Auto glass
Rock chip repair or windshield replacement: which one do you need?
A small chip is often a quick repair. A crack is a new windshield. Here is how to tell which one you have.
By Aztec Auto Glass ·
A rock chip can often be repaired if it is small, shallow and has no cracks running out from it.
- A crack means the windshield has to be replaced.
- Aztec Auto Glass repairs chips and replaces windshields.
- We do not repair cracks.
What is the difference?
A repair treats the damage in the glass you already have. A replacement swaps the whole windshield. A repair is much quicker, 5 to 15 minutes per chip compared with about 90 minutes for a windshield, but it only works when the damage is still small.
How we tell if a chip can be repaired
We look at four things:
- How big the damage is
- How deep it goes
- Where it sits on the windshield
- Whether any cracks run out from the point of impact
A clear photo helps us see the shape and position, but it cannot replace an inspection. Tell us how long the chip has been there and whether it has changed.
Why it pays to fix a chip early
Gravel on Deerfoot and Stoney Trail leaves chips behind, and Calgary’s temperature swings can make a small chip spread. A chip repaired early may never turn into a crack, and that can save you a full replacement.
Been driving with a chip for months? You are not alone, and it may still be repairable if it has not spread.
When replacement is the answer
- The windshield has a crack. We do not repair cracks, so we replace the windshield.
- The chip is too damaged to repair well. We will tell you and explain why.
If you need a new windshield, we can do it at our shop or at your home or workplace. See windshield replacement and mobile service.
Where and how long
We repair chips at our Airdrie shop and our Calgary Downtown location. A repair takes 5 to 15 minutes per chip. We do not offer chip repair in Olds.
Free chip repair with every replacement
Every windshield we replace comes with six months of free chip repair at our shop locations, and it covers new chips anywhere on the glass.
Got a chip?
Send us a photo with your year, make and model and we will tell you honestly what we see.
Related questions
Do you repair cracks?
No. We repair rock chips and we replace windshields. If your windshield has a crack, we’ll replace it.
Where do you repair chips?
At our Airdrie shop and our Calgary Downtown location. Call or text to book a time. More about rock chip repair.
Is there a warranty on the install?
Yes. Your replacement comes with a lifetime workmanship warranty for as long as you own the same vehicle: if a leak, wind noise or whistling shows up because of the install, we fix it free of charge. If your new windshield cracks from installation pressure within 24 hours, it’s covered under warranty. You also get six months of free chip repair at our shop locations, and it covers new chips anywhere on the glass.
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Ready when you are
Call, text or email us your year, make and model, or ask for a free quote online. We’ll get back to you with a quote and a time, whichever way you prefer.