Rock Chip Repair,
Getting Ready for Your Windshield Repair
The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Rock Chip or Crack Repair in Salt Lake City
At Cracks N Chips, we don't just patch your glass; we restore its structural integrity. For our specialized resin to bond perfectly and last a lifetime, the glass needs to be in a specific condition when we arrive.
🏆 10 Pro Tips for Windshield Care
Want the best possible repair result? Follow these expert tips before we arrive:
The "Tape Trick": As soon as you see a rock chip, place a piece of clear packaging tape over it. This keeps dirt and moisture out. (Make sure the glass is dry before taping!)
Skip the Car Wash: Do NOT wash your vehicle on the day of your appointment. High-pressure water forces moisture deep into the crack, which can ruin the repair.
Hold the Washer Fluid: Avoid using windshield washer fluid. Many fluids contain dyes or silicones that interfere with our resin.
Summer Shade: In the hot Utah summer, park your car in the shade or facing away from the sun 2 hours before we arrive.
Crack the Windows: On hot days, leave your side windows cracked slightly to lower the internal pressure and heat buildup in the cabin.
Winter Shelter: In winter, a garage is your best friend. It keeps frost off the glass and keeps the windshield temperature stable.
The Blanket Method: If you must park outside in winter, place packaging tape over the chip, then cover the windshield with a blanket or tarp to prevent frost/snow buildup.
Easy on the Defroster: In cold weather, don't blast high heat on a frozen windshield. The sudden thermal shock is the #1 cause of cracks spreading.
Wiper Wisdom: If the chip is right under the wiper blade, try not to use the wipers until it's fixed. The tension can spread the crack.
Book Smart: In the winter, book afternoon appointments to let morning frost melt. In summer, morning appointments are best to beat the heat.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌧️ Weather & Conditions
1. It rained last night. Can you fix my windshield this morning? Only if the vehicle was parked in a garage or fully covered. If the car was sitting out in the rain, the micro-cracks are likely filled with water. We recommend rescheduling for the afternoon or the next day to ensure the damage is bone-dry.
2. Can you repair my windshield while it's snowing? Yes, but only if the vehicle is parked inside a completely dry, covered area like a garage or shop. We cannot perform repairs outdoors during active precipitation.
3. Can I take my car through a car wash before the appointment? No. Please do not wash your car on the day of the repair. Even if the surface looks dry, water gets trapped inside the microscopic layers of the break. This will cause the repair to look cloudy or fail later.
4. How long should I wait to wash my car after the repair? You can wash your car 24 hours after the repair is completed. This ensures the resin has fully cured and hardened.
5. It is really hot outside. Will that affect the repair? Yes. If the windshield is scorching hot (over 100°F surface temp), the resin cures too quickly. Please park in the shade for at least 30 minutes before we arrive so the glass can cool down.
🛠️ The Process & Results
6. Will the rock chip disappear completely? No, and be wary of anyone who tells you it will. The goal of repair is structural integrity. However, our high-quality process typically improves the cosmetic appearance by 80% to 95%. You may still see a small blemish or "scar" where the rock hit.
7. What products do you use at Cracks N Chips? We use industrial-grade, low-viscosity structural resins that are specifically formulated for the Utah climate. Unlike DIY kits found at auto parts stores (which use low-quality fillers), our equipment uses pressure and vacuum cycles to inject resin deep into the break and remove air pockets.
8. How long does the repair take? Most rock chip repairs take about 15 to 20 minutes. Long crack repairs (up to 16 inches) may take 30 to 45 minutes depending on the complexity.
9. Can you fix a crack longer than a dollar bill? Yes! While many shops turn you away, we specialize in long crack repair up to 16 inches. As long as the crack is clean and dry, we can usually save the windshield.
10. Do I need to replace my windshield stickers? No. Since we are repairing the glass rather than replacing it, your registration, safety inspection, and parking stickers stay exactly where they are.
📍 Logistics & Preparation
11. Do I need to be there for the appointment? It is preferred, but not always required. As long as the vehicle is unlocked so we can work, you don't need to hover. However, we do need to process payment upon completion.
12. Can you come to my job site? Absolutely. We frequently service vehicles at construction sites, office parking lots, and fleet yards. We just need a safe, flat area to park our service vehicle nearby.
13. Does my insurance cover this? Many insurance companies will waive your deductible for rock chip repairs. We can provide you with a detailed invoice to submit for reimbursement, but we do not bill insurance directly. We keep our prices low and transparent for everyone.
14. What if I have a "Heads Up Display" or cameras on my windshield? Repair is actually the best option for these vehicles. Replacing a windshield with cameras often requires expensive re-calibration of the safety systems. Repairing the existing glass avoids that entire headache.
15. Is the repair guaranteed? Yes. We offer a lifetime guarantee on the repair process. If the repaired spot ever cracks out from the original damage point, we will credit the cost of the repair toward a future service or replacement.
⚠️ How to Avoid Rescheduling (Checklist)
We want to fix your car on the first trip! Please double-check these items to avoid a wasted trip or cancellation fees:
[ ] Is the damage completely dry? (No rain, snow, or washer fluid).
[ ] Is the vehicle accessible? (Unlocked or keys available).
[ ] Is the location safe? (No busy roadsides or dark, unlit garages).
[ ] Is the glass temperature stable? (Not scorching hot from sun, not frozen with ice).
[ ] Has it been repaired before? (We cannot re-repair damage that has already been filled with DIY resin).
📞 Ready to book?
Contact Cracks N Chips today to get on the schedule! (385) 219-9100