Windshield is not merely a piece of glass but it is your sight, your safeguard, and a structural component of your car.
Whether you are driving on the highway or just driving around the city, those small cracks and chips on your windshield can be more than an eyesore. However, if not fixed, they grow and pose a threat to the security of your car.
But not all the cracks or chips are required for the replacement of the windshield. It is always advisable to fix minor damages since they can be repaired at home using the right tools and knowledge.
In this blog post, we will guide you on how to repair minor chips and cracks on your windshield, when to do it on your own, and the best practices for maintaining your windshield.
Understanding Windshield Damage: Cracks vs. Chips
Chips are usually small and occur when a hard object strikes the windshield. They might look like a star break where small crack lines radiate out from a single point or a bullseye, which is circular and slightly sunken.
They are normally less than an inch across and are the easiest forms of car collision damage to correct or fix. Chips should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid developing into bigger cracks that would cause more damage to the vehicle.
Cracks, on the other hand, are clear linear breaks that can measure from less than an inch to the width of the windscreen.
They can also be as a result of stress, which may be as a result of change in temperature, structural damage or an impact.
Over time, cracks develop and become wider, particularly when exposed to the vibrations from driving or other changes in temperature.
If the crack is more than three inches, then it is advised to go for a more rigorous repair process or even get a new windshield installed.
Why You Should Not Let Small Windshield Cracks or Chips Go Unfixed
A single tiny crack in your windshield can expand into something much bigger. Windshield glass is also structural in the car and it supports the roof of the car and shields you from the external environment.
A crack or chip compromises that system and, if not repaired, can extend because of fluctuating temperature levels, movement on the road, or water infiltration into the crack.
Besides concerns for safety, a cracked or chipped windshield can lead to failure during inspections in some areas and fines.
Thus, a small cosmetic defect could develop into a more complex and costly problem in the future. That’s why you should always stay on top of collision repair services so any future problems can be prevented.
When You Can Go For DIY Repairs
Chips smaller than a quarter: If the chip is small and has not reached the surface of the windshield, you can use a windshield repair kit to fix it.
Cracks shorter than 6 inches: A DIY kit might also work for cracks up to six inches in length.
Clean damage: New damage is easier to fix as it has not collected dirt, debris, or moisture on it in the process of the accident.
When to Call a Professional
- Cracks longer than 6 inches:
Cracks that are wider are difficult to repair and mostly need to be replaced with new ones.
- Damage in the driver’s line of sight:
However, even with the repair, there might be some distortion of visibility. In case of a crack, it is advisable to seek the service of a professional to repair it or get it replaced.
- Multiple cracks or chips:
If the windshield has more than two chips or cracks, then it should be repaired or replaced by a professional.
- Edge damage:
Hairline cracks or chips that are on the edges of the windshield tend to spread and make the structure weaker. Such are usually in need of professional intervention.
How to: Repair Small Cracks and Chips in Your Windshield
Step 1: Cleaning the Area
The first and most crucial process is to wash the affected area. Wash the windshield with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean off any dirt, dust or grease.
For the chip or crack itself, you might want to remove any small pieces of glass, dirt, or debris with a safety pin or a razor blade. During this process, be careful not to make the crack any wider than it is.
Step 2: Setting up the repair kit
Almost all windshield repair kits come with a special adhesive resin that fills up the crack or chip.
It is very important to adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- It is important to apply the adhesive base over the affected region.
- Screw the syringe to the base in order to suck air from the crack or chip.
- To let the resin flow into the damaged area, release the vacuum.
Step 3: The Resin Application
After you have connected the syringe, you need to pull it back to make a vacuum. This step eliminates air bubbles in the crack or chip to allow the penetration of the resin into the surface.
After you have created a vacuum for about a minute or two, you can then push the syringe in order to inject the resin into the affected area. The resin helps to seal the glass and stops the crack from extending to other parts of the windshield.
Step 4: Time should be given for the resin to settle.
Allow the resin to settle for at least five to ten minutes to ensure that it penetrates deep into the crack or chip.
During this time, one should not make any movements in order to allow the resin to spread uniformly across the designated area.
Step 5: Cure the Resin
Most resins require UV light to harden properly. If you have a UV light, shine it directly on the damaged area for a few minutes.
If you don’t have UV light, park your car in direct sunlight and let nature take its course for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 8: Polish the Windshield
After removing the curing strip, wipe the repaired area one last time with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. This will clean off any fingerprints or smudges, leaving your windshield clear and as good as new.
Situations When DIY Repairs Are Not Desirable
DIY repair kits are very useful, especially when the car has small damages but it is not a one-stop solution for all problems.
If your windshield damage is too extensive or the crack has propagated, it is advisable to seek the services of an auto glass repair workshop.
They can determine whether the windshield can be repaired or if the whole windshield must be replaced.
It is not safe to drive with a cracked windshield but it is even worse because it can lead to further damages of the car’s structure in case of an accident.
Windshield repair shops use equipment and knowledge to repair your windshield and make it as good as new in terms of strength and clarity.
Preventing Future Cracks and Chips
Avoid Tailgating
Another cause of broken windshields is when the vehicle in front of you throws pebbles and other materials at your car.
Drive Carefully on Gravel Roads
This is especially true for gravel and other loose materials on the road since they are likely to chip your windshield if you are driving at a very high speed.
Park in the Shade
This is because when the car is exposed to very hot weather, the windshield is likely to expand, and this makes it contract when it is cold, which may lead to cracking.
Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Do not switch on the air conditioner with high temperatures outside or pour water on the windshield when it is freezing.
The glass can crack due to temperature fluctuations, especially if the change is unexpected.
Takeaway
Fixing small cracks and chips in your windshield doesn’t have to be a stressful or costly ordeal.
With a few simple tools and a little patience, you can restore your windshield’s appearance and functionality in no time.
However, always be mindful of the severity of the damage. If it seems too big for a DIY fix, don’t hesitate to visit Erics Car Care, as we have professionals for all types of car repair services.