Stone chip repair Busselton: Should you repair or replace?
This guide is for vehicle owners across Busselton and the wider South West WA region who have spotted a chip or crack on their windscreen and are unsure of the next steps. At South West Windscreens & Tint, we operate on a “repair first” philosophy. This means if it is safe and practical to repair a stone chip rather than replace the entire windscreen, that is our priority.
Understanding Your Windscreen: Laminated Safety Glass
It is helpful to know that your front windscreen is different from the other windows in your car. It is made of laminated safety glass, which consists of two sheets of glass fused together with a strong, flexible interlayer.
This design ensures that if your windscreen is hit by a stone, it will not shatter or fall in on the occupants. Instead, it is designed to crack while remaining in place. While this keeps you safe in the moment, any crack or chip compromises the structural integrity of the glass and needs professional attention.
What to Do the Moment You Get a Chip
If you hear that tell-tale “crack” while driving, acting quickly is your best defence. We recommend stopping at a safe location to fully assess the damage. If the damage is small and not obscuring your vision, you may be able to continue your journey, but you should book a repair immediately.
The O’Brien® Saver Patch Kit
To give your windscreen the best chance of a successful repair, we recommend using an O’Brien® Saver Patch. These are clear adhesive patches designed to keep dirt, moisture, and road grime out of the damage.
- Why use it: A clean chip results in a much clearer, stronger repair. If a chip fills with debris, it can affect how the repair looks and may even cause the resin to fail.
- How to get one: You can pick up a Saver Patch Kit for free from our Busselton workshop. We recommend keeping one in your glovebox so you are always prepared.
Important: The patch is a temporary protection measure only. It does not stop the chip from spreading, so you should still book your repair as soon as possible.
Why Do Windscreen Chips Turn Into Cracks?
A chip is a localised break, but it is under constant stress. Several factors can cause a small blemish to expand into a large, unrepairable crack:
- Sudden temperature changes: Using the heater on a frosty Busselton morning or the air conditioning on a hot afternoon.
- Road vibrations: Bumpy terrain, corrugated roads, or even slamming a car door.
- Weather events: Hail or heavy storms.
- Direct pressure: Pressing on the glass near the damage.
What our clients say about our Stone Chip Repair Services
Meaghan O.
Very quick and easy service. Jill was so helpful and friendly. Highly recommend!
Judith D.
Thank you to the Tradesman who did my Car Windscreen, Chip repair today… fabulous. Thank you to the lovely Office Staff Mel and Lauren.
Tracy L.
Coming over from Manjimup today got a chip in windscreen, went to South West Windscreens, they fixed it straight away. Awesome service and job. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Roadworthiness and Your Safety
In Western Australia, a damaged windscreen can affect the roadworthiness of your vehicle, particularly if the damage is in the driver’s direct line of sight. The safest and most practical approach is to have any chip or crack assessed promptly rather than leaving it to chance.
If the damage cannot be repaired, our team will handle everything for you. We will book you in for a replacement, order your new glass, assist with the insurance claim, and keep you updated on our progress. We aim to remove the stress and worry so you can get back to your day.
Stone Chip Repair vs. Full Replacement
Knowing whether you need a quick repair or a full new windscreen depends on the size and location of the damage.
| Feature | Stone Chip Repair | Full Windscreen Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Size | Smaller than a $1 coin | Larger than a $1 coin or has cracked |
| Location | Away from edge and driver vision | At edge or in critical vision area |
| Time Required | Approximately 30 minutes | 1 to 2 hours plus curing time |
| Cost | Low cost (often insurance covered) | Higher cost (replacement unit) |
| ADAS Impact | Usually no calibration | calibration required for safety |
Professional Tip: If a chip is larger than a 5 cent coin in the driver’s line of sight, or less than 5cm from any edge of the windscreen, a full replacement is usually required to meet Australian Standards.
Modern Vehicles and ADAS Awareness
For drivers of modern vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warnings, addressing a stone chip early is even more critical. These systems rely on cameras mounted behind the windscreen.
If a chip spreads and a replacement is required, the forward-facing camera may be affected. In these cases, calibration is a manufacturer requirement to ensure your safety features continue to function correctly. We offer on-site calibration in Busselton using the Cal-Tech® system.
Read our blog on ADAS Calibration Busselton: Why It Matters for Safety
Insurance and Mobile Service Options
- Insurance Claims: We work with most leading Australian insurance companies and can help you with your claim.
- No Insurance: If you do not have glass cover, we still aim to repair before replacing whenever safe to keep your costs to a minimum.
- Mobile Service: Our mobile service can come to you throughout the South West, including Margaret River, Dunsborough, and Augusta.
Our Workmanship Guarantee
South West Windscreens & Tint is a family-owned and operated business and a licensed WA repairer (MRB 5586). As an authorised O’Brien® dealer, we offer a lifetime guarantee on all workmanship for our windscreen replacements and chip repairs.
To have your stone chip assessed, repaired, or replaced, drop by our workshop at 7 Goldsmith Street, Busselton or click here for directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a windscreen repair be completely invisible?
How long does a stone chip repair take?
Can I drive my car right after a windscreen replacement?
Why does the whole windscreen need replacing if only one part is cracked?
