Statistically, 4 out of 5 damaged windshields can be repaired rather than replaced. Chip repair is fast, affordable, and when done correctly, stops the damage from spreading and restores structural integrity to the glass. But how do you know if it actually worked? Here’s what to look for.
What Happens During a Windshield Chip Repair
A chip repair works by injecting a clear resin into the damaged area. The resin fills the void left by the impact, is cured with UV light, and then polished smooth. The goal is to restore structural integrity and prevent the chip from spreading into a crack, not necessarily to make the damage invisible. Small chips can become nearly undetectable after a good repair. Larger chips or star-shaped damage may remain faintly visible up close, even after a successful job.
Signs Your Windshield Repair Was Successful
Once the repair is complete, inspect the area closely in good lighting. A successful repair will show:
- No cloudiness or milky appearance in the repaired area
- No air bubbles, which indicate the resin didn’t fully bond
- A smooth surface with no rough edges or protrusions
- No visible broken glass fragments remaining in the chip
- The chip or crack is not spreading or growing after the repair
Signs the Repair May Not Have Held
If you notice any of the following in the days after a repair, the job may not have been done correctly or the damage may have been too extensive to repair:
- The chip looks cloudy or white rather than clear
- The crack has continued to spread beyond where it was at the time of repair
- The surface feels rough or uneven to the touch
- Water is getting into the repaired area
If any of these apply, replacement is likely the right next step. Once resin has cured and hardened, it can’t be removed and redone. A repair that didn’t hold cannot be fixed with a second injection.
When Repair Isn’t an Option
Not every chip qualifies for repair. Damage that’s larger than a quarter, located at the edge of the glass, directly in the driver’s line of sight, or that has already spread into a crack typically requires full windshield replacement rather than a repair attempt. Acting quickly after a chip appears gives you the best chance of a successful repair outcome, since temperature changes, moisture, and road vibration can cause even small chips to crack further within days.
A Note on ADAS Calibration
If your vehicle requires a full windshield replacement rather than a repair, keep in mind that most modern vehicles have cameras and sensors mounted to or near the windshield that need to be recalibrated after the glass is replaced. At Ace Glass, ADAS calibration is included on every replacement that requires it, at no additional charge.
Questions About Your Repair?
If you had a chip repaired at Ace Glass and have questions about the outcome, call us at (804) 379-3368 or stop by the shop at 11605 Busy St., Richmond, VA 23236. If the repair didn’t hold, the cost is credited toward a full windshield chip repair or replacement. We stand behind our work with a lifetime no-leak warranty on all windshield installations.