Expert Rock Chip Repair Services Near Rancho Santa Margarita by First Choice Windshield Repair

At First Choice Windshield Repair, we specialize in offering top-notch rock chip repair services in Rancho Santa Margarita and its surrounding areas. Our highly trained and certified technicians provide quick, reliable, and professional services to restore your windshield's integrity and safety.

The purpose of windshield repair is to preserve the stability of the glass by stopping when it begins splitting and cracking. When an auto glass repair is completed, the look of the broken area will be much improved. However, the damaged area never completely disappears.

Is your windshield broke, chipped or a little cracked? Unsure if it requires repair because the crack appears tiny and harmless? Well, not many car and truck owners are aware that even a small ding on the front windshield can quickly mushroom into a huge crack if not repaired in a timely way.

Rancho Santa Margarita Rock Chip Repair Solution

Picture this: a tiny chip on your windshield. You might think it's nothing serious, but that little chip can evolve into a big problem over time! It's like a small snowball rolling down a hill, gradually gathering size and speed. Before you know it, you're looking at a full windshield replacement – and trust us, that's not a fun surprise for your wallet. What's more, those sneaky little cracks can pose quite a safety hazard for you and your passengers. A compromised front windshield can obstruct your view, making you more prone to accidents and airbag malfunctions. Definitely not ideal, right?

So, why not nip that problem in the bud? By addressing those pesky rock chips early, you're not just preserving your windshield's strength, you're also ensuring the safety of your vehicle. This simple, proactive measure can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of replacing your Fast Track decals. It's a win-win situation! So come on over, and let us provide you with top-notch auto glass repair services. Everyone benefits and you can drive away with peace of mind.

Small Rock Chip Repair Benefits In Rancho Santa Margarita

Saving Money – Did you know that fixing a rock chip on your windshield is a huge money-saver? It's true! Repairing a chip can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars compared to a full replacement. But that's not all - auto glass repair doesn't just save your wallet, it also saves your windshield by preventing the crack from spreading.

This amazing process doesn't just stop the damage in its tracks, it also restores your windshield to its original structural strength. So, whether you're dealing with a tiny ding or a lengthy crack, don't put off getting it repaired. It's beneficial for both your safety and your pocket. So, why wait? Act now and give your windshield the care it needs!

Safety – Taking care of that factory seal is crucial! Imagine you're cruising down the highway, and a stray rock takes a chunk out of your glass - or worse, you're in an accident. Your windshield isn't just a window to the world; it's a critical part of your vehicle's roof support and airbag system. By maintaining the original urethane seal, you're giving yourself the best shot at staying safe, even when things get a little rough on the road. It's not just about avoiding injuries, it could quite literally be a lifesaver.

Plus, a professionally-done windshield repair can make a world of difference to your driving experience. It can cut down on that pesky sun glare that comes from damaged areas, making your journey smoother and safer. The cherry on top? A repaired glass surface is smoothed out to perfection, so your windshield wipers can glide across like a hot knife through butter. So, for a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable ride, don't overlook the importance of preserving that factory seal!

Quality – Keeping your original windshield not only means you're retaining top-tier glass, but it's also about preserving quality. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshields aren't just any windshields; they're crafted with precision and meticulous attention to detail. So hang on to that original windshield for a ride that's smooth, safe, and superior! These windshields:

Allow the wipers remove water efficiently.
Utilize solar control to block ultraviolet (UV) light.
Helps cut down heat buildup in a parked vehicle.
Reduces use of the air conditioner while driving which increases gas mileage.
Can have acoustic improvement, giving driver and passengers a quieter ride by reducing outside noise.

Avoiding Windshield Replacement In Rancho Santa Margarita

Original (OE) v. Aftermarket Glass (ARG) Quality

Original (OE) windscreens have exact specs so the wipers eliminate rain and moisture from the glass surface; are solar controlled to block UV light and decrease heat accumulation while car is parked. It lowers usage of the AC system while driving which improves gas mileage. It may also have an acoustic inner layer which offer a quieter drive by minimizing sound from tires, wind and road. The aftermarket (ARG) windshields can be missing out on some or all of these features. And more often than not, the customer is not informed of this by either the repair shop or the insurance company (and their 3rd party administrators).

Another difference between ARG & OEM is the failure levels of recurring tension around the border of the glass. This “weak point” can trigger the windscreen to fracture much easier in an ARG, which then leads to the windshield cracking. This type of break is known as an edge crack. OEM glass, through a contract with the car and truck manufacturers restrict this stress that causes them to fracture and crack less often. The manufacturing process is slower, requiring more time and energy during the annealing and bending process. The ARG’s manufacturing will usually be done faster and with no contract to restrict the residual stress area.

