highway rock chip repair - Sumas Auto Glass

Rock Chips on Highway 1

Driving down Highway One, a client faced a common yet jarring issue—a rock hurled by a passing truck hit their windshield, leaving a noticeable chip. Spotting our sign offering free chip repair for those with comprehensive insurance, they headed straight to our shop.

Upon arrival, our team assessed the damage. Fortunately, the chip was small enough to repair rather than replace the entire windshield, a decision that saved both time and money. Our technicians got to work, cleaning the area and filling the chip with a specialized resin. This resin blends seamlessly with the glass, and once cured with UV light, it restored the windshield's original strength and clarity.

Rock Chip Resin Repair

Rock chip resin repair is a precise and effective method for addressing minor damage to a windshield, like chips or small cracks, without the need to replace the entire glass. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

Assessment: The first step is to evaluate the size and location of the chip. Generally, chips smaller than a quarter and cracks less than three inches long can be repaired. The damage should also be superficial, affecting only the outer layer of the glass.

Cleaning: Before the repair can begin, the damaged area must be thoroughly cleaned. Technicians remove any loose glass fragments and dirt from the chip using a fine tool. This step is crucial for the resin to adhere properly and blend seamlessly with the rest of the windshield.

Preparation: A small device called a bridge is attached to the windshield directly over the chip. This device has a rubber tip that seals against the glass, creating a vacuum over the area. The vacuum pulls air out from within the chip, preparing it to be filled.

Injection of Resin: Once the chip is ready, a clear, curable resin is injected into the chip through the device. The resin is specifically formulated to mimic the strength and optical qualities of glass.

Curing: After the resin is injected, it needs to be cured to harden and fully bond with the glass. This is usually done with a UV light, which rapidly solidifies the resin. The curing time can vary but typically only takes a few minutes.

Polishing: The final step involves removing any excess resin and polishing the repaired area to restore the glass's smooth surface and clarity. This step ensures that the repair blends in almost invisibly with the surrounding glass.

The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour and not only restores the structural integrity and safety of the windshield but also prevents the damage from spreading and becoming a larger crack that would necessitate a full windshield replacement. This method is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly by reducing glass waste.

Abbotsford's Best Auto Glass

At Sumas Auto Glass, we are driven by a profound commitment to excellence in every service we provide, whether it’s as straightforward as replacing windshield wipers or as intricate as conducting complex repairs. This unwavering dedication is vital, particularly in Canada’s unpredictable weather, where maintaining clear visibility is crucial for safety.

We are experts in ADAS calibration, specializing in the precise adjustment of modern vehicles' safety features like lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control. At Sumas Auto Glass, we ensure these systems are perfectly aligned to each vehicle's specific needs, enhancing safety, adhering to regulatory standards, and boosting the vehicle's value.

Known for our commitment to surpassing client expectations, Sumas Auto Glass stands out in Abbotsford as a leader in the auto glass industry. We use cutting-edge technology and leverage extensive field experience to ensure every vehicle isn’t just repaired but is also optimized for peak performance and safety. For those seeking unmatched quality and customer satisfaction, Sumas Auto Glass is synonymous with excellence in auto glass services.