How big can a chip be and still be repaired?
As a rule of thumb, chips smaller than a quarter (about 1 inch across) and single cracks up to about 6 inches can be repaired. Bigger damage usually needs a new windshield.
A quarter is a handy test because you always have one. Hold it over the chip. If the damaged area, including any short legs coming off it, fits under the coin, repair is likely. Cracks are measured end to end.
Does the location of the damage matter?
Yes, as much as the size. Damage in the driver's direct view, at the edge of the glass, or in front of the camera usually means replacement even if it's small.
- Driver's line of sight. A repair fills the break with resin but often leaves a faint mark. Right in front of your eyes, that mark can cause distortion or glare. Many technicians won't repair there.
- At the edge. Cracks within a couple of inches of the edge weaken the glass where it bonds to the car. The windshield helps the roof and passenger airbag do their jobs, so edge damage is usually replaced.
- Camera or sensor area. Behind the mirror, where the forward camera looks through the glass, even a clean repair can blur the camera's view. Replacement and calibration are the safer choice.
Which types of damage can be repaired?
Most small, clean impacts repair well. Shattered or crushed areas and long or edge cracks don't.
| Damage type | What it looks like | Usually repairable? |
|---|---|---|
| Bullseye | Round, dark circle with a cone in the outer layer | Yes, if under quarter size |
| Star break | Short cracks radiating from the impact | Yes, if legs are short |
| Combination | Bullseye with star legs | Often, if the whole thing fits under a quarter |
| Half-moon | Partial bullseye | Yes |
| Short single crack | A line under about 6 inches | Often |
| Long crack | Over about 6 inches | No, replace |
| Edge crack | Starts at or reaches the edge | No, replace |
| Crushed or pitted area | Many tiny fractures or sand-blasted look | No, replace |
How many chips are too many?
Three or more chips, or chips close together, usually point toward replacement. Each repair leaves a small mark, and several marks in your view add up. Pitting from years of road grit on I-15 or Hwy 79 also causes glare at night that a repair can't fix.
If you have two or three small chips outside your view, they can usually be repaired in one visit. We charge $98 for the first and $25 for each extra chip at the same time.
Is there an industry standard for windshield repair?
Yes. The Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard, ROLAGS 002-2022, is the industry's best-practice standard for windshield repair. It is an American National Standard, and its ANSI listing says it covers which types of damage can be repaired, how the repair is done, how the repaired glass must perform, and how repair technicians should be trained.
The rule-of-thumb limits on this page are a simple version for drivers. A technician looking at the actual damage makes the final call.
Quick decision table: repair or replace?
Run through these questions. One "replace" answer is usually enough to tip the decision.
| Question | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Fits under a quarter, or crack under about 6 inches? | Yes | No |
| Outside the driver's direct line of sight? | Yes | No |
| At least a couple of inches from the edge? | Yes | No |
| Clear of the camera area behind the mirror? | Yes | No |
| Three or fewer chips, spread out? | Yes | No |
| Still a clean break, not crushed or spreading fast? | Yes | No |
Can an old chip still be repaired?
Often, but fresh chips repair best. Over time, dirt, water and car-wash soap get into the break and make it harder for the resin to fill it cleanly. Cover a new chip with clear tape and book the repair soon.
Is replacement always the safer choice?
No. A properly repaired windshield keeps the factory seal, which is a good bond already proven on your car. Repair also avoids calibration on camera-equipped cars, since the camera never moves. When the damage qualifies, repair is usually the better option.
What does a repair actually do?
A repair injects resin into the break, cures it with UV light and seals the surface. It takes about 30 minutes, stops the damage from spreading and makes it much less visible. It won't make the chip disappear completely. Most insurers waive the deductible for repairs, so check your policy.
Don't wait long. In summer, a chip that would have been repairable can crack overnight. See why rock chips spread in heat.
Need help?
Text us a photo with a coin next to the chip and we'll tell you whether it's a repair or a replacement. Get a quote, or read about rock chip repair and windshield replacement.