How to Repair a Small Windshield Chip or Crack?

A small chip or crack in your windshield can quickly escalate into a costly problem if left untreated. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to repair a windshield chip using a simple repair kit, preventing further damage and saving you the expense of replacing the entire windshield. Follow along to learn how to restore your windshield's integrity in just a few easy steps.

Requirements

• Windshield repair kit (available at most auto parts stores).
• Microfiber cloth for cleaning.
• Isopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner.
• Pushpin or sharp tool to clear debris.
• Small blade or razor for removing excess resin.
• Direct sunlight or UV light to cure the resin.
• Tape or cardboard to frame the chip for better visibility (optional).

Steps

1. Clean the chipped area with a microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner. Do not spray cleaner directly on the windshield.
2. Use a pushpin or sharp tool to remove any loose glass fragments from the chip.
3. Attach the adhesive seal from the repair kit over the chip, ensuring the tab faces upward and the chip is centered.
4. Press the adhesive firmly to the windshield to prevent leaks.
5. Remove the protective layer from the adhesive seal to expose the sticky surface.
6. Attach the repair tool (bridge) to the adhesive seal, aligning it with the tab.
7. Cut the tip off the resin tube and squeeze approximately three-quarters of the resin into the repair tool.
8. Insert the syringe into the repair tool and pull the plunger up to create a vacuum, locking it into place. Leave it for 10 minutes to remove air bubbles.
9. Tap the windshield lightly around the chip to release trapped air bubbles.
10. Release the vacuum and push the plunger down to apply pressure, forcing resin into the cracks. Leave it for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the syringe and the repair tool, then peel off the adhesive seal.
12. Wipe away any excess resin with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.
13. Apply a small drop of resin to the repaired area and cover it with the curing strip provided in the kit.
14. Leave the windshield exposed to direct sunlight or UV light for 15 minutes (or longer on cloudy days).
15. Remove the curing strip and use a razor to scrape off any remaining resin, keeping the blade parallel to the glass to avoid scratches.
16. Inspect the area to ensure the chip is filled and barely visible.
17. Remove any surrounding tape or cardboard used for framing.