ALL ABOUT STONE CHIPS

Stone chips are most frequently caused by a rock being kicked up at your vehicle by another vehicle in front of you. A good way to avoid stone chips is to keep your distance on the road. Stay back a few car lengths from the vehicle in front of you. If you have to follow a construction truck you should exercise even more caution because these large trucks are often loosing debris and rocks from the back without even knowing it. You should plan your route so as to avoid construction as much as possible. If you have to go through a construction zone then you should take your time and go as slowly as possible. In a construction zone it is possible for trucks and other equipment to kick up dust, rocks and other debris that can be damaging to your windshield.

When to repair a stone chip

You should always repair a stone chip as soon after it happens as possible. You don’t want to allow any time for dirt or other grime to settle in the chip because then it will make repairing it more difficult. It is best to get to astone chip repair Toronto company to have a look at your vehicle within a week of the stone chip occurring. You want to ensure the stone chip doesn’t spread and turn into a crack. You will also want to try to avoid water getting into the chip because it can cause any dirt to become caked into the chip. Sometimes the only option when it comes to a stone chip is replacement. This is only likely to happen if the stone chip is in your direct line of sight and repairing it would not properly restore the windshield to a safe condition. You should always check with the Auto Glass Changers shop about whether a repair is possible. Repairs are definitely better because you can keep your original windshield and maintain the factory seal on it. They are also less costly than a full windshield replacement.

How are windshields repaired?

Most repairs when done properly by a trained technician in the Toronto auto glass area can result in 80-95% improvement in visibility depending on the initial damage done. High quality equipment is used to remove air from the stone chip and a resin is used to fill in the space. This resin is strong enough to reinforce the glass and will also allow you to still see through the repair spot properly. It is best to have a professional repair your windshield because they know how much pressure can be applied to the glass without it breaking. They also have the proper tools to do a great job of repairing your windshield. You shouldn’t attempt to repair your windshield yourself if you aren’t sure what you are doing. It is best to leave this to the experts.

Types of Stone Chips

There are various types of stone chips that can happen to your vehicle. By knowing the types you can know what to tell your insurance company or auto glass company when you call them. A bull’s eye is a circular shaped chip out of your windshield. A star break is a crack that has a centre at the impact spot with lines extending from it. A floater crack is a crack that occurs in the middle or away from the edges of your windshield. An edge crack is a crack that occurs near the edge of the windshield. A chip is usually the term used to describe when a chunk is missing from the glass with no surrounding damage. A stone break is the damage that occurs if you don’t have a chip repaired. It is damage spreading out from the point of impact. Any quality Mississauga auto glass shop should be able to identify the type of damage you have and how it can best be repaired.

Insurance

When you get a stone chip you can definitely look into going through your insurance provider to cover the cost. Many insurance companies will waive the deductible if you are getting a stone chip repair done rather than a replacement. You should ensure that before you put a claim through you understand how it will impact your policy and coverage going forward. Will this claim increase your premiums? If so, it may be best to cover the cost yourself. Many professional auto glass shops are experienced with dealing with insurance companies. They will know the information that your insurance provider will need to process your claim. You can also check with your insurance for recommendations for auto glass places in your area that are good to deal with. Your insurance company will likely have a list of a few excellent service providers. You will want to watch out for companies that are all too eager to talk you into having work done by saying that it will be covered through your insurance. They may be trying to take advantage of the fact that you have insurance and will inflate the amount of the repair costs just because they feel they can. Most places are honest, but you need to be aware that insurance fraud happens quite often and you should be able to tell when a company isn’t being straightforward with you. If you have questions immediately after you get a stone chip it is often best to call your insurance provider first to talk it over. They will know whether or not making a claim is in your best interest. Many North York auto glass repair shops will be familiar with insurance companies and what details they need to ensure you have on your receipt to provide to your insurance.

Windshield Protection

When you are buying a new vehicle you can request an extra coating of windshield protection. This is an add-on and will cost you a bit more but may be worth it if you drive in an area with a lot of construction. You will want to talk to your car dealer about this option. Window tint can also offer some protection from stone chips and other debris. It also has the added benefit of keeping your car cooler and protecting your windshield in general.

Mobile Stone Chip Repair

You may be wondering if mobile stone chip repair is a good option for you. Many auto glass companies now offer this convenient service. It is only useful when the weather is good and clear. It cannot be done in the rain. You will also need to make sure your vehicle is accessible by the technician coming out to do the repair. It is best not to have your vehicle in a crowded parking lot or other busy place. Mobile stone chip repair is a great option though because it saves you from having to take the time out of your busy schedule to take your car into a shop. You will want to ensure you are only having a mobile service done by a company that also has an established store location. This will ensure you are using a reputable company. You will want to check and see if there are any special instructions the company has for you before they come out to work on your windshield.