How a Windshield Chip Repair Works: A Step-By-Step Guide for Drivers in Redlands, Yucaipa & the Inland Empire

We Teach You How A Chip Repair Works Step By Step!

12/4/20252 min read

A rock chip on your windshield may look small, but in the Inland Empire’s intense heat, cool nights, and daily driving conditions, that tiny impact can quickly spread into a long crack. Once it does, your entire windshield often needs replacement.

At Citrus Mobile Auto Glass, we specialize in fast, clean, high-quality chip repairs throughout Redlands, Yucaipa, and surrounding Inland Empire cities. This guide breaks down exactly how a professional chip repair works — so you know what to expect and why timing matters.

Below is the exact process we use, as shown in our infographic:

1. Inspect & Clean the Damage

Every repair starts with a full inspection of the chip. We check:

  • The type of break (bullseye, star break, combo chip, etc.)

  • The depth of the impact

  • Whether moisture or debris is inside the fracture

  • How far the cracks have spread

Then the surface is cleaned to remove loose glass, dirt, and dust. A clean impact point ensures the resin will bond properly and restore strength.

2. Drill (If Needed)

Not every chip needs drilling — only certain fracture types require it.

A small, precise drill creates a clean access point into the impact so the resin can fully flow into the cracks. This step also helps stop further spreading before the repair begins.

Professionals know when drilling is necessary and when it isn’t, which is why DIY kits often fail.

3. Blow Out Dust & Debris

Any remaining glass dust, moisture, or debris is removed using a professional blower.
This is a crucial step — if contaminants stay inside the chip, the repair won’t bond well and may remain visible or structurally weak.

A clean, dry chip = a clean, long-lasting repair.

4. Inject the Resin

This is the heart of the repair.

Using a professional bridge tool, we inject high-quality windshield resin deep into the fracture. The resin fills:

  • The impact pit

  • Hairline cracks

  • Sub-fractures caused by the initial impact

Once filled, the resin restores integrity to the glass and prevents the chip from spreading.

5. UV Cure

After the resin flows through the chip, a UV curing light hardens it within minutes.
This transforms the liquid repair into a solid, durable bond that strengthens the damaged area.

The cured resin also improves optical clarity and helps blend the repair into the surrounding glass.

6. Scrape & Polish

Once cured, we remove excess resin from the surface and polish the area to smoothness.

The result?

  • A stronger windshield

  • A smoother finish

  • A repair that is often barely noticeable

Most importantly, your chip is no longer at risk of turning into a full crack.

Why This Matters for Inland Empire Drivers

Living in Redlands, Yucaipa, Beaumont, Highland, and the rest of the Inland Empire means your windshield is exposed to:

  • Triple-digit heat

  • Cool nighttime temperatures

  • Freeway driving on the 10, 210, and 60

  • Potholes and road construction

  • High-pressure drive-through car washes

These factors dramatically speed up how fast a rock chip spreads.

That’s why repairing your windshield early isn’t just smart — it’s necessary.

Professional vs. DIY Chip Repair

Many drivers try DIY kits, but here's the truth:

  • They rarely fill the chip fully

  • They don’t remove debris properly

  • They don’t cure as strong as commercial resin

  • They often leave cloudy or messy results

A professional repair lasts longer, looks cleaner, and keeps your windshield structurally safe.

Serving Redlands, Yucaipa & the Entire Inland Empire

Citrus Mobile Auto Glass provides:

  • Mobile chip repair (we come to you)

  • Headlight restorations

  • Protective glass coatings

  • Easy online booking — no card required

If you're in the Inland Empire and want fast, clean, professional windshield chip repair, Citrus has you covered.

Book Your Repair in Minutes

Scheduling is quick and easy — no payment required to book.
Just choose a time and we handle the rest.

📍 Serving Redlands, Yucaipa, and the Inland Empire
📞 909-654-6266
🌐 citrusautoglass.com