 03, 2016, 08:40:50 AM by Spork »

snogirl

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2016, 08:56:13 AM »
Whenever I have gotten a chip, I put a piece of clear tape over it.
The leading cause of a chip cracking is dirt & water getting into the crack.
The expansion and contraction due to temp changes with dirt & water makes it spread.
If you seal it that takes away the chance.  I've gone a couple of years + with tape on lol.
I learned this from a windshield guy who gave me these little clear stickies for next time.
It works.

Spork

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #7 on: February 03, 2016, 09:07:53 AM »
Whenever I have gotten a chip, I put a piece of clear tape over it.
The leading cause of a chip cracking is dirt & water getting into the crack.
The expansion and contraction due to temp changes with dirt & water makes it spread.
If you seal it that takes away the chance.  I've gone a couple of years + with tape on lol.
I learned this from a windshield guy who gave me these little clear stickies for next time.
It works.

This is probably the same concept (and simpler) as the DIY glued repairs.

BlueMR2

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #8 on: February 03, 2016, 09:57:27 AM »
I don't bother fixing them (multiple chipped windshields with over a decade of service in that state) and haven't had any issues.  My cars go through a lot of freeze/thaw cycles in a wet environment so I have to raise the BS flag on it causing problems.

snogirl

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2016, 08:14:04 AM »
I don't bother fixing them (multiple chipped windshields with over a decade of service in that state) and haven't had any issues.  My cars go through a lot of freeze/thaw cycles in a wet environment so I have to raise the BS flag on it causing problems.

That is great you have had multiple chips never to crack!
That hasn't been my experience, nor many of my friends, coworkers, and family, driving in New England for the last 40 years.
Living in Vermont where radical temperature swings are common along with sand/salt mix, using your windshield wipers constantly I would beg to differ.
I do not think it's bs that dirt, grime, water causes problems.  It really does in so many maintenance issues, not just glass.



http://www.carwindshields.info/windshield-chips-why-they-happen-when-and-why-to-repair
Chips can be avoided by maintaining a safe distance from dump trucks or other similar vehicles which haul dirt and debris. Observing a proper space cushion behind other cars can also help drivers to avoid rocks and objects which are flung into the air by tires. However, sometimes this damage is unavoidable. When it happens, placing clear packing tape over the chip will keep debris and water out of the damaged area, making it more likely that the windshield can be repaired. Occasionally, chips to a windshield can occur during hailstorms. For this reason, paying attention to weather reports can prevent damage. Parking the vehicle in a garage when bad weather is expected will lessen the odds of needing costly repairs. Parents of small children may also wish to set strict rules about activities like playing ball or throwing rocks nearby when the vehicle is parked outside. - See more at: http://www.carwindshields.info/windshield-chips-why-they-happen-when-and-why-to-repair#sthash.oordCVK8.dpuf

 

Fishindude

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #10 on: February 04, 2016, 08:46:17 AM »
I've been driving around with a small chip in my windshield like you describe for the last two years, with no noticeable change.

StartingEarly

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #11 on: February 04, 2016, 10:52:04 AM »
I would look at it from a cost benefits analysis. Chips sometimes turn into cracks, but it's unlikely. I have never had a minor chip turn into a crack, it spidered out like an eighth inch, that was the worst one, and I'm not even sure on that. if you get them repaired it does not for sure mean it will never crack and you are also paying more than 10% of the price of the window for EACH chip. So form mine I would have paid to have two fixed already and mine are just fine in a northern state. I will take my chances.

Harkens back to the article Insurance is a Tax on People Who Are Bad at Math or something like that.

CrimsonStache

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #12 on: February 04, 2016, 11:47:10 AM »
Thanks for all the replies!

My plan is to:
1). Clean and place a clear piece of tape on it as a temporary solution
2). See if insurance company (Geico) will pay to have it fixed
3). If insurance company won't fix it, do nothing and leave tape on it.

kevlarswift

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #13 on: February 06, 2016, 05:45:30 AM »
Its cheap to fix at a place like Safelite. You want to get it done soon, like ASAP before it rains. It could not spider, or it could. Best just to have this one taken care of.

worms

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #14 on: February 06, 2016, 06:56:51 AM »
Over here we have a radio advert for a replacement windscreen company with the strap line "every chip eventually becomes a crack" which annoys me greatly as I don't believe it is true.  I have run with old chips through many years of freeze/thaw cycles with no problem.

