A windshield can crack or chip if it gets damaged. This can be due to a rock flung by another vehicle’s wheel or hail. Replacing a windshield is costly and laborious. Luckily, you can repair a windshield for a fraction of the cost. That said, windshield repair companies can’t repair windshields with a certain amount of damage. How do you know if your vehicle’s windshield can still be repaired?
The size of the damage is important. If it’s small, then it can probably be repaired. However, if the damage is large, then it’ll be easier and less expensive to replace the windshield than repair it.
Another factor is the location. If the damage is located directly in the driver’s line of sight, you might need to replace the whole windshield. The repaired area will have a permanent mark and impair the driver’s ability to see the road.
The amount of damage is also important. Windshield glass needs good structural integrity because it encounters air resistance when traveling on a highway. One or two glass chips are fine. However, having more than a certain amount of small chips or one long crack can make the glass shatter without warning.
Windshield repair providers need to inspect the damage and determine whether your vehicle’s windshield can be repaired. Companies have set requirements that your windshield must meet before they can repair the damage. For example, one company says they can only conduct windshield repairs if the damaged area is roughly the size of a quarter or smaller. Plus, if there are cracks, they need to be tiny and not reach the edge of the windshield.
Another company can repair your vehicle’s windshield if the damage is under six inches in length, the point of impact is smaller than a dime, there are no more than three chips, and the damage doesn’t block a camera or sensor.
Windshield repair companies can charge around $70 to $100. However, windshield repair can cost more or less depending on the severity of the damage. This is much cheaper than replacing an entire windshield, costing up to $1,500.
Windshield repair companies typically rely on resin fillers to restore the windshield’s strength and prevent the damage from spreading. First, the damaged windshield is checked to see if it can be repaired.
If the windshield passes inspection, the damaged area is thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the next step. There needs to be no debris inside the windshield chip so that it doesn’t affect the resin’s bonding process. Resin is injected into the chip or crack, which fills the crack and crevices.
Some companies use UV light to cure the resin. Alternatively, the windshield is simply left under the sun. Afterward, the area is thoroughly inspected to ensure the repair meets the company’s standards.
Wondering how to fix a chipped windshield at home? You can use commercially available windshield chip repair kits. Unfortunately, these auto glass chip repair kits can’t fix large cracks because they’re only designed for small damage.
Each repair kit typically has detailed instructions. Read through it thoroughly.
Using a windshield repair kit typically involves cleaning the affected area and ensuring no glass bits are left on the affected surface. Then, a circular piece of double-sided tape is applied over the damaged area. This adhesive is used to stick a plastic piece called a pedestal. This bit has a narrow chimney where resin is poured.
A syringe-like plunger is usually attached to the pedestal, which will suck all the air bubbles from the resin and make it as clear as glass. This plunger is left for around ten minutes to let the bubbles escape.
After pulling the air, the plunger is pressed to push the resin into the crack. Afterward, remove the plunger and pedal. Remove any excess resin before applying the flat piece of plastic, which will sit on top of the resin-filled crack.
Use a razor to squeeze out any bubbles and leave the resin in direct sunlight for 15 minutes. If it’s a cloudy day, you might need an hour for the resin to dry.
Once the resin is dry, you can remove any excess by scraping it off with a razor blade. Be delicate during this process, as you might accidentally scratch the glass. You’re not supposed to apply much downward pressure on the razor blade.
If your vehicle’s windshield ever gets chipped, remember that windshield repair is a cost-effective option compared to replacement. Repairing the damage yourself is an even more affordable option. That said, it’s important to assess the damage first to determine whether the damage can be repaired. Otherwise, your windshield’s structural integrity could be at risk.
If your windshield gets cracked or chipped, you’ll need to use a repair kit to fix the damage. It can be tricky to get your hands on a decent windshield repair kit if you don’t know where to look. Luckily, CarParts.com is here to help.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.