Anyone who drives I-15 between Temecula and Lake Elsinore knows the sound. A gravel truck, a construction zone, and then a sharp crack on the glass. The next 24 hours decide whether that chip stays a cheap repair or turns into a new windshield.
What should I do right after a rock hits my windshield?
Keep driving safely, then look at the damage once you're parked. Don't pull over on the freeway shoulder just to inspect a small chip.
When you're stopped, check three things:
- Size. Is it smaller than a quarter, about 1 inch across?
- Location. Is it in your direct line of sight, or near the edge of the glass?
- Cracks. Are there lines running out from the impact point?
Take a photo with a coin next to the chip for scale. That photo is also all we need to give you a price.
Should I put tape on a windshield chip?
Yes. A piece of clear packing tape over the chip keeps dirt and water out of the break. Dirt in the chip makes the repair look worse afterward, because the resin can't fill a dirty break as cleanly.
Don't use super glue, nail polish or a store-bought kit before you call a shop. Those can seal dirt in and make a proper repair harder.
What makes a fresh chip spread?
Stress on the glass. A chip is a weak spot, and anything that bends the glass or changes its temperature fast can push a crack out from it.
- Temperature swings. Blasting the A/C on a hot windshield, or the defroster on a cold one. Valley afternoons are warm and nights are cool, even in fall. Read more in why rock chips spread in heat.
- Bumps and potholes. Rough roads and speed bumps flex the body and the glass.
- Slamming doors. The pressure change and jolt can be enough.
- Car washes. High-pressure water and cold rinse on warm glass are a bad mix.
For the next day or two, keep the cabin at a moderate temperature, close doors gently and skip the car wash.
Can the chip be repaired or does the windshield need replacing?
Most fresh chips can be repaired. The rule of thumb is a chip smaller than a quarter, or a crack under about 6 inches, that isn't in the driver's direct line of sight or at the edge of the glass.
| Damage | Usually |
|---|---|
| Chip under 1 inch, away from the edge | Repair |
| Crack under about 6 inches | Often repair |
| Damage in the driver's line of sight | Replace |
| Crack reaching the edge of the glass | Replace |
| Several chips or a long, spreading crack | Replace |
Our repair or replace guide goes deeper. If replacement is needed, see windshield replacement.
How much does rock chip repair cost?
Our rock chip repair starts at $98 for the first chip and $25 for each additional chip on the same visit. Industry guides put chip repair at $50 to $150 in most markets.
If you have comprehensive coverage, many insurers cover chip repair. Check your policy, or ask us and we'll help you sort it out through insurance claims.
How fast should I get it fixed?
Within a day or two if you can. The longer a chip sits, the more dirt and moisture work into it and the more chances it has to crack. A repair takes about 30 minutes, and we come to you, so it can happen in your driveway or work parking lot.
Is it legal to drive with a chipped windshield in California?
A small chip usually isn't a legal problem. California Vehicle Code 26710 targets windshields so damaged that they impair the driver's view. A long crack across your line of sight is a different story. See the cracked windshield law.
The short version
Tape it, keep the temperature steady, go easy on the doors, and get it repaired soon. Text a photo of the chip to (951) 364-2300 with your vehicle and ZIP code, and we'll reply with a price.
Other things that crack windshields around here: Santa Ana winds and a hot defroster on a cold morning.