As the price of everything continues to rise, it’s not unreasonable for people to search for the cheapest option wherever they may find it.
Surely, no one budgets for windshield damage, so when accidents occur, no one is happy shelling out hundreds of dollars for repair.
This is where cheap, over-the-counter windshield repair kits come in, and they have grown wildly in popularity over the past few years.
While there is some utility to be had in these kits for minor and superficial damage, kits like Rain X and other generic brand names fail to provide a long-term solution for windshield damage that can lead to all sorts of issues.
Not only can windshield cracks spread, leading to more costly repairs, but they can weaken the integrity of your windshield, which helps support your roof in the event of an accident.
This article will debunk whether or not windshield repair kits work and illustrate scenarios where they may be appropriate and scenarios where professional assistance will be required.
Understanding Different Types of Windshield Damage
Before explaining how windshield repair kits work, it’s essential to understand the different types of windshield damage to better understand when and when not to use these kits.
The most common types of windshield damage are typically:
- Chip: A small crater or circular divot caused by debris impact, usually repairable if caught early.
- Crack: A line extending through the glass that can vary in length; small cracks may be repairable, but larger ones often require professional attention.
- Bullseye: A circular chip with a dark center resembling a bullseye, typically repairable if less than an inch in diameter.
- Star Break: Multiple small cracks radiating from a central impact point that are more challenging to repair and often require professional help.
How Windshield Repair Kits Work
Windshield repair kits employ a special type of resin designed to fill surface-level cracks and harden to reinforce the glass. In many ways, they work similar to how a professional would repair a windshield crack. However, they are only designed to fill small cracks, and the lack of precision that the average layman has when using these kits is counterproductive.
Likewise, they typically only offer a short-term solution as the adhesive that is used tends to break down over time and often does not prevent the crack from spreading.
Do Windshield Repair Kits Actually Work?
In theory, windshield repair kits work for very small, superficial cracks. However, there are many problems associated with windshield repair kits that should be noted.
- They are limited to small cracks: Windshields are composed of two layers of glass with a laminate surface wedged between them. Therefore, cracks that penetrate beneath the surface of the top glass cannot be filled with a repair kit. Likewise, these kits often provide very little surface area to tackle bigger cracks, such as spiderweb cracks.
- They should not be used for edge cracks: Many people mistakenly try to fill edge cracks with these kits, but this can be dangerous. Since windshields are held in place near their edges, an edge crack can weaken the entire windshield’s integrity and necessitate replacement.
- Most people don’t install them properly: Improper installation can prevent these kits from fully filling in cracks, leading them to spread after a few miles of use.
Windshield repair kits should only be used for small, surface-level chips but never for any deep or long cracks.
Windshield Damage that Can Be Repaired with a Windshield Repair Kit
There may be some situations where a windshield repair kit could be appropriate and save you some money.
- Small Chips and Cracks: Kits work best for minor chips, such as bullseyes or star cracks that are less than a quarter in diameter. If the damage is small and not spreading, a repair kit can effectively fill the damaged area and prevent further cracking.
- Short Cracks: For short cracks (under six inches), some kits can provide a decent repair, stopping the crack from spreading further. However, the longer the crack, the less likely the repair will be completely successful.
- Non-Critical Areas: If the damage is located outside the driver’s direct line of sight, the repair may be sufficient to restore the windshield’s integrity without the need for a professional replacement.
Windshield Damage that Requires Professional Repair
Most cracks and chips that penetrate deep into windshield glass, obstruct the driver’s sight, or spread will require professional windshield repair or replacement. Some examples include:
- Large Cracks or Extensive Damage: Kits are generally not suitable for long cracks (over six inches) or complex damage that affects multiple areas of the windshield. In these cases, the damage may spread even after using a repair kit.
- Damage in the Driver’s Line of Sight: Even a small chip or crack can leave minor distortions or discolorations, which can be distracting or dangerous if it’s directly in the driver’s field of vision.
- Cracks Near the Edge of the Windshield: Damage near the edges is more likely to compromise the structural integrity of the windshield, making professional repair or replacement the better option.
Read more about common signs that your windshield needs repair or replacement.
The Bottom Line
Windshield repair kits may provide an affordable solution for very minor and surface-level chips that are more aesthetic in nature than structurally significant. However, for any serious windshield damage, nothing can compare to the long-term benefits of professional windshield repair.
At Northeast Auto Glass, we even offer mobile windshield repair to residents of Northeast Pennsylvania, providing a safe, convenient, and affordable solution to windshield disrepair.
FAQs
Can I use a DIY windshield repair kit on any type of damage?
DIY kits are best suited for small chips and cracks. For larger, complex damage, or damage in the driver’s line of sight, professional repair or replacement is recommended.
How long does a windshield repair take?
Most windshield repairs using a DIY kit or professional service can be completed within 30 minutes to an hour.
Will a windshield repair kit restore my windshield to its original condition?
While a repair kit can fix minor damage and prevent it from spreading, it may not restore the windshield to its original pristine condition and could leave some visible imperfections.
