Windshield Rock Chip Repair or Full Windshield Replacement?
Not all windshield chips and cracks are created equal; they come in many shapes and sizes. Assessing the type of windshield damage incurred is essential to determine if your chipped windshield can be repaired. And size and location will be the two most important factors that a technician will examine before advising a windshield chip repair or a replacement.
Windshield Rock Chip Repair – Location
Location, location, location. You hear it all the time when it comes to purchasing a home, but did you know the location of a windshield chip is important when determining if you can repair your windshield chip or crack?
If the damage from the chip in your car windshield extends to the outer edge of the windshield, it’s more likely you’ll need a replacement since the structure of the glass may have been compromised. The same holds true if the windshield chip is within the Driver’s Primary Viewing Area (DPVA) since some amount of distortion is unavoidable, even after a repair. The DPVA is usually defined as the area in the windshield wipers’ sweep on the driver’s side.
Windshield Rock Chip Repair – Damage Types
This is where it gets a little technical. There are many forms of windshield damage though you’ll most often hear “chip” or “crack.” A windshield chip is a general term that refers to small damage on a windshield, whereas a crack of damage is a distinct line that runs across the windshield. According to the Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard (ROLAGS), there are six basic types of damages with different repair standards. Some repair standards are beneficial for small chips in your windshield.
1. Bullseye Windshield Chip Repair: Damage that is marked by a separated cone in the outer layer of glass that results in a dark circle with an impact point.
Can the rock chip be repaired? Usually, if the diameter is an inch or smaller and there’s no dirt in the head and it’s not in the driver’s field of vision.
2. Combination Windshield Break: Damage with multiple characteristics, i.e., star within a bullseye, short or long crack(s) stemming from the damage.
Can the rock chip be repaired? Usually, if the diameter of the body (excluding legs, or subsurface breaks), does not exceed two inches.
3. Windshield Crack: Single line of separation that may start from an impact point.
Can the windshield crack be repaired? Sometimes if it’s 14 inches or less and not in the driver’s field of vision.
4. Half Moon Rock Chip Repair: Partial bullseye
Can the rock chip be repaired? Usually, if the diameter is an inch or smaller.
5. Star Break Chip Repair: Damage that has a series of legs stemming from the break.
Can the rock chip be repaired? Sometimes, if the diameter of the break doesn’t exceed three inches and it’s not in the driver’s field of vision.
6. Windshield Surface Pit Repair: A nick in the glass associated with normal wear and tear that does not penetrate to the plastic interlayer (middle layer of the glass sandwich).
Can the windshield pit be repaired? If the damage has a diameter of not less than 1/8 inch. Be cautious however, many small pits do not require a repair if the damage is too extensive.
When it’s Time to Replace Your Windshield
There are a few rock chips that can’t be repaired, and therefore will likely require a replacement. Here are some of those exceptions:
• Damage that penetrates both the outside and inside layer of the laminated glass (remember, your windshield is like a sandwich: outside lite, plastic interlayer, inside lite).
• If the damage has three or more long cracks (longer than 6 inches) from a single point of impact.
• The windshield rock chip is on the inside of the glass (in the passenger cabin) as opposed to on the outside of the windshield.
• The damage has visible impurities that cannot be removed through cleaning.
• There’s damage or discoloration to the plastic interlayer.
• The windshield rock chip has a pit-size greater than 3/8-inch.
• The windshield rock chip is in the DPVA and has a diameter larger than one inch; the finished pit will be greater than 3/16-inch; or the repair will be within 4 inches of another repair.
Note: a trained repair technician will be able to judge if a repair will affect the vehicle’s proper operation. In that case, he or she will a recommend a windshield replacement.
Get an EstimateLeave Windshield Chip Repair to the Experts
Remember, it’s best to have a certified technician examine any chip on your windshield. Since technicians have a trained eye to assess damage, they’re best to consult with when it’s time for a windshield repair. You may even learn you need a replacement if the damage is extensive.
29 Responses
I recently noticed a chip in my windshield that had me a little worried. I have heard that a chip in your windshield can actually expand across your windshield. I’ll definitely take the article’s suggestion and have an auto glass technician assess the damage and determine if it’s time for a repair or not.
We’re glad the article was helpful to you John! We actually did a write up on keeping chips from expanding to cracks as well. Be sure to use our site to find a reputable shop near you!
Thanks for helping me learn more about chips in windshields. I actually didn’t know about surface pits, or that they can only be fixed if the damage is less that 1/8 inch in diameter. I’m a bit interested to learn on some of the tricks you can use to measure this out, especially if if the damage will need to be fixed immediately.
So my windshield is cracked on the outside but not the inside due to a recent fender bender I was in. Do I need a whole new windshield or…
Jae,
It would be best to have the damage looked at by an auto glass professional (use Glass.com to find one) who will be able to assess whether it can be repaired, or if it needs to be replaced. The fact that is has not cracked all the way through is a good sign. But if it is in your field of vision while driving, extends to the edge of the windshield, is larger than a dollar bill, or a number of other factors, it will likely need to be replaced.
i just noticed a chip in my windshield and a line running from it below where the wipers are should i be worried. I need help very nervous.
It sounds like it’s probably time to have that windshield replaced! You can use our auto glass shop locator tool to receive instant price quotes from shops in your area
Hiya!
I just transported a pvc pipe inside my car and it cracked the windshield… inside, with a gentle tap!
