How to Repair a Cracked Windshield
If the crack in your windshield is less than 16cm in length, you may not need a new windshield; you may be able to fix it yourself with a windshield repair kit. If the crack or chip is on the edge of the windshield, do not try to repair it yourself. It needs to be replaced. Likewise, if the chip or crack is in your line of sight or is over a sensor.
Windshield repair kits are readily available and contain most of the items you need. You want a kit that has an X-shaped tool with suction cup feet. This is the resin dispenser and modeled after the tool used by professionals.
What tools do I need?
- Windshield repair kit with resin dispenser
- Glass drill bits
- Grease
- Window cleaner
- Razor blade
- Shop towel
- Assistant
Park your vehicle in the shade. The sun will set the resin quickly, so start in the shade to ensure time to work.
How do I stop the crack from growing?
Look for the end of the crack and use a drill with a glass drill bit to drill a place for the crack to end. Do not press down hard. Drill down until you reach the top of the second glass layer.
How do I move the suction cup along the crack?
Use your finger to spread grease or Vaseline above and below the crack. The grease will set up a track for the suction cup feet to follow, so make sure the feet fit.
How do I keep pressure on the windshield as I fix it?
Have your assistant sit inside the vehicle and gently press the windshield up as you move the repair tool along the crack.
Do I fill the entire crack with resin?
Follow the crack from end to end with the resin-dispensing tool and fill the crack with resin. How do I set the resin up to cure? Take the plastic strips that came with the kit and place them over the crack. Cut into smaller strips if needed. Smooth the strips to remove air bubbles out.
How do I cure the resin? Move your vehicle into the sun and let the resin cure. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
What do I do after it is cured?
Once the resin is cured, remove the plastic strips from the windshield. Clean the glass with a glass cleaner. What do I do with the excess resin on the windshield? Use the razor blade to scrape off any excess resin.
If you need to see the repair in action, watch the video here. If you find that you have trouble repairing the windshield or it needs replacement, the professional staff at Royal Oak Nissan are ready to assist you.