The Windshield Repair Knowledge Center

Honest Answers from Salt Lake City’s Auto Glass Experts

Welcome to the Cracks N Chips Knowledge Center. We know that getting a rock chip can be frustrating. You probably have questions about cost, safety, and whether you really need that expensive replacement the other guys are pushing. Below, you will find honest, technical, and practical answers to everything auto glass.

💡 Pro Tips: What to Do Before We Arrive

(Save your windshield from cracking out with these expert tricks)

🚫 1. The "Tape Trick" (Emergency First Aid) As soon as you hear that rock hit your glass, pull over safely and place a piece of clear packing tape (not duct tape) over the chip.

  • Why? This keeps dirt, road salt, and washer fluid out of the crack.

  • Result: A clean rock chip repairs stronger and looks 90% clearer than a dirty one.

❄️ 2. Avoid the Defroster Zone In Utah winters, blasting hot air on a cold windshield is the #1 reason rock chips split into unfixable cracks.

  • Tip: Warm up your car slowly using the floor vents first. Let the glass warm up gradually.

☀️ 3. Park in the Shade In the summer, heat builds pressure inside the glass layers. If you park in direct sunlight, that pressure seeks a release point—usually your rock chip.

  • Tip: Crack your side windows an inch to release air pressure and park in the shade.

❌ 4. Don’t Wash It Yet Avoid the car wash until after the repair. Water pressure can expand the crack, and moisture trapped inside the glass makes the repair process much harder.

💰 Pricing, Insurance & Payment

Q: How much does mobile rock chip repair cost? A: We believe in simple, flat-rate pricing.

Q: Is it really free with insurance? A: In most cases, yes! Insurance companies (like State Farm, Geico, Bear River, etc.) would rather pay us ~$50 to fix your chip than pay $500+ to replace your windshield.

  • The Process: We can help you file the claim. It usually takes 5 minutes, and they waive your deductible, making the service $0 out of pocket for you.

Q: Will filing a claim raise my rates? A: Generally, no. Glass repair is considered a "comprehensive" (no-fault) claim. Most providers do not increase premiums for saving a windshield, but we always recommend checking with your agent.

🛠️ Technical: Chips, Cracks & Repairs

Q: Can you fix a long crack or just small chips? A: We are one of the few shops in Utah specialized in Long Crack Repair.

Q: Will the rock chip disappear completely? A: No, and be careful of anyone who promises "invisible" repairs.

  • The Reality: The goal is 100% structural strength. Visually, the damage will improve by 80% to 95%. It will look like a small, faint water spot or bug splatter, but it will not spread.

Q: What types of damage can be fixed? We repair all major break types:

Q: Can you repair a rock chip directly in the driver’s line of sight? A: Legally, yes. However, because a faint blemish remains, some drivers find it distracting. If the damage is right in your "acute vision area" (directly in front of your eyes), we will let you assess the view before we proceed.

🚗 Vehicle Specifics (Tesla, Fleet, Tint)

Q: Do you work on Teslas and luxury cars? A: Yes. Our own service vehicle is a Tesla, so we understand the specific needs of modern glass.

  • ADAS Safe: Because we repair rather than replace, we do not disturb the forward-facing cameras, rain sensors, or Lane Departure Warning systems. This saves you the cost of recalibration.

Q: Will the repair damage my window tint? A: No. Windshields are made of two layers of glass with a plastic (PVB) layer in the middle. Window tint is applied to the inside surface. Rock chips are on the outside surface. We never touch your tint.

Q: Do you offer Fleet Services for businesses? A: Yes! We keep many local plumbing, HVAC, and delivery fleets running. We can come to your yard in South Salt Lake or Murray and fix multiple trucks in one visit.

🌧️ Weather & Logistics (Mobile Service)

Q: Can you fix my windshield in the rain or snow? A: To get a perfect bond, the glass must be bone dry.

  • If it's raining: We can still do the repair if you have a garage, carport, or parking terrace.

  • If you are parked outside: We may need to wait for a break in the weather or meet you at a covered location (like a parking garage).

Q: Do you service areas outside of Salt Lake City? A: We stay local to ensure fast response times. We provide Free Mobile Service to:

Q: How long does the appointment take? A: We value your time.

  • Rock Chips: 20–30 minutes.

  • Long Cracks: 45–60 minutes.

  • Wait Time: You don't have to wait! Unlock your car, and go back to work or relax inside.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts regarding Auto Glass

Myth: "I can just use Super Glue or Nail Polish to fix a chip." Fact: Please don't! Super glue seals the surface but traps air inside the break. When the air expands in the heat, the glass will crack. Once super glue is applied, a professional can no longer fix the chip because the path is blocked.

Myth: "If the chip is small, I can wait to fix it." Fact: A rock chip is a "ticking time bomb." Road vibration, door slamming, and temperature changes can turn a $45 chip into a $500 replacement in a split second.

Myth: "All repairs are the same." Fact: Cheap repairs often just "cap" the surface. At Cracks N Chips, we use a 4-step Vacuum & Injection process to remove the air and fill the entire break with structural resin. This is why we offer a Lifetime Warranty.

Still have a question?

We are happy to help. Text us a photo of your damage, and we will tell you if it can be fixed!

Call or Text: (385)-219-9100 Book Your Appointment Online

Cracks N Chips windshiels repair, windsheield repair on a car
Two side-by-side photos taken from inside a vehicle, showing a parking lot with a building labeled 'UNAUTIC.' In the background, snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky are visible. The car's dashboard and windshield wipers are visible in both images.
Close-up of a car with a cracked windshield and a large water droplet on the glass.
Close-up of a car dashboard with a crack on the windshield, showing a reflection of a small spider in the crack.
View of a parking lot with trees and a blue wagon in the background, as seen through the front windshield of a car. A small spider is on the dashboard near the windshield, and an air freshener hangs from the rearview mirror.
Close-up of a car windshield with a small crack or chip in the glass, near the driver side. The image shows the inside and outside views of the crack, with reflections of the surroundings visible on the glass.
Side-by-side photos of a black car's interior; the left showing a windshield repair process with resin injection, and the right showing the cleaned and clear windshield with a spray bottle in the foreground.