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Very small rock chip in windshield

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by web1b, Sep 2, 2011.

  1. web1b

    web1b Active Member

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    A rock hit the windshield and caused a very small chip the size of the head of a nail (or less). At what size does a chip need repairing?
    I scheduled a repair from a national windshield repair chain for tomorrow, but I'm having seconds thoughts because the minimum charge is over $120 after taxes and the repair job might look worse than leaving it as it is.
    My insurance company no longer offers the waived deductible for windshield repair.
    It's a very small chip, so the only reason to repair it would be to stop it from growing (if it even has the potential to grow).
     
  2. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'd repair it. Most chips start out small...it is the potential for growing damage you want to head off. Plus in my experience the repair looks better than the chip. $120 seems high. You want a reputable place, but I might search around and see if you can find a better price.

    There are self repair kits available, both online and at automotive places. But if you are worried about execution and looks, I speculate that isn't an option you want to pursue.
     
  3. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    I have about ten or so that size and all is fine (every winter I get more). If you see any web-like cracks heading out, get it fixed. In the past, I have used nail polish to fill in the dimple and it seems to help those smaller dings.
     
  4. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Yeah, but the problem is by the time you see web like cracks heading out, it's often too late to fix. At that point "fix" means new windshield.

    A picture would be helpful here. I ignore very small, dings...but if something is a significant "chip" not just a single point small penetration I'd recommend repair.

    I think $120 for a single chip repair sounds high, Wal-Mart used to sell an windshield repair kit for less than $15.00...

    Local windshield places here advertise chip repair for less than $40..
     
  6. web1b

    web1b Active Member

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    It is a very, very small chip the size of the head of a very small nail or even the head of a pin. I can only see it easily when driving towards the sun and the light reflects off it. It probably would not even show up on a photo without an extreme close-up that would be out of focus.
    I'm thinking of cancelling the appointment tomorrow morning before they show up.
     
  7. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    In that case, if it isn't bugging you, I'd change my advice, and say just live with it....
     
  8. web1b

    web1b Active Member

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    I will probably fix it just to make sure it never spreads and so it doesn't catch the light when driving towards the sun and annoy me.

    $120 is just to much money for something so tiny. I will either get a DIY kit or find a much cheaper service.
     
  9. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

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    I would fix it. I had something like that once and I procrastinated. Once it started to spread, there was no going back. Like cavities on teeth, it's cheaper to fix when they are small.
     
  10. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Alrighty then!...There you have it...

    Good Luck.