How to Repair a Cracked or Chipped Windshield

The windshield is one of the crucial and vulnerable parts of your vehicle, and it can get damaged with minimal impact. It can be damaged by debris or rocks kicked up by larger vehicles like trucks, temperature changes, driving on gravel roads, or when parked near a construction site.

You can prevent windshield damage by exercising caution, such as driving slowly and avoiding tailgating. But it doesn't work every time. If your windshield is damaged, repairing it is essential to ensure it doesn't spread and call for a complete windshield replacement or cause mishaps.

Read this blog by Aim Auto Glass, the best auto glass repair shop in Abbotsford, to learn how to DIY cracked or rock chip windshield repair.

What Type of Windshield Damage is Repairable?

Before we delve deep into this guide, let's determine what type of damages are eligible for repair so you don't waste time repairing damage that's simply impossible. Here are the windshield damages you can repair:

- Star breaks less than three inches.

- Bullseye cracks with a small centre.

- Half-moon cracks less than an inch.

- Singular cracks that are less than six inches.

- Minor combination breaks less than two inches.

Note: The above crack names can be confusing for a few. If you can't figure out what type of crack is on your windshield, consult a professional or spend enough time understanding the types of cracks.

Steps to Repair a Cracked or Chipped Windshield

If your windshield has happened to be damaged, you can repair it on your own using a windshield repair kit. To repair a small and large cracked or chipped windshield, read and follow the below steps carefully and fix the windshield chip:

> First, park your vehicle in a shady place and clean the damaged area thoroughly before you begin DIY.

> Use the razor you have received with the kit to clean and remove fine dust from the surrounding area of the chipped or cracked windshield.

> Once properly cleaned, position the applicator base onto the chipped area. You have to do it in such a way that the centre of the applicator is just above the chipped surface.

> Screw in the rubber chamber until the rubber mouth comes in direct contact with the chipped surface. Ensure it has sufficient contact with the glass below before jumping on to the next step.

> Open the resin bottle (you'll get it in the repair kit) and add 5-7 drops into the resin chamber.

> Now, screw in the pressure driver, but make sure you do not overtighten it as it may split open the rubber mouth, spilling out all the repair resin.

> Tap around the repair device to remove any formed air bubbles. Wait for 10 minutes at least for the repair resin to dry.

> Remove the repair kit after 10 minutes from the cracked windscreen.

> Add one drop of repair resin on the chipped surface and place one curing strip over it.

> Move the car under direct sunlight so the repair resin gets hardened.

> Once the repair resin has hardened, carefully pull off that strip.

> Use a razor blade to scrape away any excess hardened resin while holding it at a 90-degree angle. Scrape until all excess repair resin is removed.

Note: You can easily repair a cracked or chipped windshield by carefully following these steps. However, if you are not very technically skilled or have never done such repairs before, consider taking your vehicle to a professional windshield repair shop and have it fixed.

Read More - How Long Does it Take to Replace and Repair Windshield

On the Final Note

No matter how carefully you drive or the caution you exercise, your vehicle's windshield can get damaged. However, you don't have to worry about the damage if it's not severe and less than three or four inches in diameter. You can use a windshield repair kit to repair a cracked or chipped windshield. The steps to repair a stone chipped or cracked windshield are above. Buy a windshield repair kit and follow the steps to fix the damages yourself. If the damage is severe (i.e., more than 3-4 inches), it is best to consult a professional for proper assistance.

Read More - Expert Tips for Windshield Chip and Crack Repair Success