Windshield Chip & Crack Repair in Brentwood, CA

Can this chip be repaired?

A technician decides by looking at four things:

Size. Chips up to roughly the size of a quarter, and single cracks up to about 6 inches, are the usual limit for a reliable repair.
Location. Damage that starts within about 2 inches of the edge tends to keep running, and damage right in front of the driver may leave a blemish that distracts. Both usually point to replacement.
Depth. A windshield has two glass layers around a plastic interlayer. Repair works when only the outer layer is damaged; if the inner layer is cracked, it has to be replaced.
Contamination. A chip that has been open for weeks collects dirt and water that resin can't push out. The sooner the repair, the better it looks.

The industry's repair standard (ROLAGS, the Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard) sets these limits in more detail; ask the technician how your damage measures up.

Rules of thumb only. The technician decides based on depth, location and whether the damage reaches the edge or the driver's line of sight.

Types of windshield damage and what they usually mean

Damage	What it looks like	Usually
Bullseye	Round, dark cone where the stone hit	Repairable; fills well
Half-moon	A partial bullseye	Repairable
Star break	Short legs radiating from the impact	Repairable if legs are short and clean
Combination break	Bullseye with legs	Repairable if under about 2 in. across
Single crack	A line, often grown from a chip	Repairable up to about 6 in.; longer means replacement
Edge or stress crack	Starts at the edge, sometimes with no impact point	Replacement

How resin repair works

Clean and dry. Loose glass is picked out of the impact point and moisture is driven off.
Vacuum and inject. A bridge and injector are mounted over the chip. The tool pulls air out of the break, then pushes clear resin in under pressure so it reaches the ends of the legs.
Cure. A thin film goes over the resin and a UV lamp hardens it.
Finish. Excess resin is scraped flush and polished so wipers glide over it.

Cracks are repaired the same way, working resin along the line from one end to the other. Crack repair takes more skill than chip repair and not every provider does it, so ask.

What to do until it's repaired

Put a piece of clear packing tape over the chip to keep dirt and water out.
Avoid blasting the defroster or air conditioning straight at the glass.
Park in the shade when you can; direct afternoon sun heats the glass unevenly.
Don't slam the doors, and skip the car wash for now.

When a repair isn't the right call

If the crack is long, reaches the edge, goes through both layers, or sits in front of the forward camera or the driver, replacement is safer and often required for inspection or insurance purposes. A new windshield on a camera-equipped car also needs calibration. See how a windshield replacement in Brentwood works.

What it usually costs

One chip	$50–$150
Each additional chip, same visit	from $10 at some shops
Windshield replacement instead	$250–$800+

Published national ranges, not a quote. The provider confirms your exact price before any work. Sources: NuVision Auto Glass, Mike's Auto Glass price list, Glass and Auto (2026). How we use price data

Want to know what insurance pays? See windshield insurance claims in California, or call (925) 794-8026.

Common questions

Will the chip disappear after it's repaired?

Usually not completely. Resin restores strength and clarity, and most repairs become much harder to see, but a faint outline or the impact point often remains. The main goal is stopping the damage from spreading.

How long does a chip repair take?

Typically 20 to 40 minutes for one chip, including curing the resin with UV light. You can usually drive right away.

Can I repair a chip myself with a kit?

DIY kits can work on a small, clean bullseye, but a failed DIY fill traps air and dirt and usually can't be redone professionally. If the chip is in your line of sight or has legs, a professional repair is the safer choice.

Does insurance cover chip repair?

Often. Many insurers cover chip repair under comprehensive coverage with a reduced or waived deductible because it prevents a costlier replacement. It depends on your policy, so check before you file.

Why did my chip turn into a crack overnight?

Stress. Heat, cold, the defroster, a door slam or a bump in the road can make a chip run. Brentwood's hot afternoons and cool mornings are a common trigger, so repair chips soon and keep tape over them until then.