I guess I may be lucky; this is my first in the eight months that I've had the car. Like I said, it's in that most likely of spots: the flat area just to the side of the grille that faces nice and straight into the oncoming wind. I had both sideboards and mudflaps put on ASAP after buying it without them, so I've avoided the damage on the sides, other than a little bit of faint but present scratching on the rear wheel well areas. I guess it was just my time. I know it's inevitable on any car, but this is the first one I really want to keep as close to pristine as possible...must find Imperial Blue touch up....

 

My GF picked up a touch up from her dealership for me.

3 tubes
primer
base
clear

all factory GM stuff. My advice...get it soon, so there will be a very good color match.

 

The GF went to the GM dealer, huh? Now if the HHR came in a GT variant, the acronym fest would be complete!

 

Had good results over the years using a very small camel hair brush from the art/craft store (get a good one, about 5$) and the touch up paint available from the dealer. Clean out the chip and fill in with paint slowly by just touching the brush tip to the chip center. Build up the paint level with the original paint using several layers allowing each to dry well before applying the next.

Do this with care and take your time and the spots will be gone. Have lots of proper paint thinner to clean the brush with. Do not use the brush in the bottle. In fact, drain the paint off of it and cut it off the cap and throw it away. Be sure to shake the paint before using to get it mixed well.

Stone chips are a way of life on the I-states and I used to drive a 500 mile one way trip every two weeks so I got lots of practice fixing chips.