CWTA Tells Car Owners: It Is Not Just a Chip

The California Windshield Technicians Association (CWTA) is cautioning vehicle owners against shrugging off chips on their autoglass. The CWTA says when it is out of sight, the tendency of some vehicle owners is to shrug it off, and just leave it be, but this mentality can further damage the vehicle’s windshield. AutoGlass Safety Council

Speaking during a San Diego Car Care Summit, CWTA president Luke Davidson says a small chip can become a crack that could be very damaging to the whole windshield. “It may just be a chip now, but all it takes is too much exposure to heat, or too much vibration from rough roads to transform it into a crack,” Davidson explains.

Unfortunately, Davidson says, it does not end in a crack, because that crack could immediately cause shattering in a windshield which can be very dangerous. If not shattering, it could prompt a need for a windshield replacement since not all types of cracks are reparable. “There are those that are beyond repair,” says Davidson.

The CWTA says, if chips have been repaired right away then the hassle and expense could have been prevented. And while most windshield repair requirements can be covered by insurance shielding the car owner from huge expenses, the hassle of having it replaced at an inopportune time can be a huge inconvenience. Windshield Wiki

The website Popular Mechanics also recommend that vehicle owners deal with windshield chips as soon as possible. “Even if your chip isn't in your direct line of sight, it's a good idea to try and repair it. Water will find its way into the chip, pulled in by surface tension. If the chip goes all the way through the top lamination, any moisture that gets that deep can delaminate the glass from the center membrane. Eventually, the membrane will fog, causing a larger blemish. Water also can freeze in the chip, causing a larger flaw or even a crack. Also, water can carry dirt into the crack--and there's no way to flush it out.” Read more here.

The CWTA says the best way to fix a windshield chip is to seek professional help. Yes some insurance policies may not cover windshield chips, but it will always be better to spend a small amount for one’s safety and peace of mind. When the windshield is damage, or accidentally shatters, it could just lead to more unfortunate incidents involving broken glass.

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