Avoid four mistakes after a stone chip.
After a stone chip, quick action is crucial to avoid further damage. Learn about the four common mistakes you should avoid to protect your windshield.
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Table of Contents
A stone chip on the windshield can happen quickly and is annoying, but it is important to respond correctly to avoid larger damages. In this guide, we clarify which mistakes you should definitely avoid after a stone chip to ensure the safety of your vehicle and avoid unnecessary costs.
Why should you not ignore a stone chip?
A stone chip should not be ignored as it can quickly develop into a larger crack. Due to vibrations while driving or temperature fluctuations, the glass can crack further, which compromises safety and may necessitate the replacement of the entire windshield. Early repair is often easier and more cost-effective than a complete replacement. Additionally, an untreated stone chip can be flagged during a traffic control or main inspection if it is in the driver's field of vision. Therefore, it is advisable to have the damage assessed by a professional workshop immediately to clarify the repair options.
Can you assess yourself whether a repair is possible?
The assessment of whether a stone chip can be repaired should not be done independently, as it depends on several factors. These include the type of damage, its location on the glass, whether it is in the driver's field of vision, how close it is to the edge of the glass, and whether there are already cracks present. The construction of the glass also plays a role. Professionals in an auto glass workshop can best evaluate these criteria and decide whether a repair or replacement is necessary. A wrong assessment can lead to an inadequate repair that compromises safety.
How can you avoid further damage from temperature changes?
To avoid further damage from temperature changes, strong temperature fluctuations on the damaged glass should be avoided. This means that in summer, the air conditioning should not be set to the highest level, and in winter, the heating should not be directed straight at the glass. Rinsing the glass with hot water during frost can also lead to cracks. Such temperature differences can increase the stress in the glass and expand the stone chip into a crack. Therefore, it is important to regulate the temperature in the vehicle slowly and evenly to protect the glass.
Why is it important to keep the damage area clean and dry?
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The damage area should be kept clean and dry to ensure a successful repair. Dirt and moisture can penetrate the stone chip and impair the adhesion of the repair material. This can reduce the quality of the repair or even make it impossible. To avoid this, the area should be covered as much as possible, for example with a stone chip protection sticker or a piece of clear tape. This prevents dirt and water from entering until the repair can be carried out.
What role does insurance play in the repair?
Insurance plays an important role in the repair of stone chips, as it often covers the costs. The billing usually occurs directly between the workshop and the insurance, so the customer only has to pay their deductible. However, it is important to note that the coverage of costs depends on the individual insurance contract and the damage case. The workshop in Elmshorn electronically transmits the damage data to the insurance, which simplifies the process for the customer. An additional report by the customer is not required and does not change the billing.
What should be considered during a windshield replacement?
During a windshield replacement, several factors must be considered to ensure the safety and functionality of the vehicle. First, the appropriate windshield for the vehicle must be selected, which depends on the vehicle brand and model. The bonding of the new windshield must be carried out professionally, and a curing time of about one hour must be observed before the vehicle can be moved. For vehicles with driver assistance systems, calibration is also required, which is carried out in-house at the workshop in Elmshorn. During the repair, a free loan vehicle (car) is available, subject to availability, which increases comfort for the customer.
Frequently asked questions on this topic
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The most common mistake is to simply keep driving after a stone chip and wait. This can lead to the damage worsening due to vibrations or temperature changes, making repairs impossible. Quick action is crucial to avoid further damage.
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It is important not to assess the damage yourself. Factors such as the size, position, and depth of the stone chip, as well as possible secondary cracks, play a role. A professional assessment is necessary, especially for modern vehicles with assistance systems.
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Extreme temperatures can worsen stone chips. Hot water in winter or cold air in summer can create stresses in the glass that cause a crack. It is important to protect the windshield from such stresses until it has been inspected.
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Dirt and moisture can penetrate the stone chip and complicate the repair. A clean and dry area is crucial for a successful repair. Therefore, the damage should be inspected quickly and protected from further contamination.
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Check immediately whether the stone chip affects visibility or if a crack has already formed. Have the damage assessed by a professional in a timely manner and avoid strong temperature fluctuations as well as unnecessary stress on the glass until the appointment.
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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