Is this fixable? I was thinking resin… your input is much appreciated. THanks
Charles, take your vehicle to a reputable local auto glass shop. They will be able to tell you whether it can be repaired or if it needs replacement. You should not attempt an at home repair using resin.
Thanks for the question!
Hi, i have a chip in my front windshield and a little crack forming underneath. The thing is, the crack is not in contact with the chip itself as it seems it’s inside the glass. This means that i can’t fix it by pouring resin into it as their is no hole into the small crack. Can i fill the chip and leave the crack be as it is?
Thanks for the question Lund. It’s never a good idea to leave a crack unfixed. It will eventually expand and in the meantime it could be compromising the windshield’s integrity. The best thing to do it take it to a local reputable glass shop and have them inspect the damage. You can use our site to do so by typing in your zip code on https://www.glass.com/auto
It’s good to know what windshield cracks and chips can be repaired. I’ve noticed a combination break in mine and I’m glad that it can be fixed. The cracks off it aren’t longer than an inch, so it should be good!
It’s really interesting that you mentioned that a crack can be fixed if it’s 14 inches or less and not in a driver’s field of vision. I always thought that cracks couldn’t be fixed at all. I will keep this in mind if I ever get another crack in my windshield. Thank you!
Thanks Gerty, we’re glad you found the article valuable! Keep in mind though, not all cracks under 14 inches can be repaired. Each crack should be evaluated by a professional on a case by case basis to determine if it can be repaired or not.
I thought it was really interesting how you pointed out that location of a chip matters when it comes to whether or not it can get replaced. I have a large chip on the driver’s side of my windshield. I’ll look at getting it replaced like you suggest to ensure there is no impairment.
Hello.
I was behind an old truck and not even in the same lane but the result was a sand blasted type chips. Very light like dots but in the glass and paint chips. Can a windshield be resurfaced to remove these micro chips .
I have a straight line crack and there is no visible damage. It appears to have started from the very left edge and went inward about 15-20 inches. No chip. No dimple. No crater. Is this repairable in your opinion?
Hi James,
Thanks for the question! Usually, cracks that extend to the outside edge of the windshield are not repairable, so it does not sound like it would be in your case.
Lots of good information here, however as someone who has been in the glass industry for 37 years doing replacements and repairs and the owner of a glass company, I would have to disagree with #3 on repairing a crack. IMO, as the acrylic resin used to fill the repair is much stronger than the glass itself in an accident it can become a dangerous situation. If the occupant hits the windshield the glass surrounding the repair can give and the acrylic will not creating a “sword” thus could cause additional harm. To my knowledge this is not proven, but is why we do not do “crack” repairs.
That’s an interesting theory, John! We certainly appreciate your input. If you do find evidence of this, please let us know!
I bought my brand new 2018 jeep compass altitude and I was moving from BC to AB (should have just waited to get new vehicle in AB :() while driving the coquihalla several rocks hit my windshield. It was a stupid driver that overtook me on the far right lane to the wall. He barely squeezed in and passed me. The reason why no one drives there is because it’s slushy. As soon as he passed me I heard BAM!!! I ducked for a second because I was so frightened. When I look at windscreen it’s cracked and the crack goes all the way to edge. Someone told me that if the crack goes to the edge you will need a new windshield. I’m so upset. Plus not to mention the scratches to the exterior from all the stones. There should be a law for this. So everytime windshield cracks you need a new windshield? Crazy. Can someone please advise me of what to do. And if I do need a new windshield ehst is the price for my make and model vehicle? I would appreciate any assistance.
I have a surface chip can it be fixed? It’s not a crack it’s more like a scratch
Hi Jimmy, from your description a repair sounds possible. But to be sure, you’ll need to consult a local auto glass shop who can evaluate the issue in person.
My car’s windshield had little chip and there was crack started from that chip only. It was around 3 inch long. I replaced windshield from my car agency and when i got my car i drove to my home and parked it next day i was on leave so didnt drove my car in the evening i just noticed that there was crack exactly on same place and of same lenght. Is it possible that agency people didnt replaced the windshield they just repaired the old one and placed the same old windshield. Is it possible?
Hi Demi,
It’s hard to say what happened here without knowing the exact circumstances. Was the company supposed to replace the windshield or simply repair it? Sometimes damage may still be visible even after the repair has been made. The repair process will still help keep the damage from worsening though. If the windshield was supposed to be replaced, then it sounds like it either wasn’t replaced or, very coincidentally, the same damage occurred again.
My Interlaying plastic has a spider crack with one very long crack extending from in (probably around 12 in) there is not a crack in the interior or exterior glass tho (as nothing catches when I rub my finger on it) the long leg developed a day after the initial crack. I’m guessing due to the crazy Oklahoma heat! What’s the best thing for me to do?
Hi Chloe,
The best option will be to take your vehicle to a local and reputable auto glass shop. They will be able to recommend the best course of action after inspecting the glass in person.
I recently had work done on my sunroof and noticed what appears to be small chips in the windshield along the roofline going almost all the way across the windshield. It’s still smooth to touch but very noticeable from the outside. What can cause this?
Hi Jerry,
It is likely a coincidence that you are just now noticing these chips after the sunroof installation. It’s common for a windshield to accumulate extremely small chips over time which are usually caused by small rocks, pebbles, and other road debris. Sometimes these chips are noticeable when driving in direct sunlight as they can cause a serious glare. However, I am just going off of your description and if you believe these chips are large enough to spread, cause a compromise in the structural integrity of your windshield, or distort your view while driving, then you should have the windshield evaluated in person by a reputable glass shop. Thanks for the question!