When it comes to snacks, not all chips are the same.
When it comes to cars, the same is true.
Rock chips in windshields are a common problem and it’s something drivers should not ignore, notes Ramon Goquingco, manager at Kirmac Collision and Autoglass in North Vancouver.
Even a small chip can spread, and it’s difficult to predict if or when a small chip will grow into a large crack.
“There’s just no way for us to guarantee how quickly it can start spreading,” says Goquingco.
He recommends getting any chip checked by a body shop technician to discuss options for repair or replacement.
Changes in temperature can affect chips, so getting chips fixed before winter sets in is especially important. Putting on your car’s heater in cold winter temperatures can cause a chip to continue spreading across the entire windshield.
Just because winter is over, however, doesn’t mean drivers should ignore chips. The size of a chip and its location can determine if the chip can be filled or the windshield has to be replaced.
In general, a chip that is smaller than a toonie can be filled, explains Goquingco. But it also depends on the location of the chip.
Windshield glass is different than the glass on side and back windows. The windshield consists of layers of glass with a urethane cover so it does not shatter on impact. Goquingco explains that because of its design, there is no danger of a cracked windshield falling in on a driver, but it can pose other risks.
Chips and cracks in a driver’s line of sight could affect safe driving and should be fixed.
But filling a chip is not a perfect fix. Although it is clear, a filled crack is still visible at certain angles, so depending on the location of the crack may not be the right option if it interferes with the driver’s ability to see properly.
Cracks closer to the edge of the windshield are more risky to fix because the windshield is weaker at those points. Part of a fill repair includes applying pressure to the windshield to push resin into the crack so there is a possibility the windshield will crack, explains Goquingco. That’s something clients have to discuss with their repair technician and weigh their options. “Usually the safer ones to fix are closer to the middle,” says Goquingco.
Multiple chips in a windshield can also be a concern. Goquingco says a replacement is often recommended for a windshield that has had more than three or four chips filled because multiple chips can affect the overall integrity of the windshield.
Goquingco says rock chips are common repair but certain vehicles tend to get more rock chips than others. Those with flat windshields tend to get more chips because the rocks don’t bounce off.
And while the majority of chips are due to rocks, Goquingco says they have had cases in which windshields have been damaged due to vandalism or people accidentally dropping things on their car.
“Don’t ignore it. At least get to a body shop to get the information to make a decision,” he says about chips.
And while a replacement windshield may be the best option, it can be pricey with costs ranging from $200 to $500. Kirmac will fill windshield chips for donations to their children’s hospital fund.
