Guide
Got a stone chip in your windscreen? Do this
A fresh chip is the easiest windscreen damage to fix — as long as it doesn't spread first. These steps buy you time until it's repaired.
By the Rapid Response Autoglass team · Updated
The short answer
Cover the chip with clear tape, keep the air-conditioning and demister off the glass, avoid car washes and slamming doors, and book a chip repair as soon as you can. Small chips away from the edge and the driver's view can usually be repaired in about 30 minutes.
Five things to do now
- Put clear tape over the chip to keep out dirt and water.
- Don't blast hot or cold air directly at the windscreen.
- Park in shade if you can — hot glass stresses the chip.
- Skip the car wash and close doors gently.
- Text a photo to 0498 700 798 so we can tell you if it can be repaired.
Can it be repaired?
As a rough guide, chips about the size of a twenty-cent coin or smaller, away from the edge of the glass and outside the driver's line of sight, can usually be repaired. If it has already started cracking, see can a cracked windscreen be repaired?
Topic guide
Everything about chips and cracks
Frequently asked questions
Can my chip be repaired, or does the windscreen need replacing?
As a rough guide, a small chip — about the size of a twenty-cent coin or smaller — that isn't on the edge of the glass or directly in the driver's line of sight can often be repaired. Long cracks, edge damage and smashed glass need a replacement. Send a photo and we'll tell you which.
Why should I put tape on a windscreen chip?
It keeps dirt and moisture out of the chip, which helps the resin bond properly when it's repaired.
Will a chip repair stop it cracking?
A repair fills and bonds the damage, which strengthens the glass and stops the chip spreading in most cases.
Related pages
Damaged glass? We'll come to you.
Call or text a photo of the damage for a quote. Mon–Fri 7am–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm.
0498 700 798