How Do Rock Chips Happen?

A rock chip is a small area of damage on a windshield caused by debris, such as gravel or small stones, striking the glass at high speed. This impact can remove a tiny piece of glass, leaving a divot or chip. Common causes include driving behind construction vehicles, on gravel roads, or through areas with loose debris.

When Should a Chipped Windshield Be Repaired?

A small chip may seem minor, but if left unaddressed, it can quickly turn into a bigger problem. Temperature changes, moisture, and driving vibrations can cause the chip to grow or spread into a crack, compromising your windshield's structural integrity.

It's best to have any size chip repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards. In most cases, chips smaller than a quarter can be quickly fixed without having to replace your entire windshield.

What Windscreen Chips Cannot Be Repaired?

Although most chips can be fixed, there are some instances where replacement may be necessary.

These include:

• Chips that are larger than one inch in diameter, about the size of a quarter
• Chips that have spread into multiple cracks
• Chips that are located in the driver's line of sight
• Chips that have penetrated both layers of glass in a laminated windshield

If you are unsure whether your chip can be repaired, our team can assess the damage and provide our professional recommendation.