How To Deal With Stone Chip Repairs On The Windscreen?
Most owners of cars have faced the issue of cracks and chips on their windscreen from flying debris from the road when least expected. Chips and cracks can happen to the best of people. Stone Chip Repairs are a reliable solution.
Firstly, there is no need to flip out. In case it is a small ding, and one has glass insurance coverage, one’s deductibles are likely to be waived. This is because it is cheaper and easier to fix a chip rather than a full-fledged crack. In case one does not have glass coverage, it is cheaper to get it fixed cheaply prior to it becoming a problem. It is good to get it repaired sooner than later.
Whether the result of a stone or some other projectile, cracks and chips will worsen with time. In case they become too big, the complete windscreen may need replacement.
The DIY way
If small, cracks and chips can be repaired through DIY. The steps to these are:
- Purchase a windscreen repair kit
- One must clean glass surrounding crack or chip
- Apply plastic pedestal and adhesive patch found in the kit
- Do injection of epoxy resin in the kit using a syringe
- Permit resin to cure
- Remove pedestal
- Remove extra epoxy, if any, and clean up the glass totally.
How size counts
It is not possible to fix chips bigger than a coin and cracks over 3 inches long through DIY kits. The windscreen must be replaced or repaired by a professional glass fitting service. In case the chip is smaller than a coin, repair may be conducted as DIY work.
How to care for chip
The first best option for one is to get the chip repaired. If one prolongs the process, it will only result in more damage down the road. Following are some tips to care for chips:
- Examine closely
Take a good look at the chip. In case the chip has evidence of a ‘cone’ or ‘star’ shape, one must get it fixed as soon as possible. These are stone chips that are going to evolve into a cracked windscreen.
- Don’t DIY
Special tools and training are required to handle the smallest chips. A mistake one makes during ‘repair’ could contaminate and make the further repair more expensive.
- Cover it
To prevent any contamination, secure the chipped part with a piece of clear packing tape when one takes the car for stone chip repair.
- Avoid washing
Water and soap can damage the stone chips. The high-pressure spray must be totally avoided since it can cause premature expansion of chip or crack.
- Avoid driving
Driving causes vibration in the windscreen. This, combined with the effect of outside elements like the strong wind to which the vehicle is exposed, will cause the spreading of the chip. In case one has to drive, keep the car parked away from direct sunlight. Avoid driving over roads with potholes.
- Don’t overuse the AC
During summer, it is a common habit to blast the AC. However, this can cause sudden changes in temperature that will strain the windscreen. In times of winter, the heater will produce the same impact.
- Avoid slamming doors
The pressure and vibration by slamming doors will cause the chip to spread and expand faster.
- Change windscreen wipers
Old and dirty wipers can contaminate or cause scratches to the windscreen. One must ensure that any new wipers are always kept clean.
Repair or replacement
The chip is simply a chip. One can save it from spreading. A chip repair that is completed as fast as possible will help preserve the structural integrity of the car. The premise is that if the crack or chip is less than 6 inches, the glass can be repaired. But this also is based on the contamination, depth, and placement of the chip. In case the chip is severe, a full replacement may become necessary. If one acts fast, one can save several hundreds of dollars.
In sum, these are top facts about stone chip repairs.
