First: don't panic. Slow down safely.
If a rock hits your windshield or a crack starts spreading, don't slam the brakes. Ease off the accelerator, check mirrors, and find a safe place to pull over when you can. The glass is layered safety glass — it's designed to stay in place even when damaged.
Cover the damage from moisture and dirt
Once parked, place clear packing tape over the chip or crack on the outside if it's safe to do so. This keeps water, dirt, and debris out of the damage, which massively helps chip repairability later.
Avoid temperature shock
Don't blast the defroster on high-heat right onto cold glass, and don't pour water on it. Sudden temperature changes are a top reason a small chip turns into a long crack.
Get it looked at fast
Small chips can often be repaired the same day if you don't wait. Larger cracks, cracks that reach the edge, or cracks in the driver's line of sight typically need full windshield replacement. Text us a clear photo of the damage and we'll tell you which path fits.
When it's likely repairable
- Chip smaller than a quarter
- Single crack shorter than about 3 inches
- Not directly in the driver's primary line of sight
- Not reaching the edge of the glass
When you likely need replacement
- Multi-branch cracks or star cracks larger than a quarter
- Cracks reaching the edge (structural risk)
- Damage in the driver's central line of sight
- Damaged inner layer of the laminated glass
One important note: ADAS
If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera near the mirror, a windshield replacement may require ADAS recalibration afterward. We'll evaluate this before scheduling so you're not surprised.
KD Auto Glass — Certified Auto Glass Technicians
Written by the team at KD Auto Glass in Ontario, CA. We've been installing windshields, calibrating ADAS, and helping local drivers with insurance claims since 2010.