A chip can likely be repaired if it's smaller than a 10 cent piece, not too deep, and at least five centimetres from the windscreen's edge. Damage that is larger, in the driver's critical vision area, or affects the edge of the glass usually requires a full windscreen replacement.
✅ Size matters!
- Driver's side: Repairable if the chip and any legs extending from the chip are smaller than a 10 cent coin.
- Passenger side: Repairable if the chip and any legs extending from the chip are smaller than a 20 cent coin.
✅ Location
- The damage must be at least 5 cm from the edge of the windscreen to be considered repairable.
- Chips in the driver's critical vision area, directly in front of the steering wheel, may require a replacement even if small, as repairs — no matter how imperceivable — can leave a slight distortion.
✅ Depth and type of damage
- The damage should not have penetrated both layers of the laminated glass.
- A single, small, stable chip is much easier to repair than a complex break involving multiple cracks (known as a combination break).
- If you can feel an indent with your fingernail or see a gap, it's often a good sign for a repair.
✅ How to check
- Size: Compare the chip to the size of the coins mentioned above.
- Location: Look at the chip's position relative to the edge and the driver's direct line of sight.
- Depth: You can gently run your fingernail over the chip to see if you feel an indent or if it has penetrated both layers.
- Professional assessment: When in doubt, it is best to consult a professional. At Knights Glass we can perform a thorough assessment and advise on the best course of action
✅ Can a repaired chip be repaired again?
No, a previously repaired chip cannot be repaired again — the entire windshield must be replaced. Any repair involves injecting resin into the damaged area, which permanently solidifies. This prevents a second repair from being possible.
✅ Why a second repair isn't possible
- Resin is permanent: Once resin is injected and cured, it's solid and cannot be removed.
- New damage only: A professional can only repair a new chip or crack in a different spot. The same spot cannot be repaired a second time.
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