1.
Should I have my rock chip repaired?
In almost all cases you should have it repaired unless:
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the rock chip is in the driver's line of sight, |
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is over one year old or
it has already been repaired. |
After the rock chip appears, do not put anything on the
windshield except water or window cleaner. You may be tempted to apply
cleansers, rain repellents, soap, baby oil, foreign chemicals, glue, vinegar,
finger nail polish, or other "home remedies", but these products will only make
it more difficult to repair.
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2.
Will my rock chip ever form a crack?
The possibility of your rock chip forming into a crack is greater now if not
repaired. But if you repair the rock chip before it turns into a crack it will
not spread under normal conditions. A rock chip could form a crack if there is a
drastic change in temperature (ex. washing you car on a very hot day with cold
water) or if internal or external stress occurs to the windshield.
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3. What is
windshield repair?
Windshield repair is a process that utilizes modern technology to repair
rather than replace a damaged windshield. Repairing a damaged windshield makes
sense for several reasons:
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It saves money by
preventing the need for costly replacement |
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It's very convenient. |
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It does not affect the
integrity of the original factory seal since the glass is never removed. |
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You also keep your
original quality glass. |
Windshield repair can avoid costly windshield
replacement, when possible, at a fraction of the replacement cost. The repair
provides a strong bond that prevents further cracks and improves the cosmetic
appearance.
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4.
What kind of damage can be repaired?
Stone damage or stone "chips" up to the size of a 50 cent piece, as well as
single long cracks up to a length of
24 inches can be repaired. Best results are obtained if the repair is done
before the damaged area is contaminated from washing or inclement weather. A
rock chip is usually round or star shaped and may have lines radiating from the
center. It has a black or silver color to it.
Bullseye |
Combination |
Half-Bullseye |
Beeswing |
Star |
Hint: If your rock chip looks like a white speck in the
glass and has no dark areas, then this should not be repaired. It is only
a nick.
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5.
How is a damaged windshield repaired?
Basically, the process consists of injecting a specially formulated resin into
the damaged area. When the damaged area has been completely filled, it is
exposed to an ultraviolet light which cures the resin. This restores 100% of the
structural integrity and in most cases, a good deal of the clarity on the
damaged area. Most stone chip repairs can be done in
15 minutes, and most long cracks in about half an hour.
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6. Can a chip spread while
it?s being fixed?
This is likely to happen when working on a car that?s sitting in the sun
with the windows rolled up on a hot day. The windshield would be over 120
degrees F and very sensitive. Industry statistics say that chances are 1 in 5000
for this to happen. Because we always work under controlled conditions we can
assure you better odds of this not happening.
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7. Where do I get my windshield repaired?
What about mobile service?
If you're in the North Pole area, just call 488-6857 and in most cases, we'll
come to you! If not we can make an appointment over the phone and give easy
directions to our shop.
We come to your home, campsite, parking lot or garage.
RV's, if you are staying at one of the camp
grounds here in North Pole, such as Santa Land RV Park or
Chena Lakes Recreational Area, just call us and give us your Camp Site Number.
We will come to you at no additional charge!
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8. How long does
it take?
Typically, a star or bullseye repair takes about half an hour, start to
finish. For more than one chip add about
fifteen minutes each. Our drive-a-way times are 1/2 hour for most cars and
about 6 hours for the rest.
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9. How will the
windshield look after repair?
When looking through the glass, vision should not be impaired. If vision is
impaired, the windshield should be replaced. Your rock chip should become
noticeably clearer when repaired. However, clarity is dependent upon the size,
age, amount of glass missing from the center and the quantity of fragmented
glass within the break.
Note: chemicals applied to the rock chip may prevent the windshield repair resin
from adhering to the glass. Optical clarity varies from 90 to 100%
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Before |
After |
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10. What
about my auto insurance?
Most insurance companies consider windshield repair a No Fault claim and it
will not affect your insurance rate.
Windshield repair is covered by the
comprehensive portion of an individuals' insurance policy. All major insurance
companies encourage and have recognized the benefits of windshield repair. Most
insurance companies will waive the deductible requirement if a windshield is
repaired rather than replaced, reducing your cost to zero! Please contact your
insurance agent to confirm if you are eligible. We will do all the
insurance paperwork, saving you the hassle! The best advice about
getting your car fixed is to remember that the money may be coming from the
insurance company but you should control the repair process.
Established pricing discounts set by the insurance
companies will be honored. There will never be any charge to the insured
over and above their deductible.
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11. What does it
cost?
Prices vary from area to area but on average, a stone chip repair costs $45. A
long crack repair ranges
from $49 to $69, depending on the length.
