Can a Rock Chip in Your Windshield Be Repaired?

Many of us have heard the crack of a rock hitting the windshield, and sometimes, our vehicle is lucky enough to keep on driving with zero damage from the impact. Other times, however, rocks that fly out from underneath truck tires and other places on the road leave chips in our windshield.

Since you found your way to this blog, we can assume you have a chip like this on your windshield and you’re wondering if you must have the entire windshield replaced or can have it repaired.

Yes, in some cases a windshield can be repaired instead of replaced. Certain rules apply when deciding to repair or replace a windshield, and we go over them below. 

What Size is The Chip?

To be repaired, the chip in your windshield should be less than an inch in diameter. If the rock that hit your windshield left a larger chip, then you may not be able to repair it and would have to replace the glass. We suggest having a professional auto glass technician take a look and determine whether a windshield repair or replacement is the best option.

How Deep is The Chip?

Windshields are not just one pane of glass. They are a combination of thinner layers of glass with a plastic interlayer made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). In many cases, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)   technology is embedded between those layers. So, the deeper the chip, the more likely it interferes with a part of the ADAS features in your vehicle. If that’s the case, you’ll likely need a new windshield so this system works correctly. 

Where Did the Rock Hit?

Did it hit the passenger side of the vehicle? Did the rock leave a chip in the middle, or did it hit the line of sight for the driver? Location is an important factor in whether or not your windshield can be repaired. Also, chips on the edge of a windshield are not as simple to repair, so a replacement might be in order. 

What is the Average Cost of a Windshield Repair?

In most cases, repairing a rock chip on a windshield costs between $70 to $95. This all depends on the size, location, and other factors your technician will go over with you when quoting a price. 

Get it Repaired Now

Don’t hesitate if you see a chip in your windshield. Contact a reliable auto glass service and get it repaired as soon as you can. Small chips become cracks, which become bigger as time goes by. When it’s a small chip you have an opportunity to get it repaired. But the more the damage spreads, the more likely you will need a costly windshield replacement.

Do You Need a Windshield Repair in the Las Vegas, NV Area?

If you live in Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, or Spring Valley, contact us at Galaxy Auto Glass. Our experts are ready to look at the rock chip in your windshield and tell you whether it can be repaired, or if a replacement is needed. We offer in-shop or mobile windshield repair service and work with all major insurance providers.