Why We Drill Windshield Chips (And Why It Matters in Redlands, CA)

If you’ve ever watched a professional windshield chip repair and noticed a small drill being used, you might have wondered: Is that really necessary?
The short answer is yes — when done correctly, drilling is one of the most important steps in stopping a chip from spreading.

At Citrus Mobile Auto Glass, we regularly perform windshield chip repairs throughout Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, and the Inland Empire, and drilling is a proven technique that helps ensure long-lasting results — especially in our local climate.

What Drilling a Chip Actually Does

Drilling does not weaken your windshield. In fact, it does the opposite.

A windshield chip often traps:

• Air

• Moisture

• Loose glass fragments

These trapped elements prevent repair resin from fully bonding inside the damaged area. A controlled, shallow drill allows us to:

• Release trapped air

• Create a clean path for resin to flow

• Fully stabilize the damaged glass

Think of it like prepping a surface before applying glue — without proper prep, the repair won’t last.

Why This Is Especially Important in Redlands & the Inland Empire

The Inland Empire experiences extreme temperature swings, especially in areas like Redlands and Yucaipa. Hot afternoons, cool nights, freeway driving, and road vibrations all cause windshield glass to expand and contract.

If a chip isn’t properly repaired:

• Heat can cause it to spread rapidly

• Cold mornings can turn it into a full crack

• Rough roads can worsen the damage overnight

Drilling ensures the resin reaches every part of the chip, making the repair far more resistant to these conditions.

Does Drilling Make the Chip More Visible?

No — when done professionally.

Our goal is structural repair first, appearance second. A properly drilled and filled chip:

• Restores windshield strength

• Prevents spreading

• Typically improves clarity by 80–90%

Most customers barely notice the repair afterward — especially compared to a long crack across the glass.

Not Every Chip Needs Drilling — But Some Do

We don’t drill every chip automatically. Each repair is evaluated on:

• Chip type (bullseye, star break, combination)

• Depth of damage

• Location on the windshield

• Contamination level

When drilling is used, it’s because it gives the best chance of stopping the damage permanently.

Mobile Windshield Chip Repair in Redlands, CA

At Citrus Mobile Auto Glass, we specialize in:

• Windshield chip repair

• Preventing small chips from becoming costly replacements

• Clean, professional mobile service at your location

If you’re in Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, or nearby Inland Empire areas, addressing a chip early can save you hundreds.

👉 Book online in under a minute
👉 No card required to schedule
👉 Payment collected after service

Visit citrusautoglass.com or call/text 909-654-6266 to get started.