How Auto Glass Shops Repair a Chipped Windshield

02 Feb How Auto Glass Shops Repair a Chipped Windshield

Outside of an actual accident, few things can ruin a driver’s day more than a chip in the windshield. You’re just minding your own business while driving and suddenly… Bang! A small rock hits your windshield and creates a chip. A windshield chip might look like a minor cosmetic problem, but it needs to be repaired ASAP. That windshield chip can grow into a large crack that will obscure your vision.

Don’t worry, because windshield chips or cracks are easily fixable by most auto glass services. What exactly goes into the process of a windshield chip repair? Read on to learn about the typical process auto glass shops use to repair a windshield chip or crack.

1. Examine The Chip

The first step of any windshield repair is to examine the chip. There are many different types of windshield chips and cracks, and the type and size of the chip will determine whether or not the damage can be repaired, or if an entire windshield replacement is necessary. Generally windshield damage falls into 3 categories:

• Bullseye – A bullseye chip gets its name from its appearance, resembling a bullseye with a central point of impact and incremental rings that move outwards in growing size. The good news is, if the diameter of the bullseye chip is less than an inch, it can still be repaired.
• Crack – A crack is a line that extends from the point of impact. If the crack is less than 12 inches in length, it can still be repaired. However, if the crack directly obscures the driver’s view, a repair is out of the question since repaired glass can still block the driver’s view.
• Pit – Pit damage is tricky because it means a small chunk of glass is missing from the windshield. Provided that the pit hasn’t penetrated the plastic interlay of the glass, it will still be able to be repaired.

2. Clean The Chip

After evaluating the chip, the next step to repairing a damaged windshield is to clean out the chip or crack. The auto glass shop technician will ensure that zero dirt, moisture, or debris is present so that the repair provides a smooth, clean finish. The technician will also remove tiny pieces of loose glass that could potentially crumble and become lodged in the chip as well.

3. Create A Vacuum

Once the chip or crack is ready for repair, a crack repair tool will be used. This repair tool is filled with resin and attached to the glass using suckers. Once the tool is positioned onto the glass, the applicator is activated which creates a vacuum underneath the seal. Creating a vacuum is an important step because any presence of air can affect the curing of the resin.

4. Fill With Resin

Once the vacuum process is done, it’s time for the application of the resin. Filling the chip or crack with resin is a fairly short process but will mostly depend on the type of resin used. The tool will apply a clear liquid onto the chip or crack until it fills completely.

5. Cure The Resin

After filling the chip with resin, the affected area will be cured using UV light. This step is used to quickly dry the resin and bond the crack together. Any uncured resin around the edge of the chip can compromise the integrity of the repair.

Act Quickly and Call RNR

Getting a windshield chip can easily ruin your day but don’t sleep on it. Have that chip or crack taken care of as soon as possible. Delaying a windshield repair could cost you more money over time if the chip or crack grows and splinters.. Get your windshield chip or crack repaired promptly with a professional service from RNR Auto Glass today!