Imagine this: You’re just driving down the road, minding your own business, when a truck hurls a rock right in your direction. As you look on in horror, a small crack appears in your windshield, leaving you wondering what to do. Thankfully, when caught early, it’s an easy fix.
How can you repair small windshield cracks and chips?
According to ChrisFix, it’s quite easy to do. You just have to use a windshield repair kit to fill the crack with clear resin. As long as you do it right, you’ll love the results.
But what’s the right way to use the repair kit? Chris Magello is here to lead us through the steps, so you can get your windshield looking like new once again. With that move, you’ll also prevent the chip from spreading, so it’s definitely a win-win.
#1. Get a Windshield Repair Kit
Get your hands on a quality windshield repair kit. It should come with a small tube of resin plus an applicator pedestal, syringe, and small plastic square. You’ll also need rubbing alcohol, a microfiber towel, razorblade, and a push pin.
#2. Clean the Windshield
Pour rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber towel and wipe the windshield around the crack to clean it off. If you don’t have alcohol, you can use glass cleaner. Just remember to avoid spraying it directly onto the windshield.
#3. Clean out the Glass Fragments
Take the tip of the push pin and gently scrape all the glass fragments out of the crack. Work slowly to avoid causing more damage to the glass.
#4. Place the Seal Around the Crack
Take the adhesive backing off one side of the seal. With the tab facing up, position it on the glass with the crack right in the middle. Press it down gently to create a solid seal.
#5. Stick the Pedestal on the Seal
Peel off the other backing on the seal and press the applicator pedestal right on top. Make sure the tab on the pedestal aligns with the one on the seal.
#6. Pour Resin into Pedestal
Open the tube of resin and squeeze ¾ of the tube into the hole in the pedestal. Put the rest of the tube to the side and wipe up any drips of resin.
#7. Pull Syringe into Locked Position
With the plunger all the way down, push the syringe into the pedestal. Use one hand to hold the syringe in place. With the other, pull the plunger all the way up and lock it in place using the clip.
#8. Tap on the Windshield as it Sits
As the syringe creates a vacuum in the pedestal, tap on the windshield around the pedestal. This will help the air bubbles escape out of the resin. Then, let the plunger sit in the open position for 10 minutes.
#9. Pull Out Syringe, Replace, and Lock Down
Hold the pedestal in place with one hand and remove the syringe with the other. Wait a second; then push the syringe back into the pedestal.
Move the clip on the plunger, and then gently push it halfway down. Let the syringe rest in that position for 20 minutes.
#10. Remove the Kit Components to View Your Work
Pull the syringe out of the pedestal. Then, use a razor blade to gently scrape the tab on the seal off the windshield.
Grab a paper towel, so you can clean up any resin that drips out. After that, gently peel the pedestal and seal off while blotting up the resin that runs down the glass. Don’t touch the area around the crack with the paper towel.
#11. Add a Drop of Resin and Press Square on Top
Apply a drop of resin to the top of the crack and press the plastic yellow square on top. Run the edge of the razor over the plastic square to press it firmly against the glass.
Now, you wait. If your car is in direct sunlight, you only need to wait 15 minutes. Otherwise, plan to let it sit for one full hour.
#12. Remove the Rest of the Kit and Scrape the Windshield
After it’s had enough time to sit, peel up the plastic square. Then, use the edge of your razor blade to gently remove the excess resin from the surface. And with that, your windshield is now fully repaired.
Go on a Drive to Enjoy Your Hard Work
Once you’re done, feel free to take your car out for a spin and enjoy your hard work. The clear view ahead is definitely reward enough, though you also can get peace of mind that the chip won’t spread.
If your efforts don’t pan out, that’s OK. Your local auto glass expert can replace your windshield at your convenience. Keep your Vehicle History on hand to give them any info they need to keep your car in fantastic shape through the years.
