Windshield Chip Repair

Car window chip repair kits are available at most auto parts stores.

Car windshield chip repair kits are available at most auto parts stores.

The Fix-It Club can help you perform basic car repairs. One of the most common is car window chip repair. Small stones and other debris traveling at 65 miles an hour can chip your car’s windshield. Fortunately, the safety glass used in modern car windows can withstand the shock without shattering. However, the crack weakens the window’s strength and may continue to crack until it is repaired.

To repair a windshield chip or a small crack, purchase a windshield chip repair kit at an auto parts store and follow the directions on the package.

In most cases, here’s how to perform a windshield chip repair:

  1. Clean the windshield with glass cleaner and dry it completely.
  2. Apply the adhesive disc over the chip.
  3. Windshield chip repair is an easy job that most car owners can do in less than an hour.

    Windshield chip repair is an easy job that most car owners can do in less than an hour.

    Replace the plastic pedestal or dam atop the disc.

  4. Insert the applicator syringe that contains the liquid plastic filler.
  5. Push on the applicator to force plastic filler into the chipped area, stopping when filled.
  6. Allow the plastic to harden before removing the applicator, pedestal, and disc.

Fix-It Tip

Before repairing your car windshield, ask your car insurance company whether the repair is covered by your insurance. If there is a low or no deductible, or if the chip is now a crack, it’s smarter to let a pro perform windshield chip repair.