Chip repair or replacement
In brief: Under the industry ROLAGS standard, bullseyes up to 1 inch, star breaks up to 3 inches and cracks up to 14 inches can be repaired, with stricter limits in the driver’s primary viewing area and no repair of contaminated, edge or stress cracks[1].
Who decides what can be repaired?
The industry reference is the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard (ROLAGS), written by a group of industry experts and promoted by the National Windshield Repair Division[1]. It sets which breaks can be repaired, which should not be, and the steps a technician should follow.
What sizes can be repaired?
| Damage type | Repair limit |
|---|---|
| Bullseye | Diameter up to 1 inch (25 mm) |
| Half-moon (partial bullseye) | Diameter up to 1 inch (25 mm) |
| Star break | Diameter up to 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Combination break | Body up to 2 inches (50 mm), excluding legs |
| Crack | Up to 14 inches (350 mm) |
| Surface pit | Diameter of not less than 1/8 inch (3 mm) |
Limits as summarized by the National Windshield Repair Division[1].
When should damage not be repaired?
- Damage contaminated with visible impurities that cannot be cleaned out.
- Damage with three or more long cracks from one impact point.
- A pit larger than 3/8 inch.
- Edge cracks that run into more than one edge.
- Stress cracks.
- Damage where value-added features, such as sensors or heating elements, could be affected; follow the vehicle maker’s guidance.
Source: ROLAGS as summarized by the NWRA[1].
What is the driver’s primary viewing area?
ROLAGS treats the area directly in front of the driver more strictly. In the driver’s primary viewing area (DPVA), damage should not be repaired if it is larger than 1 inch across, if the finished pit would be larger than 3/16 inch, if the repair would be within 4 inches of another repair, or if the technician judges it would affect safe operation[1]. A repaired chip is not invisible; it can leave a slight blemish, which matters most in the driver’s line of sight.
How is a chip repaired?
- Inspect the damage from inside and outside to decide whether it is repairable.
- Clean moisture, dirt and loose glass from the break.
- Warm or cool the glass if it is outside the resin’s temperature range.
- Remove the air from the break by vacuum or displacement and fill it with resin.
- Cure the resin, then fill and polish the pit.
Steps as listed under ROLAGS[1].
Repair or replace: how to decide
Repair is quicker and cheaper, keeps the original factory installation, and does not involve removing the glass or the camera bracket. Replacement is needed when damage exceeds the limits, sits in the DPVA, reaches the edge, or affects a camera or sensor zone; after replacement, many cars need their driver-assistance camera recalibrated[2]. Low Price Auto Glass’s Google listing includes windshield repair among its services[3]. In Indiana, comprehensive insurance covers glass damage[4]; see glass claims.
Questions and answers
How big a crack can be repaired?
Up to 14 inches under the ROLAGS industry standard, outside the restrictions for the driver’s view and edges.
Can a chip in front of the driver be repaired?
Only if it is 1 inch or less and meets the other limits for the driver’s primary viewing area.
Does a repaired chip disappear?
No. It usually leaves a small blemish, though it restores strength and stops spreading.
Related articles
- Winter windshield damage
- Services and warranty
- Location, hours and directions
- Service area
- Ratings and profiles
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f The Right Repairs at the Right Time (ROLAGS repair limits). National Windshield Repair Division. Checked 9 November 2026.
- ^ Understanding the Importance of Calibration: What are the Facts?. Auto Glass Safety Council. Checked 9 November 2026.
- ^ Low Price Auto Glass, Google Business Profile (CID 11933096611477850620). Google Maps. Checked 9 November 2026.
- ^ Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance. Indiana Department of Insurance. Checked 9 November 2026.