If you lived long enough in Northeast Pennsylvania, chances are you’ve driven down your fair share of gravel roads. Drift out a little further into the countryside in Luzerne, Wyoming, or Columbia Counties, and gravel roads often serve as a main bypass between major highways.
Even if you don’t frequent gravel roads, Pennsylvania’s mountainous terrain means that dodging kicked-up rocks is something that nearly every driver will have to deal with at some point living here.
Regardless of how it happens, a rock striking your windshield can be a scary experience and lead to an expensive repair.
Fortunately, there are ways to save your windshield and some money if you act quickly and responsibly. This guide will show exactly what you need to do if a rock hits your windshield so you can stay safe and save money.
Step 1: Assess the Damage Immediately
Once the incident has occurred, pull over to a safe location and inspect the damage. First, determine whether or not the rock is obstructing your vision and the extent of the damage.
If the rock is obstructing your vision or shards of glass are exposed on the surface, then it’s a good idea to contact a mobile auto glass repair service immediately to see if you can get a roadside repair.
Even if you can still drive with the windshield damaged, it’s still a good idea to get it repaired immediately. Determine the extent of the damage and whether or not repair or replacement is necessary. Here is how we typically decide:
- Small Chips or Cracks: Small or superficial damage can typically be repaired with our special resin fill–granted the damage does not penetrate the bottom layers of glass or the crack does not lie on the edge of your windshield.
- Larger Cracks or Spiderweb Patterns: Larger damage will typically require replacement as preventing the damage from spreading through a traditional resin fill will be impossible.
- Edge Cracks: While you can drive with an edge crack for a short distance, it will require replacement as these cracks weaken the bond between the glass and the frame, placing your safety at risk.
Step 2: Document the Damage for Insurance
If the damage is significant and will certainly require repair or replacement, document the damage immediately for your insurance company.
Take clear photos of the damage, including close-up and wide-angle shots. This documentation can be helpful if you plan to file an insurance claim or need to explain the situation to a repair technician.
While shops like Northeast Auto Glass will contact your insurance directly and document all damage, less thorough shops or mechanics may not do the same. Luckily, if you have comprehensive coverage, you will be covered for any damage but will have to pay a deductible.
Step 3: Determine Repair Options
After assessing the damage and documenting it for insurance, you must decide whether your windshield can be repaired or requires professional repair.
While some small and superficial chips can be repaired with over-the-counter windshield repair kits, we still recommend contacting a shop for professional repair that will ensure long-lasting quality.
Step 4: Contact a Shop with High-Quality Repairs or Replacements
Not all auto glass repair shops and options are created equal. We recommend working with a specialized shop, as most mechanics are not properly equipped to handle auto glass repairs or replacements.
Likewise, a dealer will have to order the right parts for replacements, greatly extending your wait time.
Search for an auto glass repair shop that offers high-quality service. Some things to look for that will indicate high-quality service include:
- ADAS Calibration: Low-quality or “cheap” shops forgo this step to save customers money but it could end up making your vehicle inoperable.
- Mobile Repair Service: Shops that offer mobile repair and replacement services are typically equipped to handle any type of job.
- High-Quality OEM and Aftermarket Options: Discuss different glass options to determine which is right for your vehicle. What’s most important is getting a product that matches the dimensions of your vehicle and is built with high-quality materials.
- Works with Insurance: Shops like Northeast Auto Glass will contact your insurance directly to help file a claim and get a portion of your repair covered without raising your rates.
- Warranty: Look for a shop like Northeast Auto Glass that backs each product and service with a lifetime warranty, ensuring your glass is always protected.
Step 5: Take Post-Repair Precautions
Once your repair or replacement has been made, you need to take some additional steps based on the technician’s instructions.
This includes keeping the area where the crack was repaired clean for up to 48 hours or even allowing a full day for the adhesive to cure without driving your vehicle.
Step 6: Take Steps to Prevent Future Damage
While no one can control when a rock will strike their windshield, there are preventative measures that drivers can take to avoid potential damage.
- Keep Your Distance: Stay well behind trucks or vehicles carrying loose gravel or debris.
- Use a Quality Windshield Protector: These can shield against small impacts and reduce the risk of chips.
- Park Strategically: Whenever possible, park in shaded or covered areas to protect your windshield from extreme weather.
- Make Repairs As Quickly as Possible: As previously mentioned, repairing your windshield quickly will help avoid additional damage and the need for replacement.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Windshield Laws
If you are not convinced to repair your rock chip or cracked windshield, just know that Pennsylvania laws do prohibit driving with a damaged windshield that is directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Furthermore, driving with a damaged windshield in Pennsylvania can lead to fines or inspection failures.
Lastly, windshields are important structural components, protecting drivers from the roof caving in during a collapse. While a simple edge crack may seem innocuous, it could compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle.
Instead, get fast, affordable, and high-quality windshield repair at Northeast Auto Glass. We offer in-shop and mobile repair services that help get your vehicle safely back on the road.
We back all products and repairs with a lifetime warranty and work with your insurance company to help you stay protected!
FAQs
How quickly should I repair a chip or crack?
Immediately. Delaying repairs can allow cracks to spread or dirt and moisture to infiltrate, making repairs less effective or requiring replacement.
Can a DIY repair kit fix the damage?
DIY kits can temporarily address small chips, but they may not provide the durability or clarity of professional repairs. For optimal results, it’s best to consult a professional.
What should I do if my windshield damage happens while driving?
Pull over safely and inspect the damage. If it doesn’t obstruct your view, you may continue driving but address the issue promptly. For major damage, consider towing your vehicle to a repair shop or calling a mobile repair van.
