When a stone hits your windscreen, the first question is usually: can this be repaired, or do I need a whole new windscreen? The answer comes down to the size of the damage, where it is, and what type of damage it is. Here's how the decision is made.
When a chip can usually be repaired
Repair works by injecting resin into the damaged area to restore strength and clarity. It's typically possible when the damage is small and hasn't spread into a long crack.
- Chips roughly the size of a 20-cent coin or smaller
- Cracks shorter than about 15 cm (varies with location and type)
- Damage that is not directly in the driver's critical line of sight
- Damage that hasn't penetrated both layers of the glass
When replacement is the safer choice
- Long or spreading cracks, especially those reaching the edge of the glass
- Damage directly in front of the driver, where a repair could leave a visible blemish
- Multiple chips or cracks across the windscreen
- Damage over an ADAS camera area, which can affect sensor accuracy
Why acting early matters
A chip that could be repaired today can become a crack that needs full replacement tomorrow. Temperature swings, bumps and vibration on Brisbane roads all encourage cracks to spread. Booking a repair quickly is the cheapest and fastest outcome — and it keeps your original factory glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will a repaired chip be invisible?
- A good repair restores strength and greatly improves clarity, but a faint mark may remain depending on the damage. That's why repairs in the driver's direct line of sight are sometimes better replaced.
- How long does a chip repair take?
- Most chip repairs are completed in under an hour, and you can usually drive straight away.
- Is repairing a chip worth it, or should I just replace it?
- If the chip qualifies for repair, it's almost always worth it — repair is cheaper, faster, keeps your factory glass, and prevents the chip from spreading into a crack that needs full replacement.
Need a windscreen sorted?
Brisbane Mobile Auto Glass comes to you for windscreen replacement, chip repair and car window glass across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Explore our services:
Related Guides
- How to Stop a Windscreen Chip From Spreading
Practical steps to keep a small chip from turning into a full crack before you can get it repaired.
- How Much Does Windscreen Replacement Cost in Brisbane?
A plain-English guide to what windscreen replacement actually costs in Brisbane — and the factors that move the price up or down.
- How Long Does Windscreen Replacement Take?
Typical timings for windscreen replacement and chip repair — plus what 'safe drive-away time' means and why it matters.