The simple answer to - when does a rock chip require windshield replacement, is when you ignore it. Let’s look at some reasons why you should not ignore a rock chip repair and how your actions could lead to a windshield replacement.

Your car’s windshield chip can crack at any given time. An increase in pressure can turn the chip into a crack without notice, including while you are driving your car.

Why Your Car’s Windshield is so Important
Aside from the oblivious, it protects you from the elements, bugs and birds etc…. The windshield provides approximately 30% of your car’s structural strength and stability.

If you’re involved in a car accident, the windshield is the main support for your car’s roof. Therefore, if your car rolls over on to the roof you have a “cushion” that helps prevent you and your passengers from being crushed.
The windshield is also partially responsible for your car‘s airbag deployment, which prevents you from being thrown through your windshield. If your car’s windshield is weak because it is chipped or a cracked, you are compromising your safety and the safety of your passengers.

Auto Glass Repair
Rock chip repair is less expensive than windshield replacement. Regardless, of the type of chip or crack your car’s windshield has or how it got there is irrelevant. What’s important is that the sooner you get your car to an auto glass MN repair shop, the more money you are likely to save, assuming the chip or crack is relatively small in size.

The longer you wait to have your car’s auto glass repaired, the more likely the chip or crack is going to get larger. There are several stressors that can weaken your car’s windshield. Here is a list of a few of them:
- Everyday driving
- Slamming the car doors shut
- Speed bumps
- Stopping abruptly
- Extreme temperatures

How Cold Weather Effects Your Auto Glass
According to a recent study conducted by the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA), auto glass cracks were 80% more likely to spread once the temperature reached 14 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Moreover, auto glass chips were 60% likely to turn into cracks once the temperature reached 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Warm Weather Effects Your Auto Glass

According to the same study by MIRA, warm weather cause windshield chips to spread into perpendicular cracks. In addition, the study also suggested that the heat alters the shape of the windshield glass, which can then lead to cracking. When you turn on your air conditioning unit in your hot car the quick cooling effect increases the chances of the chips turning into cracks.

Driving Stress
Driving your car adds additional stress around the edges of the chip, driving over a pothole, speed bump, or slamming the doors puts extra pressure on the chip and can quickly turn it into a crack.

The auto glass installers at Only 1 Auto Glass in the Minneapolis, St Paul, Twin Cities area are always more than happy to assist you with all your windshield repair or replacement needs.