Even though cracks and chips on your windshield may not appear too severe, you’re still dealing with a fairly serious issue. Bad weather or parking mishaps could easily turn a minor windshield chip into something much worse.

Another problem is that your visibility is drastically reduced when the window is damaged. Large cracks on your windshield can make it hard to see, significantly increasing the risk of getting into an accident.

To avoid trouble, you need to fix the chips and cracks in the glass, and this article can help you with that.

The first thing to do when you see a chip in your windshield is to go to your local car parts store and get a windshield repair kit. 

The epoxy resin in the kit has a short shelf life. That is why you should check the expiration date before you leave the shop. Otherwise, ask the workers to double-check that it hasn't been on the shelf for more than six months.

Clean the windshield's exterior where the chip is to ensure adequate bonding. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the chip. Instead, use a microfiber cloth and a tiny quantity of rubbing alcohol to clean the surface. 

Remove loose glass fragments from the chip with a pin or thumbtack. If the epoxy glue in your repair kit requires UV light to cure, move your vehicle out of the garage or into the sun. 

Save the windshield repair job on a warm, sunny day. If it has been raining, use a hairdryer to remove moisture from the chip before applying the epoxy.

Don’t forget to follow the directions on your kit. 

There are a few things car owners may do to stop or limit the spread of a windshield crack.

If you notice a crack on your windshield, use super glue or clear nail polish to create a temporal patch. Clean the windshield with an auto glass cleaner and paper towels before attempting to patch the crack. 

Apply clear nail paint or super glue to the crack as a low-fidelity fix. Allow the polish or glue to dry before applying clear packing tape to the area to keep dirt out until the crack can be fixed. 

Windshield repair kits can also be used to deal with cracks. To do this, you must drill a small hole into the top layer of glass with a 1/16-inch drill bit. 

Then insert the glue from the repair kit into the hole to seal the glass, decrease stress on the windshield, and prevent fractures from developing. 

If done correctly, this may be the only repair you require.

Glass expands in heat and shrinks in the cold. Directing a heating vent toward a cracked windshield may cause the crack to grow quickly in cold weather. Then you'll be forced to replace the windshield. 

To avoid this, keep your car in the shade whenever possible and avoid using a window defroster until the crack is fixed.

But if you’re not confident that you’ll be able to deal with a crack or chip yourself, don’t feel all that bad about delegating. A quick online search will help you find a reputable auto shop close to your location.

Customer reviews are an excellent resource for locating the finest place to get your windshield fixed or replaced. Their high ratings and lovely testimonials indicate that you've chosen a reputable car service.

Whenever there are chips or cracks on your windshield, it’s best to deal with the issue as soon as possible. The elements may worsen the damage done, while reduced visibility will surely get you into trouble. 

The cheapest way to repair the damage is to pick one of the DIY methods provided in the article. However, if you aren’t confident in your abilities, delegate to a qualified mechanic. Just look for a reputable service, and don’t forget to pay attention to the reviews.

Real insights from real owners

© 2023 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.

© 2019 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.