A windshield “from an OEM maker” might not be an OEM glass. Here’s an example. Car #1 has an OE windshield manufactured by Pilkington. Car #2 has a Saint-Gobain Sekurit OE windshield. Both manufacturers are very good. However, some shops, insurance companies and TPA’s (3rd party admins) will sell consumers on the idea by installing a Pilkington glass in car #2, they will be receiving an OEM glass. NOT TRUE. For car #1, Pilkington is OE. For car #2, Pilkington is ARG (aftermarket).

Involving The Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company for a small rock chip repair might not be the best, ahem, “choice”. Consumers should educate themselves about what kind of damage can and should be fixed v. when a replacement becomes mandatory. Here in CA, the consumer is entitled to choose the repair shop they wish to use. And it does not matter AT ALL whether or not the chosen shop belongs to the insurance network.

Sometimes, it just makes sense for the customer to deal directly with the auto glass repair center. Other times, involving the insurance company is the better option. One thing is clear: it should ALWAYS be the customers decision.

The Insurance Company “National” Warranty

The warranty provided by insurance companies through the glass networks doesn’t benefit the consumer at all. The refund of a failed repair goes back to the insurance company from the glass network in the form of a credit towards the cost of windshield replacement. In reality, this is a steering ploy designed to make the customer choose a “preferred” network shop.

The only warranty that matters is the one provided by the glass shop. Many glass centers will only give a credit towards a replacement if the crack repair fails or the customer isn’t happy with the job. This type of warranty could motivate unethical companies to intentionally screw up the tock chip repair in order to do the more profitable replacement and will “just happen” to have a replacement windshield on hand. Yeah.

The First Choice warranty is on our home page and all customer invoices. Basically, its this: The auto glass repair is guaranteed not spread any further for as long as customer owns the car. If windshield repair fails, payment is refunded. Simple.

About Steering

This term is often identified with the insurance industry, specifically insurance claims. It is the practice of attempting to convince the Rancho Santa Margarita consumer to use the glass repair facility favored by the insurance company. Insurance claim reps typically will read a well crafted script designed to accomplish this goal.

Many insurance companies today use a TPA (third party administrator) who is also an auto glass manufacturer. In the role of TPA, they act as a gatekeeper and take care of the paperwork for practically nothing in return for answering the insurance company glass claim phone calls. Acting in this capacity, the TPA can influence which shop will receive work and whether a rock chip repair or a windshield replacement is done.

DIY Rock Chip Repair Kits

Also known as the bane of my existence. So, you have gone to the local Rancho Santa Margarita auto parts store and picked up a DIY (Do It Yourself) auto glass repair kit because you saw a TikTok or YouTube video. They made it look SOOOOO simple! Reality is about 10% of windshield breaks are repairable with these kits.

Many chips and dings have cracks needing to be flexed and impact points to be drilled out. The tools required for flexing and drilling are NOT included in the DIY kits. Also, the quality of the injectors and resins in these kits can range from average to awful. But still not a deal breaker.

Here’s the biggest issue: if the repair you attempt is unsuccessful, it’s highly unlikely that we, or any other Rancho Santa Margarita windshield repair professional can come in afterwards and fix the rock chip. This is due to the impact point and a portion of the internal cracks being filled with cured resin. Once the resin is in there, it’s in there to stay. So, instead of saving about $50, now you’re buying a whole new windshield, many of which are well over $1,000.

So, the moral of the moral of the DIY kits story is: Caveat Emptor – Let The Buyer Beware.

Questions & Answers

Q. Is it better to replace or repair windshield?
A. Although there are situations where longer cracks can be repaired, those that are longer than a 14' usually require replacement. This limit is determined by the National Windshield Repair Assn. Similarly, if a chip is larger than a quarter, the windshield may need to be replaced. This is case by case.

Q. How much does it cost to replace a windshield?
A. You might pay $250 to $4000 to replace a windshield. The amount varies by location, windshield replacement service, and the type of damage. Price differences also occur due to a vehicle's make, model, or year. If you drive a collector's car, a luxury model or one equipped with lane departure and collision alert systems, the cost WILL be higher.

Q. How is a chip in my windshield fixed?
A. The glass is cleaned around chip or crack. The injector is placed over the impact point. The injector is then filled with resin and injected into the damaged area. Once filled, it is cured with a UV light. Once cured, a patch is applied to the impact point with a thicker resin, cured, scraped smooth and buffed with pit polish.

