Unfortunately, damage to a windshield is a very common occurrence. The usual suspect is a rock or pebble that is kicked up by another car on the highway, but there can be many culprits. Damage to your windshield is not only unsightly, it's dangerous, since it can interfere with your vision when you're driving. Whenever you get a chip in your windshield, you should repair it immediately.
Assess the damage to your windshield. Small, cone-shaped chips and short, shallow cracks are the best candidates for repair.
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Address the repair immediately. Damage on your windshield can distract your eye while you're driving and prove hazardous.
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Purchase a window repair kit from a local auto supply store or hardware store. They are generally very inexpensive.
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Start with a clean, dry surface. If the windshield is wet, use a hair dryer to dry it. Work in an indoor parking garage if weather is an issue.
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Apply the adhesive patch and syringe adapter to the area of the damage to the windshield and seal it down.
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Follow the directions that come with your particular windshield repair kit to apply the adhesive, as different kits have different procedures. In general, you will need to create a vacuum around the crack so that adhesive from a syringe can be forced into the crack. Different types of syringes that come in the kits have different instructions.
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Remove excess adhesive from around the crack or chip using a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol. Be careful not to remove adhesive from the crack or chip.
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Allow the adhesive to cure in the crack for several hours. It is typical for the adhesive to be slightly raised from the surface.
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Use a sharp razor blade to shave off the excess hardened adhesive to create a smooth surface.
Tips & Warnings
Don't expect your insurance to cover chips to your windshield. Some policies specifically exclude them.
Not all chips can be repaired. If a chunk of glass is missing from your windshield it may not be fixable.
If you don't repair a minor chip in your windshield fast enough, it may worsen into a crack. Waiting too long may result in having to replace the entire windshield.
Repairing a windshield sometimes leaves a visual blemish, but it should prevent further damage from occurring.
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