How to Repair a Chipped Auto Windshield

Chips in your windshield can turn into unsightly cracks.

Having a chip in the windshield of your automobile can be frustrating, particularly if it is a new vehicle. The chip can interfere with your safety if it is in your line of vision while driving. Repairing the chip is neither complicated nor expensive and only takes a few minutes of your time. The repair will prevent the chipped section from getting any worse. Grit and fluctuating temperatures can cause the chip to spread into a crack in the windshield, which often means paying a deductible on your insurance.

Things You'll Need

• Windshield repair kit (syringe type)
• Glass cleaner
• Paper towels
• Cloth or towel
• Utility blade

Instructions

1. Clean the chip and the area surrounding it with your regular glass cleaner and a paper towel. Allow the area to dry.

2. Place an old cloth or towel beneath the area you will be working on the windshield. This will prevent any of the chemicals from contacting the paint on your vehicle and causing damage.

3. Punch out the hole in the disc that comes with the repair kit. It will have adhesive on both sides; peel off the backing on one side to uncover the adhesive.

4. Place the adhesive disc on the windshield, centering it over the chipped area. Make sure the tab on the adhesive disc is facing up.

5. Remove the backing from the top side of the adhesive disc and place the pedestal that comes with the repair kit onto the top side of the disc. Make sure the tabs are in alignment.

6. Take the cap off the syringe. Insert it into the pedestal, pushing and twisting until it seals.

7. Pull up on the plunger on the syringe. This will remove air from the chip. Hold the plunger for a few seconds and then let go of it. This will force the repair compound into the chipped area.

8. Repeat pulling and releasing the plunger about eight to 10 times to fill the damaged area fully.

9. Allow the sun to dry the syringe for approximately 30 minutes.

10. Get inside your vehicle and check the underneath portion to see if any air bubbles are present. If they are, repeat the plunging action. If not, remove the disc and syringe with a utility blade.

11. Clean up any excess compound with the utility blade.

Tips & Warnings

• It is best to repair the chip on a sunny day to ensure the area dries well.

• You can purchase the windshield repair kits at an auto supply or discount stores or order them online.

References

• Extreme How to: Everything Auto--Windshield Chip Repair

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: Repairing Windshields