Training
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIXING A ROCK CHIP
(Performing a Windshield Repair)
When you fix a damaged windshield, your customer is safer. Few know that the windshield is one of the strongest parts of the vehicle and a main contributor to driver safety in an accident. It’s also very easy to fix when the damage is small.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROCK CHIPS
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BULL EYE
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STAR
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HALF MOON
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COMBINATION
Nearly all insurance companies are happy to pay for rock chip repairs in an effort to save money later. It’s cheaper to fix a chip than to replace a windshield. If the repair is smaller than a dollar bill, it can be covered by insurance. If you're using our insurance processing services for windshield repair, simply send us the invoice and we will process the claim. For each type of damage the process is nearly the same.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WINDSHIELDS
Windshields are made of 3 layers (see image to the right). There are two layers of glass (inner and outer), held together by a sticky plastic layer. This way, in the event of a wreck or windshield damage, a windshield doesn’t shatter, making it safer for drivers. When an object hits the windshield, it shatters through the outer glass, creating a break - or an air gap. Substances and weather changes easily expand and contract within the air gap, causing it to crack further. Repairing the windshield prevents the cracks from spreading and damaging the entire windshield.
PERFORMING A WINDSHIELD REPAIR
Step 1
Clear out the center of the chip.
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Option 1: Use a pick (small pointed device). Most chips will fill by simply picking out the impact point with a pick. We recommend doing this first, and using option 2 (drill) as a backup for more difficult repairs.
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Option 2: Use a rock chip repair drill. The purpose of the drill is to clear out the chip, not to drill through the glass. This means let the drill do the work and don’t force it. To drill, simply place your hands firmly on the windshield with the drill cradled in both hands (see image to the right). Start by drilling the center of the chip at an angle, then quickly adjust so the drill is standing upright (see image to the right). Let the weight of the drill and the drill itself do the work. Stop when the drill is no longer progressing or when you pop through the first layer of the windshield.
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Purpose:
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Drilling opens up the chip so the liquid resin can fill all the cracks.
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NOTES:
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Drill bits will last 6-8 uses, then will need to be replaced. You’ll notice it becoming less effective.
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FEAR:
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Drilling through the windshield. For most of us, this is the scariest part of the repair during our training. Don’t worry, it’s nearly impossible to drill through the windshield. In the improbable event that it does happen, simply repair the inside just as you would the outside. The repair will be equally as strong.
Step 2
Place the bridge over the chip.
Step 3
Inject resin into the chip.
ext, slowly tighten the piston to begin injecting resin. When you start to feel pressure or see resin coming out of the bottom of the chamber, stop. Let the pressure slowly push resin into the cracks. If it appears to have stopped progressing, slowly loosen the piston ½ turn. This will pull out some of the air in the chip. Then tighten the screw back to where it was and a ½ turn more. Repeat this process until the chip is filled.
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TIP:
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Be patient. Injecting resin doesn’t happen immediately. Look at the crack lines and you’ll see it’s working, even with very little pressure. It can take 30 seconds to a minute for the resin to fill.
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TIP:
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Use a lighter. If the resin doesn’t seem to be progressing, apply a lighter underneath the chip (inside the car) for a few seconds, any more and you may melt the plastic layer in the middle. This will heat the resin and the air, allowing the resin to fill the chip a bit easier.
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TIP:
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The o-rings (on the piston) and the end seal (on the chamber) will last between 30 and 40 uses. Look for signs of wear and tear like cracking and stretching.
Step 4
Remove the bridge.
Step 5
Fill the pit.
Step 6
Cure the resin.
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Now place the UV light over the chipped area. Let sit for 2 minutes or until resin is hard. Remove the curing square.
Step 7
Create a smooth surface.
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With a razor blade, scrape the surface of the windshield to remove excess resin. The razor blade should not be at an angle, but straight up and down to avoid scraping out the pit. Scrape back and forth rapidly, changing directions, until the surface is smooth.