Rock chip on a Tesla Model Y: Repair it or Replace the Glass?

Imagine you are driving your Tesla Model Y down the road on a sunny day, listening to your favorite song. The road is smooth, and your Tesla is quiet. Then, you hear a tick! A tiny stone jumps up from a truck in front of you and hits your windshield. You look at the glass and notice a small chip, right there on your beautiful car. Your heart sinks a little. But don’t worry. This happens to almost every driver at some point.

And when someone gets their windshield damaged, they often ask what they should do next. If you also have the same question, read this blog by Aim Auto Glass, the best cracked windshield repair shop in Abbotsford, BC, till the end to find an answer to this commonly asked question.

Take a Good Look at the Chip

First of all, you need to take a look at the rock chip and check:

How big is it?

A good trick is to hold a coin next to the chip. If the chip is smaller than the coin, there is a good chance it can be repaired. You may need to opt for windshield replacement if it’s bigger.

Where is it?

If the chip sits in front of the driver’s eyes, even a perfect repair can leave a tiny blur. That blur can bother you when you drive. A chip near the edge of the glass is also a worry, because edges are weak spots and cracks love to grow there.

Are there any cracks?

Sometimes a rock chip has little lines coming out of it. A short crack, about 3 inches (7 cm) or less, can often be fixed. If the crack is bigger than 3 inches, windshield replacement is required.

When Repair Is the Smart Choice

If your chip is small, simple, and in a safe spot, repair is often the best path. It works well when:

• The rock chip does not affect the driver’s visibility
• It is not near the edge of the glass
• You get it fixed before dirt and water get inside

When Replacing the Glass Is Better

It’s time for windshield replacement when:

• The rock chip is too big
• A crack is long, or you can see it growing
• The damage is right in front of the driver
• There are many cracks around the rock chip
• The chip is near the edge
• The chip is filled with dirt

Tesla Model Y Is a Little Different

Now let’s talk about what makes the Model Y special and made us write for this specific model. You need to look up near the ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirror) to determine how different a Tesla is. You can see sensors and a camera behind the windshield glass. They help with Autopilot, lane keeping, and many safety features.

When you opt for windshield replacement, those cameras may need to be calibrated. That is a big word for a simple idea. A technician needs to set the cameras, or the eyes of your car, again so they see the road in the right way. If they are even a little off, the safety features may not work well. And Calibration takes extra time and money.

So if your windshield damage is small enough to repair, get it repaired soon. This will help you skip calibration and save you time, money, and stress. Don’t delay!

Read Also - Rock Chip Repair: Necessary or Not

Let’s Not Forget Money

Though the price of windshield repair and replacement changes from place to place, here is an estimate so you know what to expect:

Pro Tip: Check your car insurance, as many plans pay for chip repair in full, or ask you to pay only a small amount. If you are in doubt, just call your insurance company, and they will help you out!

Conclusion

A little chip can turn into a big problem if you do not get it repaired quickly. Waiting for the chip to heal on its own is the perfect way to become eligible for windshield replacement. If it has happened to your car for the first time and you are unsure about whether it can be repaired, contact an auto glass expert to determine.

Also, you can easily find auto glass repair shops that will assess the damage carefully without charging a penny and tell you whether repair is possible or you need to replace the whole windshield. To get in touch with professional glass technicians in Abbotsford, BC, for rock chip repair, dial 604-621-3232 or email info@aimautoglass.com.