A Rock Just Hit Your Windshield. Now What?
Wyndshyld Auto Glass • April 26, 2024
Steps To Take For Rock Chip Damage
1. Contact Wyndshyld First and Schedule a Repair
Get on the schedule ASAP. Time is ticking. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of it spreading. You can call us at 678-390-2447 or you can book online. We do work with insurance, but we highly recommend contacting us prior to filing to claim to discuss the best way or if it is even worth filing a claim with insurance for a rock chip repair. To learn more about using an insurance claim to cover a rock chip, click here
2. Cover the Chip/Break
If inclement weather is forecasted prior to getting your windshield repaired, covering the chip/break with clear packing tape will help prevent water from getting into the chip/break. In addition, avoid washing your car until the break has been repaired. Once water is in the chip/break, the heating and cooling of the glass due to the sun or even your defroster can cause expansion of the moisture and air in the chip/break. This can result in the chip/break turning into a crack and potentially becoming unrepairable. Moisture in the break can also impact the quality of the final repair because water and moisture can contain dirt and other contaminants that can get trapped inside the break and can't be removed from the break. These will be visible in the final repair.
3. Avoid Parking In Direct Sun
Direct sun can cause the windshield to heat to very high temperatures. When temperatures are in the 80's, a windshield's surface temperature can approach and even exceed 150 degrees. These high temperatures actually weaken the glass and the weakness may allow the break to expand and crack out. In addition, avoid pouring cold water on the windshield because the sudden temperature change can cause the break to expand immediately.
4. Avoid Using Your Defroster
Your defroster causes rapid heating and cooling of the windshield. This rapid temperature change can cause the air and/or moisture in the chip/break to rapidly expand and shrink and can result in a cracking making the chip/break unrepairable.
5. Avoid Bumps and Rough Roads
Going over bumps and driving on rough roads can cause the windshield to flex. Flexing can cause cracks to get larger and run. While not always possible, try to avoid rough roads and pay close attention for potholes and go extra slow when going over speed bumps or other rough areas to try to minimize the flexing to protect the chip/break from getting worse.
6. Plan the location
If we are coming to you, your technician will need to be able to access the vehicle from both sides of the car and from the inside. Ideally, an area where both doors can open without interference and the technician can access both sides of the vehicle without any issue. On trucks and SUVs, it may be necessary for our technician to use a step stool or ladder to access the chip/break. This will be done from one or both sides depending on the location of the chip/break.
7. Shaded Area
We typically try to avoid repairs in direct sunlight to prevent unnecessary heat on the chip/break and premature UV curing of the resin. If you don't have a shaded area like that, don't worry as we have tools that can help us block the UV rays from accessing the chip/break. On the day of the repair, our technician may politely ask you to reposition your car.
Well Lit Covered Area
If you have a well-covered area like a garage or even a parking garage, then we can perform the repair in less than ideal weather conditions. A well-lit area is preferred, but if that's not available, we can still perform the repair.
8. Inclement Weather
For mobile repairs, many are performed in parking lots or driveways. In the event of inclement weather, we will be in touch to discuss alternatives or to reschedule. Typically, we will contact you 24 hours or less to discuss options. When booking your service, if your planned repair location is covered or enclosed, such as a garage or parking deck, let us know.
Get Free Quote
Get on the schedule ASAP. Time is ticking. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of it spreading. You can call us at 678-390-2447 or you can book online. We do work with insurance, but we highly recommend contacting us prior to filing to claim to discuss the best way or if it is even worth filing a claim with insurance for a rock chip repair. To learn more about using an insurance claim to cover a rock chip, click here
2. Cover the Chip/Break
If inclement weather is forecasted prior to getting your windshield repaired, covering the chip/break with clear packing tape will help prevent water from getting into the chip/break. In addition, avoid washing your car until the break has been repaired. Once water is in the chip/break, the heating and cooling of the glass due to the sun or even your defroster can cause expansion of the moisture and air in the chip/break. This can result in the chip/break turning into a crack and potentially becoming unrepairable. Moisture in the break can also impact the quality of the final repair because water and moisture can contain dirt and other contaminants that can get trapped inside the break and can't be removed from the break. These will be visible in the final repair.
3. Avoid Parking In Direct Sun
Direct sun can cause the windshield to heat to very high temperatures. When temperatures are in the 80's, a windshield's surface temperature can approach and even exceed 150 degrees. These high temperatures actually weaken the glass and the weakness may allow the break to expand and crack out. In addition, avoid pouring cold water on the windshield because the sudden temperature change can cause the break to expand immediately.
4. Avoid Using Your Defroster
Your defroster causes rapid heating and cooling of the windshield. This rapid temperature change can cause the air and/or moisture in the chip/break to rapidly expand and shrink and can result in a cracking making the chip/break unrepairable.
5. Avoid Bumps and Rough Roads
Going over bumps and driving on rough roads can cause the windshield to flex. Flexing can cause cracks to get larger and run. While not always possible, try to avoid rough roads and pay close attention for potholes and go extra slow when going over speed bumps or other rough areas to try to minimize the flexing to protect the chip/break from getting worse.
6. Plan the location
If we are coming to you, your technician will need to be able to access the vehicle from both sides of the car and from the inside. Ideally, an area where both doors can open without interference and the technician can access both sides of the vehicle without any issue. On trucks and SUVs, it may be necessary for our technician to use a step stool or ladder to access the chip/break. This will be done from one or both sides depending on the location of the chip/break.
7. Shaded Area
We typically try to avoid repairs in direct sunlight to prevent unnecessary heat on the chip/break and premature UV curing of the resin. If you don't have a shaded area like that, don't worry as we have tools that can help us block the UV rays from accessing the chip/break. On the day of the repair, our technician may politely ask you to reposition your car.
Well Lit Covered Area
If you have a well-covered area like a garage or even a parking garage, then we can perform the repair in less than ideal weather conditions. A well-lit area is preferred, but if that's not available, we can still perform the repair.
8. Inclement Weather
For mobile repairs, many are performed in parking lots or driveways. In the event of inclement weather, we will be in touch to discuss alternatives or to reschedule. Typically, we will contact you 24 hours or less to discuss options. When booking your service, if your planned repair location is covered or enclosed, such as a garage or parking deck, let us know.
If you need rock chip repair in East Cobb, Woodstock, Marietta, Johns Creek, GA or surrounding area, call Wyndshyld Auto Glass today for a free quote
on your windshield repair!
Does your Mercedes-Benz need a windshield replacement? Learn 5 helpful facts you should know to ensure a smooth windshield replacement process.
Need a sunroof replacement? Learn 5 helpful facts to ensure a hassle-free replacement process.
Need a Ford F-150 windshield replacement? Learn 9 helpful facts every F-150 driver should know to ensure a smooth windshield replacement process.
Is your Chevy Silverado in need of a windshield replacement? Here are 9 helpful facts every Chevy Silverado driver should know before getting a windshield replacement.
Learn about the common features found in ADAS in our latest blog! You need to calibrate your ADAS in order for these functions to work properly.
Want to keep your windshield looking its best? Read about these 7 tips to avoid getting scratches in your windshield.
Learn about how professional windshield repairs benefit the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources.
Learn how a reliable auto glass company can help save your business time and money!
If you need windshield replacement in East Cobb, GA, learn about the full process by Wyndshyld Auto Glass. Get a free quote today!
Should you choose a corporate auto glass shop or local, family-owned & operated shop? Learn the differences to help you make the best decision for your needs.
