Most chips smaller than a quarter (about 1 inch in diameter) can be repaired successfully, as can cracks shorter than 6 inches that haven’t spread to the edges or into the driver’s direct line of sight. However, chips with multiple legs (called “star breaks”), chips directly in front of the driver, or damage near sensors may require replacement. The safest answer: have it inspected — Southwest Auto Glass will give you an honest assessment at no charge, and we only recommend replacement when it’s genuinely necessary.

It depends on your policy. Many insurers : including State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and USAA – waive the deductible for chip repairs because a $75-$150 repair prevents a much costlier $300-$500+ windshield replacement. Texas does not mandate free chip repair, so check your specific policy. When you call Southwest Auto Glass, we verify your coverage and handle the claim directly with your insurer. In many cases, El Paso drivers pay nothing out of pocket for chip repair.

Chip repair typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. A technician injects a specialized optical resin into the chip, cures it with UV light, and polishes the surface. You can usually drive away immediately, no waiting period required. We can perform chip repairs in-shop at our El Paso locations or send a mobile technician to your home, office, or any convenient location.

Chip repair significantly improves the appearance of the damage and restores the structural integrity of the glass, but it may not make the chip 100% invisible depending on its size, depth, and age. You may notice a slight shimmer or outline in certain lighting. The primary goals of chip repair are stopping the crack from spreading, restoring strength to the glass, and improving clarity and we achieve all three with every repair.

El Paso drivers deal with a perfect storm of windshield-damaging conditions: heavy truck traffic on I-10 and Hwy 54 kicks up gravel and debris constantly; desert winds carry fine sand that gradually pits glass; and extreme temperature swings — cold desert nights followed by 100°F+ afternoons — cause glass to expand and contract, turning a tiny chip into a spreading crack within days. Chip repair is especially urgent in El Paso because that thermal stress acts fast.

As soon as possible, ideally within a few days. Chips spread for several reasons: temperature fluctuations, vibration from driving, moisture entering the chip, and pressure changes. In El Paso’s heat, a quarter-sized chip can spider out into a 12-inch crack in under a week. A chip repair costs around $75; a full windshield replacement runs $250–$600+. Don’t let a cheap fix become an expensive one.

Yes. Our mobile chip repair service covers all of El Paso including the East Side, West Side, Upper Valley, and the UTEP/Central area, plus Las Cruces and Alamogordo. We come to your home, office, or workplace , chip repair takes 20-30 minutes with no disruption to your day. Many customers have us come during their lunch break. Request a mobile appointment online or call 915-595-4444.