How big should my chip on windscreen get before I need to worry about it?

Question

Ok so I have a very tiny chip on my windscreen. When I say tiny, I mean really tiny like you wouldn't even notice it. People keep telling me that chips eventually crack and so on... But do I need to worry about it yet as it honestly is so small? Thanks.

Answer 1

If it has a crack running from the chip then you need it looked as ASAP and fixed before it spreads and you need a new screen. The fix will delay that happening. If there are no cracks coming from the chip then you should be fine to leave it.

Answer 2

Stone Chip Windscreen

Answer 3

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Answer 4

It really depends on the type and size of the chip. The glass industry states that chips larger than a dime cannot usually be successfully repaired. More importantly, it is the type of chip that determines whether it can be repaired successfully. Damage with cracks radiating from them are the most likely to require repairing. If left unattended, these cracks will likely grow longer due to vibration and/or temperature changes. Most newer vehicles use the windshield as part of the structural integrity of the vehicle, so when a crack reaches an edge, this is now compromised. The vehicle is not only unsafe to drive but it may affect your insurance coverage. You may also be able to be ticketed and fined from the authorities for operating a vehicle in unsafe condition.

A tiny chip with no cracks that is not located in the "critical area" [ the area in front of the driver's face ] could be left unrepaired. However, if you receive more damage in the future, it is a good Idea to cover the damage immediately with clear tape [ I always carry a small roll of scotch tape in the glove box ] to keep out dirt and contaminants. Unless the damaged area is clean, the dirt will turn black and will always be visible after the repair is made.

Answer 5

Truly tiny chips, like small enough to hide with a pencil eraser, normally are just on the surface and do not go deep enough to crack out. Once the crack extends to the laminate layer they are time bombs - they can spread rapidly if the windshield is rapidly cooled (even facing a sunset can do it).



Here in Arizona rock chips are facts of life. Most windshields will pick up a handful of chips before the windshield has to be replaced. There are probably dozens more too small to be seen. I had a windshield crack when my wife's Toyota was under warranty. The service writer followed procedure and ran a ballpoint pen along the crack. It caught in a little pit and the service writer told me it was not a warranty job, it was a matter for my insurance because it was from rock damage.

Answer 6

I'm guessing the damage you have described is on the surface of the glass and has not extended through to the vinyl interlayer, in which case, it is more of a cosmetic issue rather than a structural one.



To err on the side of caution, stick a small square of clear adhesive tape over the damage until you can have a professional look at it. If the damage is 'deeper', the tape will help keep moisture and contaminants out of the break which will make for a better repair.



There are a lot of companies that will take advantage of your situation. If you like, take a picture of the damage (place a small coin next to it which will also help focus and perspective) and send it to me. I should be able to tell from this and advise you accordingly. The address can be found on the 'Contact Us' page: www.glasstecauto.co.uk. The advice is free and there is no obligation whatsoever.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

How big should my chip on windscreen get before I need to worry about it?

Ok so I have a very tiny chip on my windscreen. When I say tiny, I mean really tiny like you wouldn't even notice it. People keep telling me that chips eventually crack and so on... But do I need to worry about it yet as it honestly is so small? Thanks.

Answer 8

Lots of answers but no right ones. IF the chip is in the eye line of the driver then depending on the size it could be an MOT failure. BUT, most chips will be repaired by your Insurance policy free of charge if you have Comprehensive Insurance. Phone them for the name of their recommended repairer.



If you don't have Comprehensive Insurance then the normal charge for filling in the chip is about £25:00 anyway.



I would get it done as any weakness in the windscreen could become a problem.

Answer 9

I go to one of those places that fixes chips for 35 bucks because I know that windshields are actually under stress when put in the frame and are constantly flexing and shiftinng and expanding when heated and contracting when cold and if it starts to crack you are now driving a comprimised dangerous windshield . People do not realize that once a crack begins the window is no longer safe from even minor impacts its been weakened and what happens is the crack will get worse. if you seal the chip before it flexes enough to crack it will last for awhile even if hit again. Its up to you its the pay a bit now or pay a whole lot more later. good luck its your choice. But me having driven hundereds of thousands of miles and had a dozen or so different windshields get a rock chip a vulture strike and other things bust windows mirrors and windshiled wipers from a hard hit Im not taking any chances I fix the little chips so they dont get bigger for another several years.if at all

Answer 10

Here's chapter & verse from the MOT handbook. http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_830.htm



I'd be wary about getting it fixed, they don't always crack.

Certain windscreen companies who advertise on TV and whose name rhymes with 'bigfatass' have a tendency to come out and deliberately break it so they can charge your insurance for a new one, which they conveniently just happen to have in the van....



If it's a really small chip, just wait and see. One of my cars has had a chip a good 6-7mm across since I bought it 3 years ago.

Answer 11

You need to get it repaired now. With a chip in your windscreen your car is deemed to be unroadworthy.

Answer 12

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Answer 13

Wash the chip site inside and out, and then put a daub of clear nail polish both inside and out and you'll not have to worry about it spreading.

Answer 14

i have a chip in my screen ..been there 5 years ..same size ..

Answer 15

small chip not mot failure only advisory note .it may stay ok for years ,.but not dear to fix .simple fix ok .

Answer 16

Deal with it at once. The chip represents a serious weak spot that even a pothole can turn into a shattered screen.The chip filling process will prevent this from happening. Even a small chip is an MOT failure.

Answer 17

It is cheaper, and better to get it fixed now. IT will save you a lot of heartache in the future. answer mine https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20130112051021AABPlLZ

Answer 18

I just took my wind shield out it seems to run fine. I do keep getting bugs in my teeth but I think that's unrelated.

Answer 19

Why would you wait for it to get bigger? Just get it dealt with ASAP.