The first winter storm has hit as the weather man predicted. Likewise the yearly rush to get the windshields repaired before hand. I think this rush was worse this year.

The consumer really needs to grasp the seriousness of a chipped windshield. By putting off the repair they risk a cracked windshield and the expense that goes with the replacement, along with the safety hazard.

In talking with a number of people it is very clear to me that many don’t understand why I say you should get your windshield repaired in a timely fashion.

• First is that it can crack out at anytime. The answer some have given me for not repairing their windshield right away; I’ll wait until it starts to move, is an invitation for a disaster. Once a chip begins to move, it can crack beyond repair in less than a second.
• The myth that a windshield won’t crack out unless it is cold is FALSE. I get just as many calls about a cracked windshield when it’s hot. It makes no difference whether the outside of the windshield is hot or cold, if the inside layer is the opposite temperature, the chip can and will crack out. Thermal shock is thermal shock.
• Understand that a chip is an air pocket, that each time the windshield gets wet, the chip gets filled with the liquid. When the liquid dries whatever was in the liquid “Stays Inside Your Chip”. The contaminates inside the chip can’t be removed, they can block passages and make a clear repair no longer possible. If you repeatedly fill a drinking glass with water and let it air dry, it will become discolored. The difference is rain water off the street that gets on your windshield, can contain almost anything.
• By procrastinating and waiting to the last minute before a winter storm arrives, can rob you of getting a repair that will help maintain your vehicle resale or trade in value. Understand that when you do this, you aren’t the only one. Further the ideal conditions to repair a windshield are temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees, besides being dry. Working in wet, cold conditions slows the process. If all the water isn’t removed before the resin is injected, means you just wasted your time and money.

One thing you can do besides repairing a chip in a timely fashion is to keep it clean. Cover the chip with clear tape, by placing it on the outside, over the chip. This keeps dirt and moisture out, for a stronger and better looking windshield repair.