A Guide to How to Repair Small Chip in Windshield

Discovering a chip in your windshield can be frustrating. That small star-shaped pit might seem minor at first, but without proper care, it can quickly spread into a crack across your entire windshield, compromising your safety and visibility. The good news? Many small windshield chips can be repaired at home, saving you time and money.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about DIY windshield chip repair—from assessing whether your damage is repairable to executing the fix like a pro.

Understanding Windshield Chips: What Can and Can't Be Repaired

Before grabbing your tools, it's important to know whether your particular chip is suitable for a DIY fix.

Types of Windshield Chips You Can Repair Yourself:

1. Bullseye Chips: These round damages have rings around a central impact point (usually less than 1 inch in diameter).

2. Star Chips: These have short lines extending from a central impact point, resembling a star pattern.

3. Combination Chips: These combine elements of both bullseye and star patterns.

4. Pit Chips: Simple chips where a small piece of glass is missing from the surface.

Size Guidelines for DIY Repair:

• Chips smaller than a quarter (about 1 inch or 25mm) are ideal for DIY repair
• Chips that haven't started to spread into cracks
• Damage that's not in the driver's direct line of sight

When Professional Help Is Needed:

• Chips that have already spread into cracks longer than 1-2 inches
• Damage directly in the driver's line of sight
• Multiple chips clustered in the same area
• Damage that extends to the edge of the windshield
• Damage that penetrates both layers of the windshield glass

Remember: If you're unsure about whether your chip is repairable, it's better to consult a professional. Attempting to repair damage that's too severe could worsen the problem.

Materials You'll Need

Fortunately, you don't need many specialized tools to repair a windshield chip. Here's what you'll need:

• Windshield chip repair kit (available at most auto parts stores or online for $10-30)
• Microfiber cloth
• Glass cleaner (avoid ammonia-based cleaners)
• Razor blade
• Canned air or vacuum cleaner
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towels
• Bright light source
• Sunshade or umbrella (if working outdoors)

Preparing for the Repair

Before you begin the actual repair process, proper preparation is crucial for the best results:

1. Choose the right time and place: Pick a dry day with moderate temperatures (around 50-75°F). Extreme temperatures can affect the resin curing process. Work in a shaded area or use a sunshade to avoid direct sunlight.

2. Clean the area thoroughly: Spray glass cleaner on the chipped area and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Use a razor blade to carefully remove any loose glass fragments from the chip. Blow out dust and debris with canned air.

3. Dry the area completely: Use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to ensure the area is completely dry. Any moisture trapped in the chip can prevent proper resin adhesion.

4. Read the instructions: Each repair kit may have slightly different steps. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the specific instructions for your kit.

Step-by-Step Windshield Chip Repair Process

Now that you're prepared, let's walk through the typical repair process. Most kits work similarly, but always follow the specific instructions included with your kit.

Step 1: Prepare the Repair Tool

Most repair kits come with a suction cup device that attaches to your windshield. This tool holds the resin injector in place.

1. Clean the suction cups with rubbing alcohol.
2. Position the center of the repair tool directly over the chipped area.
3. Press firmly to create a seal and lock the suction cups in place according to your kit's instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the Resin

1. Open the resin container included in your kit.
2. If your kit came with a syringe, fill it with the resin according to the kit's instructions.
3. Some kits use a pre-filled resin chamber instead of a syringe.

Step 3: Apply the Resin

1. Attach the resin applicator (syringe or chamber) to the repair tool over the damaged area.
2. Slowly inject the resin into the chip. You should see the resin flowing into the damaged area.
3. Apply slight pressure as directed by your kit's instructions to force the resin deeper into the chip.
4. Look from different angles to ensure the resin is filling all parts of the damage.

Step 4: Remove Air Bubbles

Air bubbles can weaken your repair and make it less effective. Most kits use one of two methods to remove bubbles:

Pressure Method:

1. Apply pressure with the plunger on your repair tool for 5-10 seconds.
2. Release for a few seconds.
3. Repeat this process 3-5 times to force air out and resin in.

Vacuum Method:

1. Pull back on the plunger to create suction.
2. Hold for 10 seconds.
3. Release to allow resin to flow in.
4. Repeat 3-5 times.

You should see air bubbles rising out of the chip as you do this.

Step 5: Curing the Resin

1. Once you're satisfied that the resin has filled the chip and air bubbles are gone, it's time to cure the resin.
2. If your kit includes a UV light, place it over the repair and turn it on for the recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes).
3. If your kit relies on sunlight, move your vehicle into direct sunlight and allow the resin to cure for the recommended time (usually 15-30 minutes).
4. Do not remove the repair tool until the curing time is complete.

Step 6: Finishing the Repair

1. Once the resin has cured, carefully remove the repair tool from your windshield.
2. You'll likely notice a small bump of excess resin on the surface.
3. Use the razor blade included in your kit to carefully scrape off this excess resin. Hold the blade flat against the glass and move it gently across the surface.
4. Spray glass cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a final clean.

