I’ve been asked from time to time, is there any place on a windshield you should not repair a chip? Presently one of my fleet customers is establishing a repair standard in regards to this. There has been over the years several thoughts and ideas about this matter. Today there is no standard in Oklahoma.
Back in the 90’s it was left up to the shops, glass shops usually set strict recommendations. Probably in an attempt to sell more windshields. Repair only companies many times left it up to the owner of the vehicle.
Liability issues started to take over; fear of lawsuits was a big factor. The NWRA came up with the acute area. That being an area on a windshield defined as taking an 8 1/2″ by 11″ sheet of paper and centering it over the steering wheel, with the 11 inch side running parallel to the top and bottom of the windshield. (see figure below)
Approximately in 2005 the State of Connecticut began a process to regulate windshield repair. They defined an area within the sweep of the driver’s side wiper blade as a no repair zone. The NWRA soon followed with a proposed national standard (ROLAGS), that included an area in which repairs should be limited. Currently details of ROLAGS, are still being worked on. The proposed area is an area 300 mm or 12 inches wide, centered over the steering wheel, that extends from the top of the driver’s windshield wiper sweep to the bottom of the sweep. See figure below.
What is my thoughts on this matter? To start with the use of common sense: For the commercial customer the first standard probably should be considered. This being due to the fact that with different drivers the area and what may distract them can vary. As a means to save money, a commercial customer may simply reduce the size damage or style of break that can be repaired within that area. Bullseye and combination breaks, generally have more distraction than a small crack or star. Limiting the size of chip repaired in the acute area to dime size or less may be a good idea.
In terms of the private vehicle owner I feel that within reason, they should decide what can be repaired. The repair tech may as well choose to reject some repairs if they feel that it may cause a distraction. I know that while I hate to turn away work, on occasion I have suggested that the customer replace the windshield simply because the chip was to large or would leave a scar that would be distracting.
Safety should always be the first rule; repairing a chip that can best be described as a miniature Grand Canyon, may not be worth the money saved.