Q. How big of a crack can First Choice fix?
A. We can usually repair your windshield when: The chip or crack is 14 inches or smaller. You have three chips or less. The damage is not in front of a camera or sensor.

Q. Can you repair a 12 inch windshield crack?
A. Yes. Up to 14" is repairable. Rock chips are easy to repair if it's an inch across or less. The depth of the crack is also important. A crack on the windshield that penetrates only the top layer of glass is repairable.

Q. Does insurance cover windshield crack?
A. Sometimes. It depends if your insurance provider offers this as part of your comprehensive coverage. You may not even have to pay the deductible in such cases.

Q. How long does it take to change a windshield?
A. It depends on year, make and model. On some older cars, windshield replacements can be performed in under 30 minutes. On newer cars where calibration is needed, 2 hours is a common time frame.

Q. How long does it take for a new windshield to dry?
A. Dry meaning cure. There are 2 cure times: safe drive away and full cure. And these times vary depending on weather conditions and the types of adhesive the glass company uses. Be sure to ask the company doing your replacement this question.

Q. Should I repair small windshield chip?
A. Yes. Even though the damage may seem small, windshield chips of any size should be repaired as soon as possible. Left unfixed, a small chip can grow into a crack that spans the length of the glass.

Q. Will Super Glue fix a chip in windshield?
A. No. Hell no. You want to ruin any chance of a proper repair being done? Use super glue.

Q. Does Gorilla Glue work on repairing a windshield?
A. No. Hell no. You want to ruin any chance of a proper repair being done? Use Gorilla Glue.

Q. Do Windshield Repair Kits Work?
A. Maybe. As long as the windshield damage isn't too extensive and you PROPERLY follow the instructions and you are somewhat mechanically inclined, you might successfully repair a small chip. A long crack? I'll put it this way... you have a better chance at winning the lottery.

Q. What is the longest windshield crack that can be repaired?
A. 14" is the maximum length determined by the National Windshield Repair Assn. The “If the size of the crack is more than that of a dollar bill” argument is old and outdated.

Q. Is there a way to stop a windshield crack from spreading?
A. Of course. This is what our service is all about. Also, DO NOT go down this path: “A cheap way to stop a windshield crack from spreading without drilling a hole in the glass is to fill the chip with cyanoacrylate glue, often marketed as Superglue. This temporary fix should hold the crack together for at least a week or two.”

Q. How fast does a windshield crack spread?
A. It varies. A windshield crack may stay the same for months or years. Or it can expand a couple of feet in just minutes. There is no way to predict this.

Q. Do cracks in windshield get bigger?
A. If you have chips or cracks and it gets hot outside, the glass will possibly expand which can trigger the damage to get worse. This may trigger replacing the glass.

Q. Should I claim windshield replacement insurance?
A. Maybe. A comprehensive car insurance policy covers damages caused to a car's windshield. Your motor insurance company will bear the cost of replacing your vehicle's damaged windshield minus your deductible.

Q. What are the dangers of a cracked windshield?
A. A small rock chip doesn’t pose any immediate danger. If the small chip expand into a large crack, it can become a huge safety hazard. It can impair drivers vision or distract their attention while vehicle is moving. Cracks can also interfere with the cars forward collision and lane departure systems if they cross into the camera area. Most seriously, a windshield with a large crack may not support the roof during a rollover accident.

Q. Why did my windshield cracked for no reason?
A. If no impact has occurred, this type of damage is referred to as a stress crack. This most often happens shortly after a windshield has been replaced and something wasn't done correctly. On rarer occasions, big fluctuations in temperature can cause the glass to break.

Q. Can rain get through a cracked windshield?
A. Typically no. Windshield leaks most often occur when is there is a gap in the bead of urethane that secures the glass to the body of the car.

Q. Does rain affect a new windshield?
A. Rain or water shouldn't be an issue on newly replaced auto glass, as long as the urethane has reached its safe driveaway time. However, it is best you can avoid rain until urethane is fully cured.

Q. Why do they put blue tape on new windshields?
A. Retention tape plays an important role in holding the windshield onto its frame, ensuring the windshield remains in proper position while the urethane cures. Be sure to ask the glass shop when it is safe to remove the tape.

Q. Do all windshield chips spread?
A. No. Some do and some don't. Chips start out small and irrelevant, but even one bump on the road could cause them to spread. You just never know when they are going to get worse.

