It is one of the most common types of damage in Australia road traffic – stone chips. Even the most careful motorist is not safe from this type of damage. Glass damage caused by a stone chip can occur entirely through no fault of your own. Trucks or other cars driving ahead can, for example, whirl up rolling grit and cause damage to your vehicle’s windshield. But also in winter, when the roads are full of grit to prevent accidents, glass damage occurs again and again.
Especially on highways or expressways, the smallest stones can quickly cause fractures and small craters in the windshield due to the high impact speed. This is annoying damage that, if left untreated, can lead to consequential damage and safety impairments to your car window. It is therefore advisable to quickly call in a specialist auto glass repair shop, assess the damage and take appropriate action.
Stone chip damage – what can be repaired?
Stone chips on the windshield cause damage to the car glass and should be repaired as soon as possible. In daily use, your car windshield is exposed to high stresses; e.g. from driving wind, precipitation of various kinds and vibrations from potholes. Moisture and air can cause dull spots to appear on the windshield around the impact holes.
Some damage can be quickly repaired with an auto glass repair. However, for this to happen, the damage must meet some conditions: Only damage to the outer surface of the window can be repaired. The plastic film between the two panes, must not have any damage. The damage must not be larger than 5 mm and must not be in the edge zone of your pane (=10 cm from the edge of the glass). If the damage is very close to the edge of your windshield, it can negatively affect the stability and thus lead to the replacement of the entire windshield.
Damage is always annoying, it costs time and usually money. But don’t worry, in the case of glass damage caused by stone chips, your partial or comprehensive insurance will usually pay all the costs. In addition, there is only the contractually agreed deductible. In any case, inform your insurance company before the repair to clarify details and thus be on the safe side.
Damage to glass panes – quick help in case of emergency
As a rule, the repair of a stone chip damage is completely uncomplicated and can be done quickly at a specialist workshop such as BS Autoglas in Perth. If a damage should not be to be repaired once immediately, then windows can be exchanged. A car glazier also replaces windshields and thus maintains the safety and value of your car. Of course, damage to the rear of your car can also occur and be repaired in the same way. A
Many auto repair shops that offer auto glass repairs use special resin adhesives. The corresponding notch in the glass is filled with special resin using a vacuum process and cured by UV light.
Damage can of course also occur to the side and rear windows. This is usually caused by accidents, break-ins or deliberate vandalism. These panes usually have to be replaced.
When is it necessary to replace the entire windshield?
Sometimes, in the case of more severe damage or wear and tear, only a complete replacement of the damaged pane is possible. If there is glass damage that is larger than a $2 coin, ask your auto glazier about a possible replacement of the entire surface. In addition, a replacement of the pane becomes necessary if a crack is visible on the windshield as a result of the stone chip. Even if the stone chip is in the driver’s field of vision or the film inside the car window is damaged, a replacement of the window is necessary. According to road traffic regulations, no repair may take place in the so-called driver’s field of vision (field defined as a 29 cm wide strip starting from the center of the steering wheel).
For auto glass repairs, the following applies: the repair is considered successful when 70% of the damaged area has been visually repaired through the use of measures. Contact the auto repair shop you trust and quickly get rid of the annoying problem.
