How Well Do Windshield Repair Kits Work in the Long-Term?

If you’re a car owner in Raleigh, NC, you’ve likely encountered a pesky windshield chip or crack at some point in your driving adventures. The burning question on your mind might be, “Do windshield repair kits work?” 

Join the windshield repair experts from Glass Solutions as we dive deep into the world of DIY windshield repair, exploring the effectiveness of repair kits and whether they can truly save you time and money while ensuring the safety of your vehicle. Fasten your seatbelts, as we uncover the truth behind these popular solutions for preserving the integrity of your car’s windshield.

What is a Windshield Repair Kit? 

A windshield repair kit is a handy tool or set of materials designed to help car owners address minor chips and cracks in their vehicle’s windshield. These DIY kits typically contain a combination of specialized resin, curing agents, and various tools needed to fill and seal the damaged area. 

The primary purpose of a windshield repair kit is to prevent the damage from spreading and potentially compromising the structural integrity of the windshield. By addressing these minor issues early on, car owners can save money on windshield replacement and maintain a clear, safe view of the road. 

While these kits are effective for addressing small damage, it’s essential to note that they are not suitable for repairing extensive cracks or damage that impairs the driver’s line of sight, in which case professional auto glass replacement may be necessary.

How Do Windshield Repair Kits Work?

How do windshield repair kits work? Windshield repair kits work by filling the void with resin and letting it harden to a glass-like consistency. In theory, they’re supposed to keep the damage from spreading and fix the blemish in the glass. 

While all kits have their own instructions and specific methods of use, each one includes instructions, a tool to clean out any slivers of glass from the chip, an injector tool that allows you to apply resin down into the void, and a piece of film to put over it as it cures. After the resin cures and any excess is removed, you should have a smooth, blemish-free windshield on your vehicle. 

Do Windshield Repair Kits Work with Long-Term Results? 

Do windshield repair kits work in the long-term? The longevity of a windshield repair performed using a repair kit can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Size of Damage: Smaller chips and cracks that have been properly repaired tend to have a longer lifespan. The repair is designed to prevent the damage from spreading, and if done correctly, it can last for the life of the windshield.
• Quality of Repair Kit: The quality of the windshield repair kit and materials used plays a significant role in the longevity of the repair. High-quality resin and curing agents are more likely to provide a lasting solution compared to cheaper, lower-quality alternatives.
• Proper Technique: The skill and expertise of the person performing the repair also influence its durability. A correctly executed repair, following the manufacturer’s instructions, is more likely to last longer.
• Maintenance: Regular car maintenance and care of your windshield can help extend the life of the repair. This includes cleaning the windshield regularly and avoiding excessive stress or pressure on the repaired area.

When to Call a Professional for Expert Windshield Repair 

Instructions with a DIY windshield repair kit are all well and good, but a professional glass repair technician has fixed countless windshield chips with precision. 

At Glass Solutions, our windshield repair professionals know how to fix all types of damage, including cracks, spider webbing, and starburst chips. Our techs know how much pressure to apply to the resin to prevent cracking around the damaged area, and most importantly, they use high-quality tools and resin to ensure it bonds to the damage and fully fills the chip. 

When Are Windshield Repair Kits Appropriate to Use? 

Windshield repair kits are appropriate to use in specific situations, typically when you encounter minor windshield chips, cracks, or damage on your vehicle’s windshield.

Here are some guidelines for when it’s suitable to use a windshield repair kit:

• Small Chips: Windshield repair kits are most effective for repairing small chips, often caused by rocks or debris striking the glass. These chips are usually smaller than a quarter in size and have not penetrated the inner layer of the windshield.
• Short Cracks: You can use a DIY windshield repair kit for short cracks, typically those that are less than 6 inches in length. These cracks are often the result of minor impact or temperature changes.
• Surface Damage: When the damage is limited to the outer layer of the windshield and has not compromised the structural integrity of the glass, a windshield repair kit can be a suitable solution.

Should I Use a Windshield Repair Kit at All or Just Take My Car to a Professional Glass Repair Shop? 

While you may think that taking your vehicle to a professional glass repair company is going to set you back hundreds of dollars, it probably won’t be as bad as you think. First, if you have comprehensive insurance coverage, your windshield repair may be free as many insurance companies waive the deductible for windshield damage. Even if you do have to pay out of pocket, getting the chip fixed quickly is much less expensive than waiting until a small chip has evolved into a larger crack across your windshield, ultimately needing a full windshield replacement. 

How Well Do Windshield Repair Kits Work?

When done correctly, DIY windshield repair kits can have several benefits, including: 

• Cost-effective: Saves money compared to windshield replacement.
• Prevents damage from spreading: Stops chips and cracks from getting worse.
• Maintains windshield integrity: Preserves the structural strength of the glass.
• Quick and convenient: DIY repair can be done in less time than replacement.
• Safety: Minimizes the risk of further damage compromising safety.
• Extends windshield lifespan: This can prolong the life of your existing windshield.
• DIY option: Allows car owners to address minor damage themselves.

In contrast, with benefits come drawbacks. While windshield repair kits can offer upfront savings and quick solutions, they carry some potential disadvantages, including: 

• Limited effectiveness: Less effective for extensive or complex damage.
• Visible blemishes: Repairs may leave a slight blemish or distortion.
• Skill required: Requires steady hand and attention to detail.
• Risk of error: DIY mistakes can worsen damage or render the repair ineffective.
• Weather-dependent: Not ideal in extreme cold or hot conditions.
• Time-consuming: Can be time-intensive for those unfamiliar with the process.
• Limited warranty: DIY kits may not offer the same warranty as professional repairs.
• Safety concerns: May not be suitable for damage in critical areas of the windshield.
• Limited equipment: Lacks professional tools and expertise for optimal results.
• Potential for further damage: If not done correctly, it can lead to additional problems.

Notice we say, “upfront savings.” First, these kits don’t work on most kinds of windshield damage. Specifically, they only work on chips, specifically the kind that looks like a star, flower, or bulls-eye, and they can’t be used for chips that have spider webbing or long cracks and surface scrapes. Also, if you use the kit and it doesn’t bond or the area doesn’t fill completely, cracks can begin to form, and often, windshield repair doesn’t work once a kit has been used. A botched DIY may end up resulting in the need for a full windshield replacement. 

Bring Your Car to Our Glass Repair Shop in Raleigh

If you have a crack or chip in your windshield, make sure the work is done right by bringing it to our experienced car glass repair team in Raleigh. At Glass Solutions, our windshield repair and replacement experts have decades of experience and a dedication to customer service that will ensure we get the job done right. 

Schedule an appointment today by calling our auto glass repair specialists at  919-772-1007 or filling out the form below to get started.