When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, one aspect often overlooked is repairing rock chips on your auto glass. Many may think that a small chip or crack in their windshield or side windows is not a big deal and can be ignored. However, neglecting to get these chips repaired can lead to bigger problems down the road.
What Causes Rock Chips
Rock chips occur when small rocks or debris hit your vehicle's windshield or windows while driving. This is a common occurrence on highways or roads with loose gravel. These rocks can cause minor damage, such as small chips or cracks, but they can also lead to more serious issues if left unrepaired.
Potential Dangers of Ignoring Rock Chips
Decreased Visibility
A chip or crack in your windshield can obstruct your view while driving, especially when hit by sunlight or headlights. This can be dangerous and increase the risk of accidents.
Weakened Structural Integrity
Your windshield is an important part of your vehicle's structural integrity. A small chip or crack may not seem like a big deal, but it can weaken the overall strength of the glass, making it more susceptible to shattering in the event of an accident.
Further Damage
Over time, small chips or cracks can spread and become larger. This is due to changes in temperature, weather conditions, and even the vibrations from driving. If left unrepaired, what may have been a minor repair can turn into a full windshield replacement.
Benefits of Getting Rock Chips Repaired
Cost Savings
Repairing a small chip or crack is much more affordable than replacing an entire windshield. By taking care of the problem early on, you can avoid spending more money in the long run.
Safety
As mentioned earlier, ignoring rock chips can lead to decreased visibility and weakened structural integrity, putting you and your passengers at risk. Getting them repaired can help ensure the safety of everyone in the vehicle.
Environmentally Friendly
By repairing rather than replacing your windshield, you can help the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources.
How Rock Chip Repair Works
Rock chip repair is a relatively quick and easy process. A trained technician will inject a special resin into the damaged area, filling in the chip or crack and preventing it from spreading. The resin is then cured with UV light, making the repair almost invisible.
When to Get Rock Chips Repaired
Rock chips should be repaired as soon as possible. Even if they seem insignificant, they can quickly become bigger issues. It is best to address them early on before they become unrepairable.
Learn more from a company near you like Ambrosio's Auto Glass.
Having your windshield crack or chip can be pretty disheartening. Sometimes, you watch it happen, and you cringe as the crack grows longer and longer. Other times, you come outside to find that your windshield cracked while you were away from the car. In either case, you are now left with the responsibility of having it fixed. But actually, that's easier than you might think. You can just call a mobile repair service. They'll drive out to your car's location and fix it on the spot. Read more about these services here on this website so that the next time your windshield cracks, you're prepared.