There’s nothing worse than discovering a crack or chip in your vehicle’s windshield. Besides being an unsightly blemish, small windshield cracks and chips can quickly worsen. It can even compromise the safety of your car and potentially lead to tickets due to obstructed views.
The good news is that for many minor windshield damage issues, you don’t need to rush off to an auto body shop for glass repair. You can actually fix them at home with a windshield crack repair kit or
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through each step of the process to ensure your windshield looks as good as new.
Assessing the Damage
Before you even buy your kit, you’ll need to assess whether the damage to your windshield is something you can repair yourself. Generally, small cracks less than three inches long, or bullseye and star-shaped chips no larger than a quarter, are good candidates for DIY repair. Anything larger than this may require professional intervention from a windshield repair shop.
Gathering Your Materials
Now, let’s say, you opted to go for DIY — the first thing you’ll need to do is purchase a windshield crack repair kit. These are readily available at most auto supply stores and online retailers and typically cost between $10 and $200. In addition to the kit, you’ll need a few other supplies like a microfiber towel, rubbing alcohol, and clear tape.
Preparing the Surface
Begin by cleaning the damaged area with rubbing alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth. This will remove any dirt or debris that could get in the way of the repair process.
Next, cover the area around the damaged spot with clear tape to prevent any excess resin from spreading and causing a mess. As a safety precaution, put on gloves to protect your skin from any harsh chemicals in the kit.
Applying the Repair Resin
Now it’s time to mix up your repair resin according to the instructions on your kit. Once mixed, apply a small amount of resin onto the center of the damage using an applicator tool.
Make sure to fill the entire crack or chip with resin, but do not overfill. Any excess resin can be scraped off with a razor blade or other sharp object after it has cured.
Curing the Resin and Finalizing
After the resin has been applied, cover it with a curing strip and place your vehicle in direct sunlight for the appropriate amount of time according to your kit’s instructions. If you don’t have access to direct sunlight, you can use a UV lamp to cure the resin.
Once the resin has cured, carefully remove the curing strip and scrape off any excess resin with a razor blade. Then, use a microfiber towel and some rubbing alcohol to clean the area and make sure there is no residue left behind. As you finalize the repair, make sure to inspect it carefully and repeat the process if necessary.
Learn How to Use a Windshield Crack Repair Kit
Repairing small cracks and chips in your windshield at home is possible with the right materials and techniques. By following this step-by-step guide, you can save time and money by avoiding a trip to the auto body shop.
However, it is important to note that not all damage can be repaired using a windshield crack repair kit and larger or more severe cracks may require professional assistance.
So, it’s always best to assess the damage and determine if a DIY repair is suitable or if you should seek professional help.
Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy.
