Here are some of the best products for repairing windshield cracks and chips. It’s painful to get a stone chip or crack on your car’s windshield. Luckily, the repair job doesn’t have to be carried out by a professional because you can do it yourself! Check out some of the best glass repair kits available today on the market.
Benefits of Windshield Repair Kits
- Be safe. It can be hazardous to drive a vehicle with a cracked or chipped windshield, particularly if the damage is directly in your line of sight. The best rock chip repair kit can solve the problem.
- Save money. It costs much less to repair rock chip damage or a cracked windshield than it is to buy a new one. This is especially important if you don’t have insurance that covers windshield damage, you have a high deductible, or your premiums will increase if you replace the windshield.
- Fix the windshield immediately. Instead of waiting for an appointment to replace your windshield, you can fix it yourself instantly with a car window chip repair kit.
- Avoid making the problem worse. If you wait too long to repair your windshield, the crack could get worse. With the right windshield crack repair tools, you can take care of the problem yourself before the glass is further damaged.
- They’re easy to use. The best windshield repair system is simple for even beginners to administer. You don’t need to be a professional to get the job done right.
Types of Windshield Repair Kits
RESIN
The best windshield repair kits utilize resin with a high viscosity that makes the substance resistant to flowing and thereby more stable. In order to create a tight bond to the glass, the resin should also prevent shrinkage. Synthetic resins commonly include the ingredients methotrexate and acrylic acid as well as hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.
Top Brands
BLUE STAR PRODUCTS, INC.
Blue Star Products, Inc. is located in Hauppauge, New York. The company prides itself in designing simple-to-use products that produce a high-quality professional result without requiring special skills or training. Founder Gerald Jacino is formerly the president and co-owner of Clear Star Products, Inc., incorporated in 1978. One recommended product is the Blue Star Windshield Repair Kit.
PERMATEX
Permatex, founded in 1909 and based in Hartford, Connecticut, manufacturers premium chemical products for automotive maintenance and repair as well as the home and hardware markets. Products include gasket makers, sealants, hand cleaners, thread lockers, adhesives, cleaners, repair kits, and lubricants. One recommended product is the Permatex Windshield Repair Kit.
RAIN-X
Rain-X has been one of the leading companies in aftermarket glass care for more than 40 years. Founded in 1972, the company is currently owned by ITW Global Brands. Its portfolio includes a variety of car-care products, including wiper blades and glass cleaners, car washes, waxes, and headlight restoration kits. One top product is the Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit.
Windshield Repair Kit Pricing
- Less than $10: The majority of windshield repair kits are very affordable. They typically cost less than $10 both online and at retail locations.
Key Features
SHAPE OF DAMAGE
Select a windshield repair kit that works on the exact type of damage on your windshield. For example, most repair kits can correct defects shaped like a star or flower. This means there was a single point of impact, and the damage spread outwards from that point. Other shapes that can be corrected include cracks, chips, and bull’s eyes.
Other Considerations
- Sensitivity to Temperature: In order to cure the resin patch, the best windshield chip repair kit will include instructions on the best temperature range to make the fix. Most kits recommend curing the repair in direct sunlight, while others say the exact opposite. It’s essential to follow the product’s directions in order for the resin to properly cure.
- Resin Quality: The best windshield repair resin repairs chips and cracks, but it needs to be a high-quality substance. When looking for the best windshield repair kit, find one that has a denser and thicker material that dries clearly. You want the resin to blend into the windshield without leaving a big blemish. Lower-grade resin kits may dry in a pale yellow shade.
- Volume: The size of the crack or chip in your windshield will determine how much resin you will require to complete a repair job. Typically, one windshield repair kit should be suitable for a one-time repair on a small crack on a single windshield. If you’re repairing more than one windshield, you will need a kit that can be used more than once.
Tips
- Try to repair a cracked windshield as quickly as possible. The longer the windshield sits, the more likely it is for dirt to get into the crack. Dirt can be hard to remove, and the resin may not properly bond to the glass as a result.
- Even the best windshield crack repair system will leave a mark on your windshield. Some repair kits produce more clarity than others, but the crack or chip will not be completely invisible. These kits strengthen the windshield but do not completely hide the damage.
- Look for a kit that has all the accessories required for the job: resin, an injector, curing strips, adhesives, applicators, and a razor blade. Alcohol wipes, pushpins, and a pedestal are also great to have to complete the task.
- When repairing a crack, make sure it isn’t bigger than 1.5 inches in diameter. Also, make sure the star- or flower-shaped crack is smaller than 6 inches in length.
- Be patient when repairing your windshield. Take your time, thoroughly read the directions, and become familiar with all the tools before you start the project. If you rush, you may make a mistake.
- Before making a repair, thoroughly clean the windshield with a mild detergent and let it dry. Also, remove any loose particles from the damaged/cracked area before applying the resin.
- When spreading the resin, determine how much pressure you need to apply (too much can make the crack worse). Use only quality resin, and smooth it out enough so that the windshield wiper blades don’t get caught on the substance and loosen the patch.
- When you finish using the windshield repair kit and the resin solidifies, use a razor blade to scrape excess resin away from the windshield. Then clean the glass with a cloth.
FAQs
Q: IS IT BETTER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE A CRACKED WINDSHIELD?
A: If the crack or chip is smaller than the size of a quarter, a windshield repair kit can do the job just fine. A good-quality DIY kit will prevent a rock chip or crack from expanding but will not remove the damage, and correcting a cracked window is not very costly. However, if the crack, bullseye, or star is directly in front of your line of sight, you may want to replace the windshield. Also, if your vehicle is old, the windshield may not hold up as well under stress and probably should be replaced.
Q: HOW DO I USE A WINDSHIELD REPAIR KIT?
A: Position the applicator over the crack, and insert the extension base over it. Put the resin tube over the extension and tighten it until resin replaces the air inside the applicator. Press the syringe to insert six to 10 drops of resin inside the applicator. Put the provided screw inside the resin chamber, and turn it clockwise until it tightens. The resin will press against the glass. After five to 10 minutes, unscrew and remove the applicator.
Q: HOW DO YOU KEEP A WINDSHIELD CRACK FROM SPREADING?
A: If you don’t use a windshield repair kit, there are other ways to prevent a crack from spreading, but they are temporary solutions. Eventually, you will have to purchase a repair kit or have a professional correct the damage. Short-term solutions include using super glue or clear nail polish. You can also park in the shade or garage to prevent the crack from getting worse.
Q: CAN I USE A WINDSHIELD REPAIR KIT ON OTHER THINGS?
A: You can use a windshield filler kit on headlights, picture frames, smartphones, and other glass objects that are cracked. It is a useful product to have to repair many types of glass objects.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best windshield repair kit is the Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit. The biggest benefit is that it can be used for multiple repairs. It is also easy to use and makes chips and cracks significantly less visible.
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