There’s nothing worse than getting behind the wheel and noticing that faint crack. You know the one- it wasn’t there before. But, now, it’s protruding and disturbing your line of vision, which makes your travels a whole heck of a lot more difficult.
Yep, you guessed it- we’re talking about a cracked windshield. They seem to appear out of nowhere at times, leaving no signs of what caused the damage.
You don’t have to shell out the big bucks to get yours fixed. Some types of damage are repairable at home with tools you may already have. Here’s what to know about car windshield repair, in case yours has cracks or bruises.
What You Can and Can’t Repair
Not all damage is fixable. If your windshield inherited a long, nasty crack, you’re going to have to get it replaced by a professional. It’s very difficult to fill deep, elongated chips, so it’s best to address the problem before it gets to that point.
Surface damage, such as minor chips and scratches, also aren’t repairable at home. If you’re concerned with beauty marks, find someone who specializes in window detail work.
Luckily, the chips that usually look the worst are the ones you can fix. This includes those bulging cracks that look like a flower is about to sprout out. You can usually fix the cracks that sit inward of the glass, as opposed to the ones that run horizontally across the surface.
Tools for Car Windshield Repair
Driving with a cracked window is dangerous, so you’ve got to fix the damage as soon as possible. There are a variety of repair kits that come with an adhesive and a syringe to fill the trench.
You can purchase these kits in most auto shops, such as Advanced Auto or AutoZone. You can also look for the necessary equipment in large retailers, such as Sears or Walmart.
How to Fix
To start, ensure the surface is completely dry or you’ll risk filling the hole with water. Then, you’ll take your adhesive strip and apply it to the damage. Make sure you flatten the strip before removing both sides of the film.
From here, you’re going to use your syringe to pull air through the adhesive. In one hand, hold the syringe and in the other, lift it as far as it will go.
Hold this position for at least a minute and then let it go and quickly move the adhesive in. You’ll want to repeat this process several times before removing the strip.
For More on Auto Repair
We should note car windshield repair may not completely remove the damage. But, this technique can minimize the crack’s appearance, leaving you with a more appealing and safe windshield.
If DIY projects are your thing, you should stick around! My name is Mark and I’m a certified master technician. I help those who want to learn about automobile systems, so they can handle repairs on their own.
Check out my Auto Repair Manuals, that lets you search by manufacturer!
