A small stone chip, barely bigger than a pinhead. You’re tempted to ignore it, right? But is that really smart? What happens if a stone chip smaller than 1mm is left untreated?
As car repair experts at Autorepairaid.com, we’ve seen many windshields severely damaged by small stone chips. Let’s find out together if your small chip is a cause for concern.
Small But Dangerous: Why Windshield Chips Should Be Taken Seriously
“A stone chip smaller than 1mm is barely visible,” many think. That might be true, but don’t be fooled! Even the smallest crack in the windshield can become dangerous.
Imagine you’re driving on the highway and the car in front suddenly brakes hard. The vibration can turn that tiny chip into a large crack – in the worst case, right before your eyes. The windshield’s stability is compromised, and in an emergency, it no longer offers protection.
Close-up of a small stone chip on a car windshield while driving
The Catch with Small Damages: When to Repair a Stone Chip Smaller Than 1mm
Not every stone chip needs immediate repair. The rule of thumb is: the sooner, the better.
Small stone chips that don’t go deeper than the top layer of glass can often be repaired with a special resin. This resin hardens under UV light and makes the windshield stable again.
However, if the chip is deeper or located in the driver’s line of sight, a repair is often no longer possible. Then the entire windshield must be replaced.
The Stone Chip Cost Trap: Repair vs. New Windshield
Of course, the cost factor also plays a role. A stone chip repair is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire windshield.
But be careful: if you ignore the small chip, a small damage can quickly become a big problem. A crack in the windshield can become a safety risk and, in the worst case, cause an accident.
Technician repairing a stone chip on a car windshield in a workshop
Got a Stone Chip? Here’s What to Do!
A stone chip smaller than 1mm may seem insignificant, but it can have big consequences. Therefore, it’s important to act quickly.
Our Recommendation:
- Document the damage: Take photos of the chip and note the date.
- Protect the damage: Apply clear tape over the chip to prevent dirt and debris from entering.
- Visit a workshop: Have the damage assessed by a professional.
- Act fast: The sooner the damage is repaired, the better.
Do you have more questions about stone chips or need help with a repair? Contact us at Autorepairaid.com. Our car repair experts are here to help!
More Questions About Windshield Chips:
- How much does stone chip repair cost?
- Does insurance cover stone chip repair costs?
- Can you repair a stone chip yourself?
- What types of stone chips are there?
You can also find more information about stone chip repair in our article “[Link to another article on autorepairaid.com]”.
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