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Rain-X 600001
On Amazon
- Durable resin formula
- Stops the spread of chips and cracks
- Best on round damage
- Repairs cracks upto 12 inches long
- Easy to use
Permatex 0910
On Amazon
- Cures by sunlight
- Permanent air-tight repairs
- For bullseye damage up to 1 1/4"
- Easy-to-follow instructions with photographs
- No mixing required
KMOOL Windshield Repair Kit
On Amazon
- Suitable for all types of laminated windscreens
- Repairs within 20-30 minutes
- Repairs cracks upto12 inches/30 cm long
- Advanced resin
- Easy to use
Editorial Picks
Best Overall
Best Overall
Sale
$13.99
-$1.53 (11%)
Sale
$13.99
-$1.53 (11%)
Why We Picked It
Rain-X is a well-known brand with a reputation for products that keep windshields clean and maintained. Besides chips, their kit can be used on cracks up to 12 inches, as long as they don’t extend to the edge of the windshield in any two places. Rain-X’s injection syringe is good for more than one use and it adheres to windshields of any angle with suction cups instead of a peel-and-stick pad. The epoxy resin in this kit cures in UV light so repairs must be done in a shaded area.
Pros & Cons
- Inexpensive and effective
- Works on cracks up to 12 inches long
- Suitable for more multiple repairs
- Takes several hours to cure
- Can't be used in overly cold or hot weather
- Smells pretty bad, and not fun to get off your hands if it goes astray during application
Why We Picked It
It’s hard to top Blue-Star’s peel-and-stick vacuum syringe for ease of use. The applicator is angled to match modern vehicles’ more steeply raked windshields, so this kit may not be the best choice for vehicles more upright windshields like older cars, vans or Jeep Wranglers. The manufacturer doesn’t recommend it for linear or spider cracks either. This kit includes only a small quantity of resin, and the self-adhesive syringe is a single-use item, so it’s only good for a single repair. But, at less than ten bucks, it’s still a good value.
Pros & Cons
- Simple to use
- Includes vacuum syringe
- Affordably Priced
- Good for only one repair
- Not for use on linear or spider cracks
- Some users report insufficient resin in the tube
Easiest to Use (runner up)
Why We Picked It
Permatex has a great reputation for making a wide variety of quality automotive sealants, and their kit is as effective as Rain-X’s, and as easy to use as Blue Star’s. As with the latter kit, there’s no need to mix anything, but it falls down when compared to Rain-X on curing time, which is even longer, and it only really works on bullseyes. Best of all though, the Permatex kit comes with step-by-step photo instructions to guide you through doing the repair quickly and correctly without causing any more damage. For the mechanically challenged person looking to save time and money, this inexpensive kit is the choice.
Pros & Cons
- Inexpensive and easy to use
- No mixing or fussing with resin
- Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions
- Lengthy curing time
- Can’t cure effectively below 50°F or above 75°F
- Not for cracks or chips more than 1.25 inches in diameter
Best Professional Grade Kit
Why We Picked It
The Clearshield kit is a truly professional-grade setup, so it it’s meant more for a tradesperson than an individual one-off repair. However, it throws everything including the kitchen sink tackling windshield repairs, and everything in it is of high quality. The resin injection pump is made of metal, not plastic, and its large single suction cup gives superior sticking power. Buyers are provided with a grinding tool to prepare chips for repair by removing burs and rough edges. A UV light is included to speed up the resin’s cure time, even if the sun isn’t shining.
This kit comes with enough resin for 200+ repairs and extender kits are available for those running a small repair business. Clearshield also provides user support and instructional videos. Everything comes packed in a plastic toolbox which some felt could’ve been higher quality, but for those who want to fix chipped windshields like a pro or have very difficult chips to fix, Clearshield’s kit is the way to go.
Pros & Cons
- Professional quality
- Good for 200+ repairs
- Factory user support
- Towering price, overkill for most consumers
- Quality of tools let down a bit by cheap toolbox
- An actual windshield replacement isn’t much more expensive
Best to Repair Several Chips
Why We Picked It
With four bottles of resin and ample curing film, this kit will allow for the repair of multiple windshield chips. It’s only marginally more expensive than some single-use kits too. For the driver with a fleet to maintain or who’s had the misfortune of being stuck behind a gravel truck for 75 miles, the AODA kit may provide the best option. The AODA kit is inexpensive, but most users report good results.
