In this helpful guide about the best home windshield repair kit, we’ll look at what makes the best windshield repair as well as the best glass repair kit itself. We put together he’s helpful windshield repair kit reviews to highlight the top models and features to look for.
Further down in this post we’ll look at what to consider when you’re buying a windshield crack repair kit. We’ll also look at why you should purchase a windshield repair kit before going somewhere to pay for a windshield crack repair.
It’s a big pain when you’re driving down the road and rock smashes into your windshield. What’s even worse is when it leaves behind a huge, unsightly crack that obstructs your field of vision.
Thankfully, windshield repair is something you can do at home, depending on the severity of the damage. In this post, we’ll be looking at the best windshield repair kits as well as a helpful buyer’s guide to make it easier for you to find the right kit.
Let’s jump right into it!
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The Best Windshield Repair Kit
Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit (Best Windshield Repair Kit Overall)
The Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit is our top recommendation as the best glass repair kit for most drivers. This kit is easy to use and can be used to repair all types of laminated windshields.
The way this windshield crack repair kit works is simple. It removes air from the break or crack and then fills it with a durable resin.
This repairs the cracks and makes it even stronger than before. It can even be used to minimize the appearance of chips and smaller cracks while preventing them from spreading.
The Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit works best on chips that aren’t larger than 1-inch in diameter. As for cracks, it can be used to repair cracks no longer than 12-inches.
If there is damage to more than one layer of class, this repair kit won’t be effective. In that case, you’ll have to bring your vehicle somewhere for a professional glass repair.
Overall, the Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit is one of the best windshield repair kits. It’s easy to use, good for multiple repairs, and a cost-effective way at repairing chips or cracks in your windshield.
YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit
Up next we would recommend the YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit as another great kit for repairing cracked or chipped windows. With this kit it’s possible to repair damage in as little as 30 minutes depending on the severity.
The YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit is easy to use and comes with the necessary tools and components for windshield repair. It’s designed to fill the chip or crack with a strong, penetrating adhesive that bonds the glass together.
Once filled, the chip or crack will be repaired and visibility will be restored. With the included repair injector you can accurately inject the crack or chip with the penetrating adhesive for a professional level of repair.
The tool also takes advantage of vacuum pressure to remove any residual air from the chip or crack. This allows for the damage to be fully filled with the adhesive and minimizes the appearance of any damage once you’re done.
For a DIY window repair kit, the YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit is highly effective at removing visible cracks and chips. It’s easy to use, can be used for more than just one damaged area, and is an affordable way to repair your car windows.
Permatex Windshield Repair Kit
The Permatex Windshield Repair Kit comes with a single unit of adhesive and is effective at repairing bullseye damage up to 1 ¼ inches in diameter. It’s easy to use, affordable, and great for those unsightly chips on your car windows.
Included with this kit is everything you need for a quick and easy, professional level repair. With the included syringe and plunger you can ensure that any chip or small crack is completely filled with the repair compound.
The newly-designed state-of-the-art delivery system comes with an advanced spring lock feature. Even with shaky hands or a lack of experience, this kit makes it easy to repair small chips and cracks.
Thanks to the quality of this product, there is no mixing or special tools required. Follow the included instructions, take the time to let the adhesive set, and you’ll be enjoying a repaired window or windshield in no time.
The Permatex Windshield Repair Kit is a simple and cost effective way of fixing a cracked or chipped window or windshield. It’s easy to use, reasonably priced, and you’ll be easily able to improve the look of your car windows.
Visbella DIY Windshield Repair Kit
The Visbella DIY Windshield Repair Kit is a DIY window repair kit that comes with everything you need to fix a cracked or chipped windshield. It’s easy to use and all of the steps are clearly defined in the included instruction manual.
With this kit you’ll be able to repair most cracks and chips in 20 minutes or less. Once repaired, you won’t have to deal with any secondary cracking, as long as you followed the instructions.
Included in the kit is the repair compound and syringe for filling the cracks or chips. With everything properly set up on the window, it’s easy to inject the compound.
Once injected, you can use the included UV light to help the compound dry and set. This is better and more effective than relying on natural UV from the sun to dry the compound.
With everything included in the Visbella DIY Windshield Repair Kit, there’s no reason most of you can’t repair your own windshield at home. This is one of the best DIY windshield repair kits for fixing unsightly chips and distracting cracks.
Best Windshield Repair Kit Buying Guide
Features to Consider
There are a few things to bear in mind when you’re looking for a window crack repair kit. These considerations should make it easier for you to find the right kit to repair the damage on your windshield or windows.
Start by assessing the damage that has occurred on your windshield or window. Depending on the type of crack or chip, it will need it’s own type of repair.
The severity of the damage will determine whether or not the windshield needs to be repaired or replaced. There’s also the size of the damage, with most windshield repair kits suitable for only smaller cracks and chips.
It’s also important to determine how much pressure the windshield can take before it starts to crack again. Since there will be pressure when you’re repairing the initial damage, you need to be careful that it doesn’t become bigger.
If you’re worried that the windshield is going to crack even more or buckle, it may be time to consider a replacement. Otherwise, you should be fine using a windshield repair kit.
Don’t forget to inspect and double check the resin that’s included in the windshield repair kit you’re using. It needs to be the correct type for the damage on your windshield.
