JUNE 2026 TIP OF THE MONTH
Simple Automotive Advise for North Texas Drivers
Each month, North Texas Auto Guide shares a practical driver-focused tio to help the public better understand repairs, maintenance, insurance claims, safety technoology, upgrades, and local vehicle owenership.
THIS MONTH'S TIP
Don't Let the Texas Heat Turn a Small Rock Chip Into a New Windshield
A tiny rock chip may not seem urgent, but during a North Texas summer, it can quickly become a much bigger, and more expensive, problem.
Core tip
Repair rock chips as soon as possible. Heat, vibration, and rapid temperature changes can cause even the smallest chip to spread into a crack.
Simple explanation
Your windshield expands as it heats up in the summer sun and contracts when it cools. Running the air conditioner on a hot windshield, driving over rough roads, or simply closing your vehicle's doors can place additional stress on damaged glass. Once a crack begins spreading—especially toward the edge of the windshield—a repair is often no longer possible.
Most windshield replacements cost several hundred dollars, while many rock chip repairs cost under $100. Repairing damage early helps preserve the factory windshield, prevents cracks from spreading, and may save significant money.
Driver takeaway
Don't judge a rock chip by its size—judge it by how quickly you repair it. In a Texas summer, waiting even a few days can be the difference between a simple repair and a full windshield replacement