Chips happen when we least expect it and they can severely damage the overall stability of the windshield. All it takes is one cold winter or one pot hole to turn that innocent crack into an expensive mess. One chip in your automobile’s windshield can develop into a full blown crack, which can only be fixed by replacement. It’s not recommended to wait to get it fixed. It’s absolutely ideal to take care of the chip as soon as possible. Replacing a window is way more expensive than simply filling an individual crack. Sometimes getting your windshield repaired in the shop can be expensive and time-consuming, but it’s perfectly easy to repair a chipped windshield at home and noticeably cheap.
The very first step and the most crucial part of the process is to purchase a Windshield Repair kit online or at a local auto store. There are a large variety of Windshield Repair kits to choose from, with prices that start at $10. Take time to research which repair kit is best for the situation. Different kits will vary on instructions, but the following is the general step-by-step guide to repairing an automobile’s windshield at home:
Step One: Clean the Area
Pour alcohol on a microfiber towel and rub the towel over the chipped glass. It’s optional to use glass cleaner on the area, again using a microfiber towel. Make sure not to apply the alcohol or glass cleaner directly onto the glass. After the cleaning process is finished take a safety pin, thumbtack, toothpick, or some type of small pointed object, and use it to carefully scrape out any excess glass shards.
Step Two: Use the Seal
The repair kit should come with a seal that resembles a large circle. Remove the protective paper from the adhesive seal and place the seal on the windshield with the tab facing up and the chip positioned in the center. Press down to remove all air bubbles. Ensure that it is a tightly fastened to the windshield before moving onto the next step. Now peel off the top layer to reveal the bottom layer of the seal.
Step Three: Attach the Pedestal
The repair kit will contain a plastic pedestal. Carefully attach the pedestal to the seal by lining up the tabs on the top. Make sure to press down on the pedestal to remove all air bubbles.
Step Four: Apply the Resin
A small tube labeled Resin will be available in the kit. Squeeze ¾ of the tube into the funnel of the pedestal. Be careful not to spill or allow any of the resin to leak out of the funnel.
Step Five: Use the Syringe
The next tool to use is the syringe. Push the nozzle of the syringe down into the funnel of the pedestal until it stops. Use one hand to hold the syringe steady while pulling the pump upwards to lock in air. Let the syringe stay that way for 10 to 15 minutes. This will create a vacuum in which all of the air in the seal will be removed. Lightly tap on the glass around the area to allow air bubbles to escape. After at least 10 minutes have passed, hold the base of the syringe with one hand and completely remove it from the pedestal. This will allow air to leak into the seal. After a few seconds of that, push the syringe back into the funnel and push the pump downwards. This pressure will force the recently applied resin into the crack. Wait 20 more minutes then remove the syringe completely.
Step Six: Use the Sun
Use a straight razor to carefully remove the pedestal and seal from the glass. Make sure not to damage the glass when doing so. After removing all pieces of the seal, place a single dot of resin on top of the improved crack. The repair kit should contain a small yellow, transparent square; place that square on top of the crack, using the newly applied resin as an adhesive. Use a razor’s edge to buff out any air bubbles; it is absolutely crucial that there are no air bubbles so repeat this step a few times. Let this sit in direct sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes. It is ideal for this step to take place in direct sunlight, but if that isn’t possible it can be left in the shade and this step will take upwards of 1 hour to be complete.
Final Step: Remove Everything from the Windshield
After the required time has passed use a straight razor to remove the transparent square from the windshield. Beneath the square will be a layer of clear, dried resin. Remove this by gently scraping it off with the razor, moving parallel with the glass. Be careful during this step! The goal is to scrape off the resin, not the glass.
If these steps were followed correctly, the crack or chip will be improved greatly. Whether it be barely visible, or completely disappeared, the chip in the glass is no longer a point of worry. The resin will have sealed the weakness in the glass, which would’ve been compromised by cold weather or a speed bump in any other circumstances. It is recommended to follow the instructions on the Repair Kit before referring to this article, as different kits may vary in components.
Not a Do it Yourselfer? To learn about Expert Windshield Repair, visit: http://Naperville.Illinois.ExpertWindshieldReplacement.com
Do It Yourself Windshield Repair 