Finally, always remember to remove any excess resin and smooth the resin on the window glass when you’re done. This way the wiper blades won’t catch on any bumps and damage the work you’ve already done. It’s also possible to damage your windshield wipers this way.
Why You Should Buy a Windshield Repair Kit
DIY windshield crack repair kits are a cost-effective and easy way to repair your own windshield. For small cracks and chips, these kits can be used to repair the damage without the need for an expensive visit to a professional.
Having a cracked or damaged windshield can be dangerous, especially if the damage gets worse. It’s even possible for the car to become undrivable if the damage is neglected.
That’s why it’s a good idea to use a glass chip repair kit as soon as you notice any chips or cracks. They typically come with all the tools and materials you need to repair your windshield to get rid of the damage and prevent further damage from developing.
Windshield Repair vs Windshield Replacement
Doing your own windshield repair is obviously going to be cheaper than a windshield replacement. Also, not all chips or cracks require the glass to be replaced.
There are four factors that determine whether it’s possible to repair the windshield or replace it. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide, although you should get a second opinion if you’re ever unsure of yourself.
Size of the Crack
The most important factor that determines a repair or replacement is the size of the crack. If the damage is longer than 18-inches then it’s probably a good idea to have the windshield replaced.
Cracks of this size are prone to spreading and could lead to further damage. It’s dangerous to drive like this and there is definitely increased risk of driving with large windshield cracks.
Depth of the Crack
The depth of the crack also needs to be considered. Windshields that are cracked or chipped deeper than 2-inches will need to be replaced.
This is because the adhesive that’s used in most windshield repair kits is not effective at these depths. Any repairs won’t last and could lead to more serious, expensive repairs in the future.
Location of the Crack
The location of the crack or damage on the windshield is a factor that determines whether it should be repaired or replaced. If the damage is in the sight line of the driver, this would be a good time to replace the window or windshield.
Damage to the side of the windshield, that doesn’t obstruct anyone’s view, can be repaired. Don’t forget to follow the previously mentioned guidelines to determine if it’s possible to follow through with a repair.
Type of Damage
The last thing to consider is the type of damage that was incurred. Small chips, small cracks, and star breaks can be easily repaired.
Larger damage, or multiple cracks and chips, are harder to repair. In this case, it would be better to replace the windshield and start with something new.
Replacing the Windshield
If you are considering replacing the windshield, there are some affordable ways to do it. The most expensive way would be to order the windshield directly from your car’s manufacturer or from a local auto glass repair shop.
Instead, consider shopping around for a quote at your favourite local garages. It’s possible you could find an OEM or aftermarket windshield or window that was refurbished. This could save you some money, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Keep in mind that the windshield is one of the most important components of the vehicle for your safety. It may be worth investing in a new, better windshield and taking a financial hit, rather than having to deal with more trouble down the line.
How to Use a Windshield Repair Kit
Most windshield repair kits come with detailed instructions and are easy to use. You could also visit YouTube, where you can find helpful tutorials and detailed videos.
Here are the steps you should follow to get the best possible finish from any of the windshield crack repair kits you use:
- Pay attention to the information on the kit where it says how big a crack or chip it can repair. Choose a kit that’s designed to fix the size of the damage on your windshield or window. Otherwise, it’s possible to damage the windshield even more.
- Thoroughly clean the windshield with a microfiber cloth. Check that there isn’t any dirt, dust, or debris left in the damaged area.
- With the repair kit applicator, set up the applicator over the crack or chip. An extension base will need to be inserted into the top of the applicator.
- Use the syringe of adhesive or resin over the applicator extension and secure it. This helps to remove any air from inside the applicator by creating the resin chamber.
- Start plunging the syringe to get drops of resin into the applicator.
- Put the included screw from the repair kit into the chamber and tighten. This spreads and firmly presses the resin into the windshield damage. Let it set for up to 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, the resin should have dried. Unscrew the kit and remove the applicator.
- Follow the included instructions for how to cure the resin. Some kits come with an included UV light, while others can be done through the use of direct sunlight.
- Using a razor, remove any excess resin. Clean the entire area with a damp microfiber cloth.
How to Keep a Windshield Crack From Spreading
After the windshield is cracked, chipped, or damaged, you need to do what you can to prevent the crack or damage from spreading. There are a few different ways you can keep it from spreading, other than trying to fix the damage with the best windshield repair kit you can find.
These following tips and ideas are short-term solutions. Without a window crack repair kit, you’ll want to visit a technician as soon as you can to prevent further damage.
- In a pinch you can use super glue for a small crack or chip. The glue bonds with the window and prevents the crack from spreading. Look for glue that contains cyanoacrylate. Force the glue into the crack or chip and ensure it sets in an even layer.
- Clear nail polish can also be used as a short term solution. Clean the surface of the windshield before applying the nail polish. Generously apply the polish and ensure that the crack is completely filled. This is a short-term solution, you’ll want to find a better solution as quickly as you can.
- Park your vehicle in the shade if possible. If you can’t get to a shop or pick up a repair kit, try to remember to park in the shade. The temperature of the sun can cause the glass to contract and expand, making it more likely for the crack to spread.
Keep in mind that these are only short-term solutions. You’ll want to either pick up a glass chip repair kit or have the window repaired by a professional.
Driving with a cracked windshield can be dangerous. The best strategy is to get it repaired as quickly as you can.
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