Can Auto Glass Be Repaired Without Showing a Chip?

After seeing a chip on your windshield, you may ask yourself, “Can Auto Glass Be Repaired Without Showing a Chip?”

Auto Glass could be repaired without showing any chips. Modern repair technology is now more mature. Today’s resin injection and curing technology enables technicians to work more perfectly. However, not all chips are repairable if they are long in size.

Not every chip behaves the same way. Some are completely invisible after the repairing process, and a few have a line, but it is not entirely noticeable. Sometimes, if the chips are too large, it would be better to opt for replacement instead of repair.

In this content, I’ll briefly describe how auto glass is repaired, its final appearance, and when the repair process is not worth it. So, let’s get started.

Identification of Chips and Cracks in Auto Glass

All the damage types of windshields are not the same.

A small dot on the windshield is not just a chip, and a line is not a crack. Some people are thinking like that, and they are trying to DIY, which results in bad outcomes.

Now let’s come to the point. To understand whether you need to change the entire windshield or if ‘repair is enough’ is to understand the basic difference.

The Difference Between a Chip and a Crack

You can spot a ‘chip’ at a first glance by seeing only where a piece of glass has broken off. Generally, this has been caused by small rocks or other particles.

On the other hand, to figure out a crack, you may see a line that appears on the glass and spreads out from the point of impact. Usually, it is more visible than a chip, and much longer, and this can be run from top to bottom or left to right.

So, the main point is:

• Chips are localized and remain in one place
• Cracks are spreading, and it costs more

As a car owner, this difference should be clear. If you can understand, then you can guess the cost to fix your windshield.

How Chips Form and Spread

Chips are tiny and can cause damage, so you have time to fix them. But, how many days?

If you wait for many days to fix it, then it could be a reason to complete a windshield replacement. Yeah, a tiny chip can turn into a large crack.

So, a chip can start with a tangible impact on the road. A rock hits your windshield, creating a tiny crater. From the very first phase, the outer layer absorbs, but the real damage is revealed later.

The problem begins with the temperature fluctuations, vibration, and other conditions within the car. In this phase, the chips gradually turn into cracks.

How Auto Glass Repair Works:

You may think that fixing an entire windshield is all about filling a crack. Not only you, but many others like you, think so.

Is that really true or a myth?

That actually does not work like this. A round or proper repair means restoring the strength of the glass from all sides. Lastly, cracks or damage must not spread after a few days.

No doubt, this one is a bit technical, but it can be completed in 30 minutes by experts.

Now, let’s see some essential points that help you determine the way repair works:

The Resin Injection and Curing Process

The first attempt by the expert is focused on resin injection.

To perform this, the technician cleans dirt, dust, and moisture from the surroundings of the damaged area. The main objective is to make sure the resin bonds properly without any occurrences.

After that, the resin injection process starts.

Technicians use a resin injector in the damaged area. In this event, liquid glass, which is commonly known commercially as acrylic resin, is being used. This liquid is used continuously by pushing until it fills.

After completing this process, the next step is curing.

The Role of UV Light in Sealing

Now, the primary challenge is transforming liquid glass into hard glass.

Technicians use many tools or materials to do this. Among them, UV light may be the most effective option for doing it easily. Some technicians called it ‘Super Sunlight’.

So, what’s the purpose of using a UV light?

The primary reason is the ability to transform the resin into a crystalline form. This form recovers the glass and regains its strength. That’s it.

After the transformation, the damaged area looks smooth and precise. Most of the time, the damaged area is unnoticeable.

The Limitations of Repair Technology

Now, here is the truth that I can’t deny.

All the chips would be repairable. If the chip is too deep or wider than expected, then it could not be repairable. Sometimes, cracks could be deep if you do not take any steps to repair them.

So, resin injection is not an ultimate solution for all time.

When is Full Replacement Better Than Repair?

In my opinion, sometimes it could be better to replace than repair.

No doubt, resin injection is an excellent way to repair a windshield, but it is most effective for small chips. Based on our previous experience, a complete replacement is often preferable when the damage exceeds a certain threshold.

Now, let’s see when replacement is required:

Large or Deep Chips

Deep chip is the first sign of a crack. So, how do you figure it out?

This is simple. If you see that the chip is larger than a quarter, then this is the first symbol to be prepared.

These comparatively larger or deeper chips transformed into cracks that can’t be repaired with the best resin on the market. So, if you want to invest in it, then it could be a waste of money, and not more than that.

So, make sure that your chip is not too large.

Chips in the Driver’s Line of Sight

This one is important.

Sometimes, we have to consider minor issues or distortions. But, this is not considerable if it remains directly in the driver’s line of sight.

If the chips occur directly in the driver’s sight, then it would not be recommended to repair. To avoid unexpected accidents, it is essential to replace the windshield.

Lastly, avoid taking risks, especially if you live in an area like Europe or one where winter is a prevalent season.

Multiple Chips Across the Glass

Single Chips can be easily managed, but what about multiple chips? If your windshield has multiple chips which is scattered all over the glass, then repairing them is not a good idea.

Each chip will continuously weaken the structural integrity of the glass.

You can repair them, and they may look better, but it’s not a permanent solution. And, this is not a safe option as well. At this point, a full replacement isn’t just an option; it’s the only option.

For a replacement, don’t make mistakes when finding a better repair shop. Replacement should be transparent and not imperfect. If you’re near Sterling Heights, you can take a service from Save On Auto Glass. They will expertly manage your windshield replacement.

So, if the damage or chip is too large or deep, then you should consider replacing it instead of repairing it.

Final Word

You may have the best-looking car on the road.

However, if the car has multiple chips on the windshield, a significant safety issue will remain. And, you may get a penalty as well if the chip is large and directly in the line of sight.

Keep in mind that your auto glass needs to be clear and strong, not only for aesthetic value, but also for safety. A small chip may transform into a large crack. So, take it seriously.

Lastly, if your symbol says that the chips shouldn’t be repairable, do a replacement instead. That’s all for today.