Secure stone chips immediately - here's how.
A stone chip can quickly become a bigger problem. Learn how to properly secure the damage immediately and what steps are necessary for repair.
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A stone chip on the windshield is a common problem that many drivers experience. Although not every stone chip is an emergency, it should be checked promptly to avoid larger damages. In this article, you will learn how to properly handle a stone chip and which steps are important to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
What to do immediately after the stone chip?
Immediately after a stone chip, you should closely examine the affected area on the windshield. Check whether visibility is impaired or if cracks are forming. If visibility is restricted or parts of the glass are loosening, you should not continue using the vehicle until a professional has assessed the damage. If visibility is not impaired, you can cover the damaged area with a special stone chip patch to protect it from dirt and moisture. Avoid pressing on the impact or using unsuitable tape, as this can complicate future repairs.
How can you protect the damaged area until repair?
To protect the damaged area until professional assessment, it is important to keep it clean and dry. A transparent stone chip patch can help keep dirt and moisture away. Be careful not to put unnecessary stress on the area and avoid strong temperature changes that can cause stress in the glass. Hot air or cold water directly on the damaged area should be avoided, as well as car washes or strong pressure loads. These precautions help prevent the damage from worsening before it can be properly repaired.
When is a windshield replacement necessary?
Whether a windshield replacement is necessary depends on several factors. These include the location and type of damage, the depth, and possible crack formation. A small stone chip can often be repaired, but a larger crack or an unfavorable location of the damage may require a replacement of the glass. The decision will be made by the specialist after a thorough inspection of the vehicle. A windshield replacement usually takes about two hours of workshop time, followed by one hour of curing time before the vehicle can be moved again.
What role does insurance play in a stone chip?
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The billing of a stone chip damage is usually handled directly between the workshop and the insurance company. The customer only needs to pay their deductible. The damage report and billing are processed electronically, so no additional report is required from the customer. The insurance coverage and the amount of the deductible depend on the individual contract of the vehicle owner.
How is the calibration of the assistance systems carried out?
After a windshield replacement, it may be necessary to calibrate the driver assistance systems (ADAS) if the vehicle manufacturer requires it. This calibration is carried out at KS Autoglas Zentrum Elmshorn in-house and not by a third party. Generally, after a stone chip repair, calibration is not required unless specified by the manufacturer. Calibration is an important step to ensure that the assistance systems continue to function correctly and the safety of the vehicle is ensured.
What should be considered when scheduling an appointment?
For scheduling an appointment for the repair or replacement of the windshield, some information is helpful. This includes a photo of the damaged area, vehicle data, the license plate, and information about any existing front cameras or sensors. This information makes it easier for the workshop to prepare for the repair. During the work, a free loan vehicle (car) is available if available. Vans, trucks, or motorhomes cannot be offered as replacement vehicles. The repair is carried out exclusively at the workshop in Elmshorn; mobile repairs on-site are not possible.
Frequently asked questions on this topic
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Keep the damaged area dry and avoid washing the vehicle. Do not touch the impact and protect it with a stone chip patch or a transparent protective film. Schedule an appointment for inspection as soon as possible.
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A repair is possible if only the outer layer of the glass is damaged, the impact is limited, and there are no longer cracks present. Damage in the field of vision or near the edge is evaluated particularly carefully, as it can affect stability and visibility.
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Postponing can lead to dirt and moisture entering, which complicates the repair. Cracks can suddenly appear, turning a short workshop appointment into a complicated glass replacement. An early inspection provides clarity on the next steps.
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A stone chip on the windshield is often covered by partial comprehensive insurance. However, the coverage depends on your individual contract and the deductible. Document the damage and have your insurance information ready to facilitate the processing.
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Avoid filling the stone chip with home remedies or sealing it yourself, as this can complicate professional repairs. Intensive cleaning or visiting a car wash is also not advisable before the inspection. Have the situation assessed by a professional.
Glass damage? We help you immediately.
Report damage online in under 2 minutes – we handle the insurance directly for you.
Emergency? Also available by phone outside of business hours – 24/7.
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