Tips for a Successful Chip Repair

• Work in the shade: Direct sunlight can cause the resin to cure prematurely before it fully penetrates the chip.
• Repair chips promptly: Fresh chips (less than a week old) are easier to repair than older ones that have collected dirt and debris.
• Be patient: Allow enough time for the resin to penetrate completely before curing.
• Don't drive immediately: Give your repair at least an hour to fully set before driving.
• Try a second application if needed: If the first application doesn't completely fill the chip, some kits allow for a second application.
• Keep the repair area clean: Any dirt or debris can prevent proper adhesion.

What to Expect After the Repair

A successful DIY repair should:

• Prevent the chip from spreading into a crack
• Significantly improve the appearance of the damage
• Restore structural integrity to the windshield
• Make the chip much less noticeable

That said, even professional repairs aren't always perfect. You may still see a slight mark where the chip occurred. The goal is to prevent further spreading and make the damage less visible, not to make it completely disappear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting too long: Repair chips as soon as possible. Fresh damage is easier to repair than older damage that has collected dirt.

2. Washing your car too soon: Wait at least 24 hours after the repair before washing your car.

3. Using the wrong cleaner: Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage the resin bond.

4. Pressing too hard: Applying excessive pressure can cause the chip to crack.

5. Skipping the air removal step: Air bubbles trapped in the resin will weaken the repair.

6. Repairing in extreme temperatures: Very hot or cold conditions can affect resin curing and adhesion.

When to Seek Professional Help Despite Your DIY Efforts

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a DIY repair might not deliver the results you hoped for. Know when to call it quits and seek professional help:

• If the chip starts to spread into a crack after your repair attempt
• If the damage is in your direct line of sight and still affects visibility
• If you notice water or moisture seeping into the repaired area
• If multiple repair attempts haven't improved the situation

Professional windshield repair services have industrial-grade tools and resins that can sometimes handle cases where DIY methods fall short.

Why Repair Chips Immediately?

Repairing chips promptly is crucial for several reasons:

1. Prevent spreading: Temperature changes and road vibrations can quickly turn a small chip into a large crack.

2. Maintain structural integrity: Your windshield provides up to 60% of the structural support in a rollover accident.

3. Ensure proper airbag deployment: A compromised windshield may not support proper airbag function.

4. Avoid expensive replacement: A $20 DIY repair can save you hundreds on windshield replacement.

5. Maintain visibility: Even small chips can catch light and create glare that impairs your vision.

Most small chips can be successfully repaired within minutes, making this a worthwhile investment of your time.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Chips

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to windshield damage:

1. Maintain a safe following distance on the road to avoid rocks and debris kicked up by other vehicles.

2. Avoid driving behind construction vehicles or trucks carrying loose material like gravel.

3. Drive slower on gravel roads to minimize impact from loose stones.

4. Consider a windshield treatment that adds an extra layer of protection against small impacts.

5. Replace windshield wipers regularly to prevent scratching your glass.

6. Clean your windshield regularly to spot small chips before they become bigger problems.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Repair

Let's talk about the financial aspect of windshield chip repair:

DIY Repair:

• Cost: $10-30 for a repair kit
• Time: 30-60 minutes of your time
• Results: Good for small, simple chips

Professional Repair:

• Cost: $50-150 depending on chip size and location
• Time: Usually less than an hour of your time
• Results: Generally more reliable and cosmetically superior

Full Windshield Replacement:

• Cost: $200-1000+ depending on your vehicle
• Time: Several hours at a service center
• Results: Brand new windshield with no damage

As you can see, DIY repair is significantly more budget friendly, especially if you catch the damage early.

Insurance Considerations

Many insurance policies cover windshield repair at no cost to you (with no deductible), while replacements often require paying your comprehensive deductible. Check your policy before proceeding with a DIY repair, as you might be eligible for free professional service.

If you do choose the DIY route and your attempt isn't successful, most insurance companies will still cover a professional repair or replacement afterward—they just want to see the damage fixed one way or another.

Conclusion

Repairing a chipped windshield yourself is doable with the right tools and techniques. For small chips, a DIY approach can save you money and prevent further damage. Remember to act quickly when you notice a chip, as fresh damage is much easier to repair than older chips that have collected dirt and debris.

While DIY repairs are effective for minor damage, larger chips or damage in critical viewing areas may require professional attention. Always prioritize safety over savings when it comes to your windshield.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to handle those unexpected windshield chips that are an inevitable part of vehicle ownership.

Need more detailed guidance or specialized repair advice? Visit Windshield Repair Guide for comprehensive resources, product recommendations, and expert tips on all aspects of windshield care and maintenance. Our site is dedicated to helping you keep your view of the road crystal clear!