Learn 5 reasons why you should repair windshield chips early

A small chip in your windshield might not seem like a big deal — until it turns into a long, spreading crack across your entire field of view.

At Steel Horse Glass, we’ve seen it time and again: drivers delay chip repair, hoping it’ll hold, only to need a full windshield replacement days or weeks later. The good news? Most windshield chips can be safely and affordably repaired — but only if you act quickly.

In this article, we’ll break down the top 5 reasons to repair your windshield chip before it spreads, plus what to expect when you schedule mobile service in Oregon City or surrounding areas.

1. Windshield Chips Can Turn Into Cracks Overnight

The number one reason to repair a windshield chip early is simple: it won’t stay small forever.

Glass is sensitive to stress and temperature changes. Even a minor chip can:

Spread with sudden cold or heat

Crack further due to road vibration

Worsen from slamming doors or hitting potholes


What starts as a $75 repair can quickly become a $300–$500 replacement if you wait too long.

2. Small Repairs Are Fast, Affordable, and Often Covered by Insurance

If your chip meets certain criteria — like being smaller than a quarter and not in your direct line of sight — it may qualify for a quick, in-place resin repair.

At Steel Horse Glass, chip repairs:

• Take about 30 minutes or less
  
  
• Are significantly cheaper than replacement
  
  
• Often cost nothing out of pocket with comprehensive insurance
  
  

Many Oregon insurance providers waive the deductible for minor windshield repairs. We’ll even help you file the claim to keep the process stress-free.

3. Unrepaired Damage Puts You (and Others) at Risk

Your windshield is more than just a piece of glass — it’s a critical safety structure. A chip might look cosmetic, but it can weaken the glass and compromise your vehicle’s protection in a crash.

A damaged windshield may:

• Reduce visibility while driving
  
  
• Reflect glare and distort vision
  
  
• Fail to support proper airbag deployment
  
  
• Increase the chance of glass shattering in a collision
  
  

Even if the chip isn’t in your field of vision now, it may spread under pressure, endangering you and your passengers. A quick repair ensures your windshield can do its job properly.

4. Oregon Law Can Penalize You for Driving with Damage

Driving with visible windshield damage is not just dangerous — it could also be illegal in Oregon.

According to state law:

• Windshields must be free of cracks or chips that impair driver vision
  
  
• Obstructions in your line of sight can result in citations or failed inspections
  
  
• Law enforcement officers can issue “fix-it” tickets for unsafe auto glass
  
  

By repairing the chip early, you stay compliant with local laws and avoid fines or reinspection hassles.

5. Preventative Repairs Save You Time and Stress

Let’s face it — life gets busy. But dealing with a full windshield replacement is far more time-consuming than a quick repair.

A repair:

Requires no removal of the glass

Can be done on-site at your home or work

Doesn’t require curing time

Lets you drive away immediately

A replacement, on the other hand, involves:

Removing old glass

Installing a new panel

Waiting for adhesives to cure (1–2 hours minimum)

Possibly recalibrating safety sensors (ADAS)

When you fix the chip early, you avoid all the hassle and get back on the road in no time.

When Is a Chip Too Far Gone to Repair?

We can repair most chips smaller than the size of a quarter that are:

• Not located in the driver’s direct line of sight
  
  
• Not spreading toward the edges of the windshield
  
  
• Not more than one or two chips total
  
  
• Not part of a complex crack pattern (e.g., spiderwebs or stress fractures)
  
  

If your chip has started to crack, splinter, or spread, it’s best to call right away. We’ll assess whether we can safely repair it or if a full windshield replacement is needed.

What to Expect During a Windshield Chip Repair

With Steel Horse Glass, the process is simple and mobile:

1. We inspect the chip to ensure it’s a candidate for repair.
   
   
2. A special resin is injected into the damaged area using vacuum pressure.
   
   
3. The resin is cured using UV light to restore strength and clarity.
   
   
4. The surface is polished smooth, and you’re ready to go.
   
   

The entire process usually takes 20–30 minutes, and we come directly to you.

FAQs: Windshield Chip Repair

Is a chip repair permanent?

 Yes. Once the resin is cured, the repair restores strength and prevents further spreading. You may still see a faint mark, but the glass is stable and safe.

Will my insurance cover chip repair?

 Most comprehensive policies cover chip repairs with no deductible. We’ll work with your insurer to verify and file the claim.

How long does a chip repair take?

 Typically less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

Can I wait a few weeks before fixing the chip?

We strongly advise against waiting. Even one cold morning or sharp turn could cause the crack to grow. Early repair is safer and more cost-effective.

Book Mobile Windshield Repair in Oregon City

If you’re staring at a chip in your windshield — don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact Steel Horse Glass today and let our experienced team take care of it on your schedule.

• Mobile service in Oregon City and surrounding communities
  
  
• Same-day appointments often available
  
  
• Repairs backed by warranty
  
  
• Local, family-owned and trusted for over 40 years
  
  

Call or text (503) 502‑2928 or email steelhorseglass@gmail.com to schedule your chip repair today.

Steel Horse Glass LLC
Mobile Glass Repair & Replacement | Serving Oregon City & Surrounding Areas
Phone: (503) 502‑2928 | Email: steelhorseglass@gmail.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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