A small windshield chip, smaller than a quarter and not in the driver's direct line of sight, can often be repaired with a kit or by a pro. A long crack, a chip at the edge of the glass, or damage right in front of the driver usually means replacement. In Arizona, heat makes chips spread quickly, so cover it and act within days, not weeks.
Time: about 30 minutes for a kit repair. Skill: moderate.
What should you do right after a chip?
- Cover the chip with a piece of clear tape on the outside. This keeps out dirt and moisture, which can make a repair less clear.
- Park in the shade or a garage, and do not slam the doors. Vibration can spread the damage.
- Do not blast cold AC on hot glass. A big temperature difference makes the glass flex, and cracks can run across the windshield.
- Avoid washing it with hot water or pressure.
- Call a glass shop or plan the repair soon.
When is a chip small enough to repair?
As a rule of thumb, a chip is a good candidate when:
- It is smaller than a quarter, and a crack is shorter than a few inches
- It is not at the edge of the glass
- It is not right in the driver's line of sight
- It has not been dirty or wet for long
- It has not gone through both layers of glass
A shop can judge this in a minute. Many offer mobile service and come to your home or work, and some can also check cameras or sensors mounted at the windshield (ADAS).
How does a DIY chip repair kit work?
Kits vary, so follow the directions in yours. In general:
- Work in the shade, with the glass cool and dry. Resin does not set well on hot glass.
- Clean the chip, and pick out any loose bits of glass with the pin in the kit. Wear eye protection.
- Attach the holder (pedestal) over the chip.
- Add the resin and use the plunger or syringe to push it into the break. Some kits call for a few rounds to pull out air.
- Remove the holder and put a drop of resin and a curing strip over the spot.
- Cure the resin in sunlight or with a UV light as directed.
- Scrape off the extra resin with a razor blade held flat, and wipe the glass clean.
A repair makes the damage stronger and stops it spreading, but a faint mark often remains.
Why does Arizona heat make chips spread?
Glass expands as it heats. A parked car in the sun can have a windshield that is far hotter than the air in the cabin once the AC runs. The difference puts stress on a chip and can turn it into a crack in a day. Shade, a windshield sunshade and gentle AC use all help.
When to call a pro
Call a pro if the damage is a long crack, near the edge, in front of the driver, has multiple chips, or sits in the area where cameras mount. A windshield is part of your car's crash protection, so do not wait on a spreading crack. Here are local auto glass shops in the directory, with phone numbers. Some list mobile service:
Check with your insurance agent about what your policy covers for glass. You can also ask the helper or browse Phoenix businesses.
Questions people ask
Can a windshield chip be repaired?
Often, yes, if it is small and not in the driver's view. The sooner you repair it, the better the result. A shop will tell you whether it is repairable.
Will a chip turn into a crack in Arizona?
It can. Heat, bumps and the stress of AC on hot glass can make it spread. Tape over the chip, stay out of the sun when you can and get it checked soon.
Is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield?
Not if the crack is large or in your line of sight. A windshield helps hold the roof and airbags in place in a crash. Get it checked quickly.
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