HOW DO YOU REPAIR A CRACKED WINDSHIELD?

Waking up to find that your car windshield is badly cracked is never a good feeling. Perhaps you had a rock hit the glass the night before, or perhaps an old chip expanding once the temperatures dropped. No matter the cause of the damage, it’s now up to you to repair it.

In most cases, a minor crack or ding can be mended with a DIY repair kit or by using a professional service that specializes in windshield repairs. Whether you fix it yourself or hire a pro, the process behind repairing the crack is still the same.

USING A DIY KIT

So, what’s in a DIY windshield repair kit? A basic kit contains an injector or plunger unit, suction cups that are attached to a pedestal, the repair compound (usually it’s some form of epoxy), a razor blade, and an adhesive disk for you to center over the hole so that everything lines up. Some kits include other items, such as an alcohol swab or a push pin to pick out debris, but these are the main pieces that you will need.

In order to patch a damaged windshield, you should begin by using the razor blade to scrape off any particles that may be lodged in the chipped area. Next, wipe away any debris with an alcohol wipe or a paper towel. Once the area is clean and dry, attach the adhesive disk so that it’s centered over the spot to be patched. The suction cup pedestal should be placed over the disk, but make sure that everything lines up.

Now that the placement has been determined, the resin compound should be inserted into the injector or plunger unit. Place the injector through the middle of the pedestal and into the center of the adhesive disk.

Carefully squeeze the compound in the injector into the area to be filled. This last part is critical for a proper repair, so make sure to follow the directions that came with the specific kit you are using. Within a relatively short amount of time, your windshield should be as good as new.

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

There are many companies that specialize in windshield repairs, and they are very affordable. If you have glass coverage on your auto policy, the full amount may even be paid by your insurance provider. Repairs save them money compared to doing a full windshield replacement, so they’re happy to pass the savings along to you.

They will use the same basic materials to fix your glass and make it look like new again. However, unlike a DIY kit, their tools are much more exact. The end result is often cleaner in appearance and even less noticeable. Since they have lots of experience, they will even complete the job quicker than if you tried to do it on your own.

Just remember, whether you decide to attempt the work on your own or hire a professional to get the job done, the end result will be a windshield that’s as strong as the original glass.