Q. Does clear nail polish fix cracked windshield?
A. No. Nope. No way Jose. Say no to clear nail polish, superglue, toothpaste, vinegar etc. Save yourself the time and aggravation and potentially the cost of a replacement by calling a windshield repair specialist

Q. Can tiny rock chips be fixed?
A. Absolutely. Rock chip repairs are fairly inexpensive and quick: they usually take less than half an hour to repair. Often times, and much to people's surprise a tiny rock chip will require a full windshield replacement due to the damage being ignored and the chip expands.

Q. What glue is good for windshield?
A. Urethane adhesive is unquestionably the best adhesive for windshield replacements. You may not think it, but the adhesive is just as important for windshield safety as the glass itself. The reason is quite simple – you need the best adhesive to ensure the replacement windshield is secured to the vehicle.

Q. When should you not use a windshield repair kit?
A. My sarcastic answer is to never use one. The quality of the injectors and resins in these kits is average at best. Here’s the biggest issue: if the repair process you attempt is unsuccessful, neither us, nor any other windshield repair professional, can come in afterwards and fix the rock chip due to the impact point and a portion of the internal damage being plugged up with cured resin. Once it’s in there, it’s in there to stay.

Q. Do windshield repair kits work on long cracks?
A. No. Specifically, they only work on small chips, specifically the kind that looks like a flower or bulls-eye. They can't and shouldn't be used for long cracks.

Q. Is it a chip or a crack?
A. There are many forms of windshield damage though you'll most often hear “chip” or “crack.” A chip is a general term that refers to small damage on a windshield, whereas a crack of damage is a distinct line that runs across the windshield.

Q. Does heat make windshield cracks spread?
A. It is a contributing factor. Most experts agree that warmer weather causes chips to spread into vertical cracks. We recommend repairing chips or cracks as soon as possible during long heat waves, especially here in Califonia.

Q. What causes a bullseye crack?
A. These are the most common rock chips. It is shaped like a small circle surrounded by a slightly larger circle, kind of like an eye. This is one of the easiest windshield repairs and doesn’t leave behind much of trace once they are fixed.

Q. How do you make windshield rock chips disappear?
A. By properly injecting windshield resin into the damaged area and curing it with ultra violet light. The crack will still be present, but it is now filled with cured resin which makes the line “disappear”. They often disappear quite alot, but never completely.

Why Choose First Choice Windshield Repair for Your Rancho Santa Margarita Rock Chip Repair Needs?

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart. We use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to ensure the best possible results for your windshield. With First Choice Windshield Repair, you can rest assured knowing you are receiving the best rock chip repair service in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Serving Rancho Santa Margarita and Nearby Areas

List of Nearby Locations

At First Choice Windshield Repair, we are dedicated to providing fast and effective auto glass repair services across Rancho Santa Margarita and the surrounding areas. We understand the importance of fixing your chipped windshield promptly to prevent further damage and ensure your safety on the road.

Contact First Choice Windshield Repair Today for Expert Windshield Repair Services

Don’t let a small chip in your windshield turn into a major problem. Contact First Choice Windshield Repair today for expert rock chip repair services in Rancho Santa Margarita and surrounding areas. We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service in the industry.

Glossary of Repair Terminology

The following glossary and definitions are provided by ROLAGS (Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard)

Bullseye: Damage that is marked by a separated cone in the outer layer of glass that results in a dark circle with an impact point.
Chip: Non-technical term, commonly used by the public, for damage on a windshield.
Combination Break: Damage with multiple characteristics, i.e., star within a bullseye, short or long crack(s) emanating from the damage.
Crack: Single line of separation that may emanate from an impact point.
Short Crack: A crack of 6 inches or less.
Long Crack: A crack of more than 6 inches.
Edge Crack: Any crack that that extends to an edge.
Floater Crack: Any crack that does not extend to an edge.
Stress Crack: Any crack that extends from an edge and lacks an impact point.
Ding: Non-technical term, commonly used by the public, for damage on a windshield.
Half Moon: Partial bullseye.
Impact Point: Location on the glass that was struck by an object and results in damage.
Laminated glass: Two or more layers of glass with a non-glass inner layer(s).
Legs: Subsurface cracks that emanate from the break.
Pit: Impact point from which a small piece of glass is missing.
Repair: A process that removes air from the break either by vacuum or displacement and fills the break with resin.
Star Break: Damage that exhibits a series of legs that emanate from the break.
Stone Break: Non-technical term, commonly used by the public, for damage on a windshield.
Surface Pit: A nick in the glass associated with normal wear and tear that does not penetrate to the plastic interlayer.

First Choice Windshield Repair

26040 Acero
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Phone: (949) 698-6980