If you have ever wanted to buy a used vehicle but saw it had a chipped or cracked windshield, you probably decided to pass. The good news is that it’s an easy fix, and you can make your vehicle look like new.
How do you fix a chipped or cracked windshield?
According to ChrisFix, a YouTube personality and mechanic, you can repair a chip in your windshield and make it like new.
To do this, you will:
- Check to make sure the crack or chip is repairable
- Purchase a windshield repair kit
- Mix the resin
- Fill the chip
The good news is that most chips are repairable. Read more in this article to learn the steps to take to fix damage to your windshield.
How Do You Fix a Chipped or Cracked Windshield?
The first thing to know is how to see if the chip or crack is repairable. There has to be a hole for the resin to enter and pass through. Use your fingernail to see if there is an indent.
Look at the size. If the chip is small enough that it fits under a quarter, then it’s small enough to be repaired. Remember, don’t place too much of your weight on the windshield while repairing it.
To Start, Get a Windshield Repair Kit
Choose a windshield repair kit. You can select one that creates a vacuum, which takes the air out of the chip, or you can opt for one without. Removing air bubbles makes the repair clear.
Move Your Vehicle to the Shade
Next, you will want to put your vehicle in the shade to prevent the windshield from being too hot.
Remove Broken Glass from the Chip
Pick out any broken glass inside the chip, so there is a clear area for the resin.
Use the Alcohol Wipe
Next, use the alcohol wipe to clean the area around the chip. This helps the adhesive disc bond.
Center the adhesive disc over the hole and push it down. Peel off the top of the disc, and place the pedestal over the center.
Press down around the entire pedestal, so that it is on securely.
Add Resin
After this, add resin to the pedestal. Use tape around the pedestal to catch any that leaks. Then, take a syringe and press the plunger in. The syringe may be used at this point to add the resin.
Push the syringe down while pulling up on the plunger. Pull it to the last tab on the plunger. Then, lock it into place. You’ll see air bubbles being pulled out.
You can also knock on the glass around the crack to remove air bubbles.
Remove the Syringe
Now, you need to remove the syringe. Then, put it back in gently. This allows the air to go into the syringe and block the vacuum seal.
Compress the Plunger
Now, you need to compress the plunger, adding pressure to push the resin deep into the hole. Lock it into place with the top tab again.
Now, wait 20 minutes for the resin to set before removing the syringe.
Use a Razor to Remove the Pedestal
Now, use a razor to remove the pedestal and disc by sliding it underneath. Peel them up. Don’t wipe away any resin. Use the resin dropper and put one drop on top of the chip.
Cure the Resin
Now, use the curing strip, bend it and press it against the resin. That forces any remaining air out. You can also use the razor to squeegee out bubbles. Let this set to cure. It may take up to an hour.
To remove the curing strip after an hour has passed, use the razor again and try getting the blade underneath. Get lift while holding the resin area down. Finally, pull it loose gently.
Remove Any Unwanted Resin
There will be a layer of resin that you want to remove. Using the razor, scrape perpendicular to the glass. The razor won’t scratch the glass but does remove the resin.
When Should You Replace Your Windshield?
If your chip is larger than a quarter, then you should consider replacing the windshield. The same is true if those cracks or chips are right on the edge of the windshield.
The windshield is a structural part of your vehicle, and it does help support the roof if your vehicle rolls. Any damage could result in more serious damage in a collision.
Cracks that are longer than around eight inches weaken the glass, so it’s worth considering replacing the entire thing.
Windshields are made of laminated glass, and the lamination will hold it together in most cases.
However, the damage could hurt the integrity of your vehicle.
Time for a New Vehicle? Do Your Research at Vehicle History
When repairs get to be too much, you can learn more about new vehicles at Vehicle History. We have information about different brands, or you can search by VIN for a specific vehicle.
