Windscreen Chip Repair
Small chips can quickly become a big problem.
Got a chip in your windscreen? We recommend getting the chip checked and repaired as quickly as possible, as it could crack at any time, often when you least expect it.
A repair from our windscreen chip repair experts takes just 30 minutes, saving your windscreen, and you’ll be back on the road fast. And the best thing is that your chip repair is usually free with car insurance.
So, book today, and fix that chip before it cracks!
First, a chip, then a crack. It happens a lot.
A chipped windscreen always has the potential to crack. Your windscreen is a tough piece of vital glass in your vehicle, but when compromised by a chip (e.g. from a stone), it sometimes doesn’t take much for that chip to crack.
Factors that can cause a chip to crack include sudden temperature changes, bumpy terrain and vibrations, putting pressure on the windscreen, and direct impact of any kind.
Read more about what can cause your chip to crack here
Can my chip be repaired?
In most cases, a windscreen chip can be repaired by O’Brien if the chip is:
- located at least 5cm from the edge of the windscreen
- in front of the driver, and the entire chip (including all off-shooting cracks) is smaller than a 5-cent coin
- on the passenger side, the entire chip (including all off-shooting cracks) is smaller than a $1 coin.
There are a few other technical reasons why some chips can’t be repaired. Our expert technicians will advise if your chip can be repaired after we’ve inspected the damage.
How O’Brien® repairs a windscreen chip
Our expert technicians will first inspect and assess the chip damage to see if it is repairable using our Advanced Repair Technology (ART) system. We then:
- Clean and prepare the area to allow the resin to bond with the windscreen
- Place our ART device over the damage and create a clean vacuum
- Fill the chip with our exclusive resin (it’s our best ever!)
- Ensure the ART device pushes the resin right to the end of the micro-cracks
- Use a UV light to harden the resin
- Clean and polish the windscreen and remove any excess resin for smooth finish.
FAQs
Learn more about windscreen chip repairs
Using our Advanced Repair Technology (ART) system, your O’Brien® AutoGlass technician can repair your windscreen in around 30 minutes; plus, you can drive immediately following the repair. Whilst we aim to complete all repairs within 30 minutes, at times our Service Centres can get busy, so we recommend allowing an additional 30 minutes for your chip repair appointment if it is at one of our Service Centres.
The chip repair process will leave a small blemish on the windscreen where the chip was that will not interfere with the driver’s vision. In most cases, our windscreen chip repair will look better than the unrepaired damage, but it will not make the chip repair entirely invisible. However, the important thing is the chip was fixed before it cracked, saving your windscreen.
In some rare cases, attempting to repair a windscreen can make the chip bigger. This is due to small micro-cracks emerging from the initial impact that cannot be controlled by our technicians.
However, don’t worry. If the repair fails or if the repair is visibly distracting to the driver, we will deduct the chip repair cost from the cost of our windscreen replacement service. Click here for more details.
Compared to replacing a windscreen, repairing a windscreen chip is by far the greener choice. A windscreen weighs about 15kg, so when you replace it, not only does it need to be disposed of, but you also need to factor in the resources involved in producing, transporting and storing the new windscreen.
Repairing a chip means your existing windscreen stays in place, and two small empty capsules (which held the primer and resin) are the only waste.
This is one of the reasons we recommend getting a chip repair assessed quickly, to ensure you can save your existing windscreen, rather than needing a replacement.
Learn more about the repair vs replacement option for windscreens here.
The cost of repairing your windscreen will depend on the number of chips to be repaired and whether you have insurance coverage for glass damage. You can call us on 1800 815 414 for a quote or complete our online form and we’ll be back in touch.
How much does a windscreen chip repair cost?
The cost of repairing your windscreen will depend on the number of chips to be repaired and whether you have insurance coverage for glass damage.
As Australia’s leading vehicle glass specialists, we work closely with most major insurance providers. If you are insured with glass cover and no excess, your repair or replacement will more than likely be at no cost to you. Plus, we often can even lodge the claim for you!
Not sure what your policy covers? Get in touch with us and one of our friendly consultants can help you find out.
Don’t worry, as O’Brien® can still help. Many customers choose to pay for it themselves. We know that price is important to you, which is why we do everything to ensure we provide great value for money.
Complete the online booking form, and one of our friendly consultants will call you back with a quote. We’ll then help get your repair or replacement resolved as quickly as possible.
Call us on 1800 815 414 or complete our form, and we’ll get back in touch with you.
Call us on 1800 815 414 for a quote or simply fill in our form and one of our friendly consultants will call you back to discuss your options.
Complete our online formWe accept convenient electronic payment methods including debit cards, major credit cards and Zip Pay. We strive to keep up to date with customer preferences and efficiencies and have chosen to go cashless.
Learn more about ZipWhy choose O’Brien® AutoGlass?
With an O’Brien® AutoGlass expert, you can drive away with confidence knowing that your repair or replacement is completed to our high standards.
Australia’s leading vehicle glass experts
Extensively trained and certified vehicle glass technicians
Advanced tools and technology to ensure a high-quality service
Lifetime guarantee on installation workmanship for the life of your vehicle
Quality glass, compliant with Australian and International standards
Conveniently located, with over 150 locations Australia-wide
Mobile services available for some vehicles and locations
Our focus on recycling windscreens to give them a new purpose
Call 24/7, Australian-based customer service team
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