Chipped Tesla Windscreen? Don't sweat yet.
So you were peacefully driving along in your Tesla and then suddenly - BANG! You flinch and wonder what on earth has hit your car only to notice a small chip in the glass on your expansive Tesla windscreen.
"I wonder what it will cost to replace this windscreen?" you think to yourself.
Well let me break it to you: a pretty penny.
You see, Tesla, along with basically all modern cars, have added all sorts of amazing and innovative technology that help your driving experience to be as comfortable and as safe as we have come to expect. The often overlooked downside of all this integrated technology is the cost that is added to replacing parts on the car such as the windscreen. Only a few years ago a windscreen replacement was a relatively straightforward process that generally wouldn't make you wince in pain when quoted the price over the phone. In 2024 however, customers are increasingly shocked at the cost of a new windscreen due to the recalibration required for ADAS systems and rain sensors on top of the brand new glass. It is not uncommon to be quoted between $1500 and $3000 for a replacement windscreen on newer cars.
Now I want to start by saying that sometimes there is simply no alternative to replacing your windscreen. If a tree branch has fallen on your car or there are 6 different cracks running from edge to edge then there is really no way around needing a replacement. Thankfully for most of us, the most likely damage we will will experience is from the truck in front of you flicking a stone into your glass.
Read on to discover why these annoying chips don't have to turn into a costly replacement as long as you act swiftly.
Here is an example of what happens when a chip is left unrepaired...
The answer... Windscreen Repair!
Sure... you may have heard of windscreen repair before but this article will give you a better understanding of what windscreen repair is all about and why it might be the best thing for your Tesla.
Windscreen repair Misconceptions
Windscreen repair is often misunderstood. It can sometimes be labelled as a 'band aid fix' or as only being an option for tiny chips that are less than a 5c coin in size.
These assumptions have come about for a number of reasons listed here:
DIY Kits
There are an abundance of DIY kits on the market that can be purchased from your local auto shop. These kits are not all bad and can work okay on certain types of chips but when used incorrectly or on a more difficult chip, the results can be poor and unsatisfactory.
Replacement Companies
Most windscreen replacement companies offer both windscreen repairs and replacements but the interesting thing about windscreen repair and windscreen replacement is that they are actually somewhat at odds with each other. The truth is that most windscreen damage in the form of chips and cracks is actually repairable. However, large replacement companies make most of their money on replacements due to the higher margins on each job. This creates a mentality of "if it's not a small chip or a straightforward repair then it will need replacing". Over time this mindset has become the norm and millions of perfectly repairable windscreens end up being replaced instead of repaired each year.
My Chip or Crack is too big to repair
As a professional windscreen repair technician I am yet to find a chip that I have not been able to repair. Whether it is a bullseye, star, combination, double impact it can generally always be repaired. Even cracks are repairable when using the proper tools and resins. These can be trickier and there are other factors that could mean they are not worth repairing but cracks up to 14 inches are generally able to be adequately repaired. The key is finding someone qualified and using the latest tools and resins.
With that said, here are 4 reasons why you should repair those chips! 👊
Why should I repair my windscreen as soon as I notice a chip?
1. Save Money
No one wants to be spending thousands of their hard earned money on a new windscreen for their car, but that is exactly what will happen if chips and cracks are left unrepaired. Depending on the damage, a windscreen repair is likely to only cost you around 10 percent of what it would cost to replace it. Remember that chips and cracks are like timebombs and spread at any time so don't delay repairing them.
2. Save Time
Many windscreen repairers are mobile so they can come to your home or work and have the job done in half an hour. There is no wait time after the repair which means that the car can be driven immediately. This also saves the hassle of having to take time out of day to drive your Tesla to a shop and wait around while the sealant dries.
3. Keep The Original Windscreen
An often overlooked drawback of replacing a windscreen is that the bond between the car and the original windscreen is always strongest. This is beneficial in the event of an accident as the windscreen provides up to 45% of the cars structural strength. There are also many horror stories of poorly replaced windscreens that leak or have malfunctioning ADAS systems and sensors. Repairing helps to avoid any of these issues.
4. Keep Windscreens Out of Landfill
Did you know that glass takes centuries to decompose? Repairing helps to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Tesla windscreens are large, complex pieces made from laminated glass, which is not only challenging but also less economical to recycle due to its composition and the integrated technology like sensors and heating elements. It is a travesty that so many repairable windscreens are sent to landfill each year simply because companies can charge more to replace.
Before and after photo of a bullseye chip repair. Chip repairs generally see a 70 - 90% improvement cosmetically
I hope this article has given you sense of relief that you don't have to spend thousands on a new windscreen for your Tesla. By getting on the front foot and repairing your windscreen damage as soon as possible, you are saving yourself time and money while also helping to keep waste glass out of landfill! Just ensure you find a qualified technician with the best tools to get the best result possible. Screensaver Chip Repairs is a professional mobile windscreen repair service based out of Bulleen in Melbourne. We would love to help save you from needing to replace your Tesla windscreen, so book a repair via our website or give us a call on 0416 951 260.
