At Carglass®, we always try to repair a windshield before considering a replacement. Repair is often the most cost-effective and eco-friendly solution because it preserves the original windshield and reduces waste. However, when a repair isn’t possible, we proceed with a replacement.
Windshield chip repair
Got a chip in your windshield? Get it repaired without delay!
Otherwise, it may crack. At Carglass®, the repair is usually free if you have glass damage insurance and takes about 30 minutes. Plus, according to our General Conditions, you benefit from the Carglass® lifetime guarantee on all work performed.
What is a chip?
A chip on a windshield occurs when small stones or other debris hit the glass, creating a small mark, often visible as a point or a small crack. While it may seem harmless, a chip can quickly turn into a larger crack if the vehicle is exposed to vibrations, temperature changes, or other external factors.
Why is it Important to repair a chip?
A chip in the windshield can pose significant risks and can quickly turn into a crack, requiring a full replacement. That’s why it’s crucial to have your windshield repaired promptly.
Several factors can worsen a chip, including:
- Temperature changes – Significant variations (heating in winter, air conditioning in summer) can cause the glass to expand or contract, turning a small chip into a bigger crack.
- Vibrations – Bumps from driving, especially on uneven roads, can worsen the chip and weaken the windshield.
- Moisture and high-pressure washing – Water seeping into a chip can also increase the damage, especially in cold weather.
A cracked windshield not only reduces the driver’s visibility but also compromises the overall safety of the vehicle. Repairing a chip as soon as it’s detected is safer, more eco-friendly, and more cost-effective.
Repair or replacement: can my windshield be repaired?
At Carglass®, we always try to repair a chip before considering a replacement. Certain criteria must be met for a repair to be possible:
Size of the chip – The chip must be smaller than the diameter of a 2 CHF coin.
Location of the chip – The chip must be more than 6 cm from the edge and not located in front of driver assistance sensors or cameras (ADAS).
Why choose Carglass® for windshield repair?
Carglass® Repair-First: Thinking About the Future
Carglass® saves more than 400 tons of CO2 per year thanks to its Glass Medic® repair-first strategy. A glass repair consumes 80% less CO2 compared to a replacement (16 kg for repair vs. 82 kg for glass replacement, according to a 2023 Belron study).
Patented chip repair with Glass Medic®
At Carglass®, we use a patented chip repair technology called Glass Medic®, which restores the strength and transparency of the windshield quickly and effectively. Here’s how our simple three-step process works:
- Cleaning the damaged area – After removing any glass debris, our technicians thoroughly clean the area around the chip to ensure a precise repair.
- Injection of special HPX4® resin – Using our repair device, we apply a precisely measured amount of our high-performance HPX4® resin. This resin is injected deeply into the chip, filling even the smallest cracks and preventing them from spreading.
- UV curing and finishing – The resin is then hardened using ultraviolet light to securely fix the repair. Finally, any excess resin is removed, and the windshield is carefully cleaned to ensure a smooth surface.
How Much Does a Repair Cost?
If you have partial or full casco insurance with glass coverage, the repair is usually covered by your insurance. We handle the administrative steps with your insurer to simplify the process.
If you only have liability insurance or are covering the cost yourself, the cost of repairing a windshield chip at Carglass® is CHF 350. Click here to get a special price of CHF 295, VAT included, valid only for online requests.