How to Prevent and Fix Stone Chips on Your Car
If you drive on Australian roads, you've probably dealt with stone chips—those frustrating little paint imperfections that appear after small rocks get flicked up by other cars.
While avoiding loose gravel roads can help, even major highways aren’t completely free of road debris. So, how can you prevent stone chips, and what’s the best way to fix them if they do happen? We spoke to automotive professionals to get the answers.
How to Prevent Stone Chips
1. Paint Protection Film (PPF) – The Best Defense
The most effective way to prevent stone chips in 2024 is Paint Protection Film (PPF). This clear, flexible wrap acts as a shield, absorbing the impact of small stones and even helping protect against light scratches.
💰 Cost: Between $4,000 and $6,000 for a full wrap, or you can opt for front bumper and bonnet protection at a lower price.
🔹 Pros:✅ Prevents stone chips and light scratches✅ Virtually invisible on the car✅ Self-healing properties in some films
🔹 Cons:❌ Expensive, especially for full coverage❌ Requires professional installation
2. Stone Guards – Budget-Friendly Protection
A stone guard is a plastic strip that sits on the front edge of your bonnet, deflecting stones away from your windshield and hood.
💰 Cost: Typically included as an optional extra when buying a new car, but also available from aftermarket retailers.
🔹 Pros:✅ Affordable and easy to install✅ Protects the bonnet and windshield
🔹 Cons:❌ Doesn’t protect the bumper, fenders, or side mirrors❌ Less effective than PPF
3. Car Bras – Old-School Protection for Enthusiasts
Popular in the '90s and '00s, a car bra is a removable vinyl cover that protects the front of your vehicle while driving. These are still used by enthusiasts who want to keep their cars pristine when heading to events.
💰 Cost: Varies, but typically cheaper than PPF
🔹 Pros:✅ Great for temporary use✅ Can be removed when not needed
🔹 Cons:❌ Can trap moisture and dirt if not cleaned properly❌ Not as sleek as modern protection options
How to Fix Stone Chips
If your car already has stone chips, you might be tempted to fix them yourself. However, we spoke to a professional painter from the South Coast of NSW, who advises against DIY repairs.
What Experts Say About Fixing Stone Chips at Home
🛠 "It's not recommended to try and repair stone chips at home, as it's easy to mess up the surrounding paint."
🛠 "Stone chips leave the surface uneven, so it's not just a matter of painting over the spot – it needs to be sanded, primed, and blended properly."
Professional Repair Process
✅ Step 1: Sand the affected area✅ Step 2: Apply a small amount of filler and/or high-fill primer✅ Step 3: Sand it back again for a smooth surface✅ Step 4: Paint and blend the area to match the surrounding paint
💰 Cost: A few hundred dollars, depending on the number of chips and your car’s paint colour.
Are Touch-Up Paint Pens Worth It?
While paint-matched touch-up pens can prevent rust, they won’t give you a seamless repair.
🎨 "If you don’t apply touch-up paint correctly, you’ll clearly see where the repair was made."
If you're after a flawless fix, a panel beater or painter is the best option.
Final Thoughts
✅ Best Prevention? PPF is the most effective, but stone guards and car bras offer budget-friendly alternatives.✅ Already have stone chips? Professional repairs will give you the best results.✅ DIY Touch-Ups? They can help prevent rust, but they won’t look perfect.
Keeping your car’s paint in top condition requires a mix of prevention and proper repairs. If you want to protect your car’s value and appearance, investing in PPF or professional repairs is the way to go! 🚗✨
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Credit: Drive.com.au