What to Do When a Stone Chips the Car's Windshield?
3 Answers
Assess the extent of the damage, then clean the area to be repaired thoroughly. Avoid using detergents or tap water to clean the damaged glass to prevent water from remaining on the repair site. Ensure the glass is level, then screw on the pressure cylinder. Align it with the bracket on the stand, secure it in position over the damaged area of the glass, extract the air from inside the chip, and then apply pressure. Observe the penetration status of the liquid from the inside of the glass. The solution should not be applied too much or too little. To speed up the flow of the repair resin, you can use a lighter to heat it. Wait for the liquid to fully penetrate, then remove the bracket. If it hasn't completely dried, apply another drop of resin and cover it with a new piece of transparent glass film to complete the repair.
Last month, I encountered the same issue—a tiny pit the size of a millet grain caused by a stone hit on the windshield. A professional glass repair friend told me that such minor damage needs immediate attention; otherwise, temperature changes or bumpy roads could cause it to crack. The repair process is straightforward and can be completed in about half an hour at a professional shop: first, clean the damaged area thoroughly, then fill it with special resin, which hardens under UV light, and finally polish it. The cost is only around 200-300 RMB, much more economical than replacing the entire glass. Remember not to use DIY repair kits bought online haphazardly, as improper handling might prevent the resin from penetrating and could worsen the damage. After repair, visibility won’t be affected, and the strength can be restored to about 90%. However, it’s crucial to repair it as soon as possible—after five days, dust contamination makes it harder to fix. Also, avoid using the wipers immediately on rainy days, as moisture seeping in could cause further trouble.
As someone who has been driving for ten years, I want to say: don't ignore small chips in your windshield. I once saw a colleague's car with a tiny chip the size of a sesame seed, which turned into a 20-centimeter-long crack within days, forcing him to spend 3,000 yuan to replace the entire windshield. My advice is to take a photo immediately and check with your insurance company—if you have glass coverage, the repair might be free. For a temporary fix, you can cover the chip with clear tape to prevent dust from getting into the cracks, but avoid using alcohol as it can worsen the damage. Experienced technicians can assess whether a chip is repairable based on its location: chips smaller than a 50-cent coin and more than three centimeters from the edge of the windshield can usually be fixed. If the crack has branches or has penetrated the laminated layer, don’t bother trying to repair it—just replace the glass. Before long trips, make sure to check if the repaired area is smooth, as high-speed wind pressure can easily cause old damage to reopen.
