The evolution of rock chip damage on an automotive windshield starts when rocks and debris hit the outside layer of the three-layer laminated windshield. Since there are three layers that make up the 3/8″ thick windshield, the outer layer of glass absorbs the energy of the rock hitting it by flexing inward. When the outer layer is flexed to the breaking point a scar will be produced from the impact in various shapes and sizes from a star with many little legs shooting in all directions to a target shaped bulls-eye.
The grade of the glass when the windshield is manufactured can make a huge difference in the outcome and the amount of damage left behind from the impact. Cheap, or should I say, inexpensive windshields are just that, cheep, and in the long run, will cost more if your auto glass is hit and chipped again. Repairing the original factory windshield has the best results when the right products are used to fill the damaged glass.
Many people wait too long to have a repair done because the factory glass has greater elasticity and strength to keep the chip from becoming an all out crack. But eventually that little chip will become larger and may cause you to have to replace it. When we repair original windshields that came with the auto, we can stop the progression of damage so well that it is hardly noticeable. But when a less quality windshield is used to replace the original repairs have to be done almost the same day the damage occurs to save them from “cracking out”. That is how a $150 windshield replacement just became a $300 capital expense.
Repair your original factory windshield as soon as possible by a reputable repair service that stands by their work and can produce a great looking repair that will reduce the visible damage. Successful chip repairs will still leave a slight scarring on the glass where the impact point was, but will save the windshield’s structure and keep the damage from spreading. Some chips will never continue to spread, but repairing the chip as soon as possible will help to restore the cosmetic appearance to your windshield and the value of your vehicle.
