Repairing A Chipped Windshield On Your Car At Home

Automotive Blog

If you have ever had a chip in your windshield, you might want to try and repair it yourself at home. There are kits available for a fraction of the cost of a professional repair, and the results can be just as good if you take your time and follow the steps from the windshield repair kit. Taking the time to do it properly will give you a quality repair that will last.

Where To Find What You Need

The first step to repairing your windshield is to get the kit that contains all the tools you need for the repair. There are kits that have all the tools and the resin included so all you need to do is buy and then follow the directions. A complete kit is best for a first repair but if you have all the tools from a previous repair, you can get just the resin to make the repair. Most auto parts stores have some options for you to consider and can offer you some advice if you need it. Keep in mind, the cheapest kit is not always the best kit, so consider the options carefully to be sure you get what you need.

Where To Start

When you are ready to make your repair, you need to make sure the glass is clean so that the resin can adhere properly. Do not use glass cleaner or chemicals on the glass because it can leave a residue that may affect the adhesion of the filler resin. The proper way to clean the glass is with a razor blade, scraping off anything that is stuck to the glass around the chip. Take your time and make sure you get it clean. Even a small piece of dirt can cause the resin to have an imperfection in it that can be a visual distraction. If you need a little water to get the dirt off the glass, use warm, clear water and then let the glass dry completely before you consider making the repair.

How To Make The Repair

Most good quality kits will come with several tools, the first of which is a suction cup tool that will help you align the plunger with the resin in it over the chip. It is very simple to use but read the directions before you start so that you understand that proper method. Once the resin is injected into the chip, you can remove the tool from the glass and lay out the finishing film from the kit over the repair. Smooth the resin under the film with a razor blade or a credit card, getting it as thin and smooth as possible. All that is left is to wait for the resin to dry, then you can remove the film and use your razor blade to scrape off any excess resin.

That is it. If you followed all the directions, you will have a professional level repair that will last for many years, and you saved some money along the way.

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9 November 2017

Taking Care Of Your Car

Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with car problems, especially when you are on a long road trip. Unfortunately, if you are like most people, you might overlook key car maintenance responsibilities, which can land you in hot water on the road. A few years ago, I was traveling to visit my cousin in California, when my car died right in the middle of the desert. I didn't know what to do, but I knew that the problem was probably caused by not changing my car oil. This blog is dedicated to helping other car owners know how to take care of things, so that you aren't left in dangerous situations.