 I did eventually have one go when I stupidly parked my car in full Mediterranean sun after a night of thunderstorms with my tent draped over the front of the car to dry out.  I guess the water in the crack expanded.  Of course, having got that windscreen replaced, on my way home from the garage, a truck coming the other way threw up a cloud of stones and gave me a new bullseye right in front of the driver's seat!

The DIY chip fillers are good, but probably better on simple chips than bulls eyes where it is difficult to get it to fully permeate the laminations in the glass.

ender

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #15 on: February 06, 2016, 07:25:40 AM »
Its cheap to fix at a place like Safelite. You want to get it done soon, like ASAP before it rains. It could not spider, or it could. Best just to have this one taken care of.

Safelite is a rip off.

When I repaired my last one it was only $46 to do total out of cost at a local place (vs something like a $90 quoted price from safelite).

LaineyAZ

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #16 on: February 06, 2016, 09:36:01 AM »
or do it the cheapskate way:  a tiny touch of clear nail polish.  Since it's an older vehicle without glass coverage/liability insurance that's the way to go.

CATman

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #17 on: February 07, 2016, 07:49:11 PM »
I've used this kit in the past: http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-09103-Windshield-Repair-Kit/dp/B000ALJ4MY/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1454899524&sr=1-3&keywords=3m+windshield+repair+kit

I watched the video directions on their website and it took me about an hour total. Unless someone knew where to look they'd never know I had a chip at all. It even includes a syringe to create the vacuum that allows the filler to get into the crack fully with no air bubbles. I actually have a chip in my windshield that I got just before leaving on a work trip and I'm going to use that same kit when I get home to fix it.

Papa Mustache

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #18 on: February 08, 2016, 06:14:51 AM »
Took a work truck to Safelite and had a chip fixed. That was an expensive nearly new truck and the glass would have been very expensive had it needed replacement. Vacuum pump, etc. ~$70 as I recall. Very hard to see unless I point to it. Still think they charged more than they should have. Maybe it would have been cheaper for an individual.

We have a ~35 year old VW that has a chip right in the middle of the windshield. Never fixed. Never spread. That windshield is only $250 new so I won't fix it, I'll replace it. Shreds wiper blades though so if I start driving it in all weather again, I'll fix it.

The DIY kits don't have a vacuum so those fixes will be very dependent on cleanliness and applicator pressure.

Spork

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #19 on: February 09, 2016, 08:47:46 AM »
I've used this kit in the past: http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-09103-Windshield-Repair-Kit/dp/B000ALJ4MY/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1454899524&sr=1-3&keywords=3m+windshield+repair+kit

I watched the video directions on their website and it took me about an hour total. Unless someone knew where to look they'd never know I had a chip at all. It even includes a syringe to create the vacuum that allows the filler to get into the crack fully with no air bubbles. I actually have a chip in my windshield that I got just before leaving on a work trip and I'm going to use that same kit when I get home to fix it.

I think it really depends on the structure of your chip.  I've used that kit twice.  While it looks better, it is still very visible.

The downside of these kits is: Once you use them, you cannot have it repaired professionally (if a perfect windshield is what you want.)  The glue is far enough into the cracks that it will block professional repairs from getting fully into the area.

CATman

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Re: How to repair windshield from rock chip?
« Reply #20 on: February 09, 2016, 09:38:11 PM »
I think it really depends on the structure of your chip.  I've used that kit twice.  While it looks better, it is still very visible.

The downside of these kits is: Once you use them, you cannot have it repaired professionally (if a perfect windshield is what you want.)  The glue is far enough into the cracks that it will block professional repairs from getting fully into the area.
[/quote]

I've only used it on minor chips so I'm sure you're right. Although for me just making sure it's filled and trying to prevent a full windshield crack is my main concern. I think the size and type of crack would really be the deciding factor on whether to do it yourself or have a professional do it.