That Tiny Chip Can Cost You Big — Here’s Why
It happens to everyone — a pebble flicks up on the freeway, and suddenly there’s a tiny chip in your windshield. You might shrug it off, thinking it’s no big deal. But in Arizona, small chips almost always turn into big cracks — fast.
Ignoring a chip can compromise your safety, your visibility, and even your wallet.
1. The Science Behind Chip Spreading
Windshields are made of laminated glass: two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer in between. When a chip forms, the outer layer is weakened.
Arizona’s extreme heat and rapid temperature changes cause that weakened area to expand and contract, pushing the crack deeper.
In short:
- Heat + vibration = longer cracks.
- Once it spreads, the entire windshield must be replaced.
2. Safety Risks Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Your windshield isn’t just glass — it’s a structural part of your vehicle’s safety system. It supports the roof and helps airbags deploy properly.
A damaged windshield can:
- Reduce roof strength during rollovers
- Distort airbag deployment angles
- Obstruct your vision, especially at night
What starts as a cosmetic issue can quickly become a serious safety hazard.
3. Why Arizona Drivers Are at Higher Risk
Between high-speed freeway driving and constant debris from desert roads, Arizona has one of the highest windshield replacement rates in the U.S.
Combine that with dry heat, dust, and temperature swings from day to night — chips don’t stand a chance for long.
That’s why most Arizona auto glass shops (including Excellent Auto Glass) offer same-day chip repair, often covered 100% by insurance.
4. Repairing a Chip Takes Less Than 30 Minutes
If you act quickly, you can often avoid a full replacement:
- Most repairs take 15–30 minutes.
- They restore structural integrity and visibility.
- Insurance usually covers them at no cost to you.
The resin injection process fills the chip and prevents further cracking — saving time, money, and your factory seal.
5. When It’s Too Late for Repair
If the crack is longer than six inches, reaches the edge, or distorts your vision, replacement is the only safe option.
Waiting too long means paying out of pocket for a full replacement — something that could’ve been free if caught early.
Final Thoughts
In Arizona’s climate, chips don’t stay small. Getting them fixed early can save you hundreds and keep your car safe.
Call Excellent Auto Glass today — we’ll assess your chip for free and handle your insurance claim start to finish.
