How to Repair Windshield Chips & Cracks

When visibility is severely impaired, a full windshield replacement should be performed.

Before you know it, that small chip in your windshield can spread into a car-wide crack. The key to treating a windshield crack is repairing it quickly; otherwise, a full windshield replacement is necessary. Several companies produce windshield chip repair kits that include a syringe, adhesive and apparatus to fill the crack. If this method seems too daunting, a simple home remedy may be enough to stop a chip from spreading and prevent the need for an immediate trip to the auto shop.

Things You'll Need

• Clean, soft towels
• Windshield repair kit
• Razor blade
• Rubbing alcohol
• Clear nail polish

Instructions

Repair Kit

1. Move your car into a shaded area. The sun can dry the chip adhesive too quickly.

2. Thoroughly dry the windshield with clean, soft towels. When water enters a crack, it moves swiftly and acts as an abrasive element. This moisture can spread cracks and needs to be removed before a repair is performed.

3. Apply one of the kit's adhesive strips centered over the windshield's chip. Attach the apparatus over this strip with the cylinder pointing upward.

4. Pull the cap off the included syringe and place the point into the apparatus' opening. The syringe is full of adhesive that used to fill the chip. Pull the handle of the syringe up and leave it at the topmost point for one minute. This pulls any air bubbles out of the crack and prepares the adhesive to be injected.

5. Let go of the syringe's handle, allowing adhesive to be pushed into the crack. Repeat this process until an adequate amount of adhesive has been inserted.

6. Remove the syringe, apparatus and adhesive strip from the windshield. A small protuberance should be visible on top of the crack. Leave this to dry for one hour before removing it with a razor blade. Use an alcohol-soaked towel to remove any remaining adhesive outside the chip.

Nail Polish

1. Move your car into a shaded area to prevent premature drying.

2. Apply a coat of clear nail polish to the exterior and interior of the windshield using the nail polish's applicator. Brush along any cracks that need repair. Nail polish serves as a temporary adhesive that fills cracks and prevents spreading.

3. Move the car into the sun to dry and wipe up any dripping polish with a clean towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Nail polish is a temporary solution. Eventually, a stronger repair or a full replacement may be needed.

• Follow the instructions on your repair kit. Each product may have different subtleties that could require a different plan of action.

References

• Popular Mechanics: Repairing Windshields
• Tip Hero: 38 Clever Uses for Nail Polish