Pros & Cons
- Kit includes four bottles of resin
- Can repair multiple chips
- Includes vacuum syringe
- Complicated, screw action syringe
- Instructions are not clear
- Some users report resin bottle leaked inside packaging
Featured Products
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Rain-X 600001
On Amazon
- Durable resin formula
- Stops the spread of chips and cracks
- Best on round damage
- Repairs cracks upto 12 inches long
- Easy to use
Permatex 0910
On Amazon
- Cures by sunlight
- Permanent air-tight repairs
- For bullseye damage up to 1 1/4"
- Easy-to-follow instructions with photographs
- No mixing required
KMOOL Windshield Repair Kit
On Amazon
- Suitable for all types of laminated windscreens
- Repairs within 20-30 minutes
- Repairs cracks upto12 inches/30 cm long
- Advanced resin
- Easy to use
Methodology
Windshield repair kits are often very simple: a compound (usually resin) in a tube that seals a chip, star or crack. In some cases, epoxy and resin must be mixed into this compound, but the easiest-to-use DIY kits do this for you. There are also applicators and positioning tools involved, and in some cases, professional-grade kits may provide additional tools and sealants for other areas, such as silicone sealant for installing an entire windshield.
While some kits offer the ability to seal and stabilize small cracks (as large as 12 inches, which isn’t exactly “small”, our rankings focus primarily on easy-to-use kits for repairing stone chips, bullseyes and star fractures. We’ve also included some heavier-duty kits here, but the way we rank them is the same.
Through direct testing and research, we evaluate all windshield repair kits based on these weighted metrics:
- Price (40%)
- Demonstrated ability to seal a chip under 0.5 inches in diameter (15%)
- Ability to seal larger chips or cracks (10%)
- Manufacturer Reputation (10%)
- Quality of resin or application tools (10%)
- Ease of use and clarity of instructions (10%)
- Overall value (5%)
Do windshield repair kits really work?
Yes they do, although the results may not be quite as seamless as professional repair, and neither approach the perfection of a brand new windshield. Applied properly, the kits will help mitigate the expansion of chips or small cracks, provided they haven’t had time to expand. To achieve the best possible repair, follow instructions carefully and make sure your work area is clean, shaded and well-ventilated.
Are there different types of windshield repair kits?
Yes, but the different types are generally for different functions. Most chip, crack and star repair kits use resin (or resin blended with epoxy) to effectively glue the chip shut, sealing out dirt and (to an extent) preventing cracks from spreading. These kits differ mainly in how the resin is mixed and what tools come with the kit, including applicators and positioning implements like suction cups.Silicone kits are often used to seal the entire windshield itself to the body of the car, but can sometimes be used to repair chips or cracks at the very edge of the glass. Polyurethane caulk and rubber sealants are also used in this area, but they won’t help you with a chip.
Do windshield repair kits work on long cracks?
While most chips and cracks can be repaired, longer cracks may be a challenge, even with a very good repair kit. Some do-it-yourself kits claim to be able to handle cracks as long as 12 inches. In comparison, some garages that specialize in windshield repair claim to be able to fix cracks that are 18 inches in length.The longer the crack, however, the more it will cost to fix it, and the less likely the fix will last. So at a certain point, it just makes more sense to replace the entire windshield.
How large of a windshield crack be repaired?
At least one kit we reviewed claims to be able to repair cracks up to 12 inches in length. However, kits work best on stone chips and bullseyes. Professional repair or replacement is probably the best way to go for large cracks, and if a foot-long crack has already formed, chances are good a DIY repair won’t last for long even if it does work.
Can Superglue repair chips and cracks?
It is possible to stabilize small chips with Superglue, but windshield repair kits use special resins explicitly designed to repair damaged glass. Using a repair kit and following instructions with care will give a better-looking, longer-lasting repair and probably one less likely to be a visual distraction on the road.
Can clear nail polish repair chips and cracks?
As with Superglue, small chips and tiny cracks can be stabilized with clear nail polish. But nail polish is much less durable than the special epoxy resins used in windshield repair kits, and definitely won’t hold up as well in the long term.
How much does professional chip repair cost?
Professional chip repair generally ranges between $60.00 and $100.00, but can be more depending on the complexity of the damage.
How much does windshield replacement cost?
$200.00 to $400.00 will cover a replacement windshield for many vehicles. But some windshields can cost a great deal more, especially if they incorporate a radio antenna or heating element. The good news is, some insurance policies cover these replacements. The bad news? It costs more than even the priciest of these kits.
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Bryan Raab Davis Contributor
Cars are almost part of my physiology. I grew up playing amongst the dusty shelves of my family’s auto parts store. In my reckless youth pushing our delivery trucks to the point of mechanical failure was the best way I could find to learn about cars and how they worked. As a responsible adult I channel that interest into connecting with fellow enthusiasts through events, writing and social media.
Alex Kwanten Managing Editor
I’ve worked in automotive, aviation and marine media for more than a decade and reported on buying, selling and servicing cars for multiple industry publications, including Automotive News and WardsAuto. I also write about classic cars and love telling the stories of the people, trends and culture behind them. I’m a lifelong enthusiast who’s owned and worked on scores of vehicles—from 1960s Fiats and MGs to modern day machinery. Follow me on Instagram at @oldmotors and on Twitter at @SportZagato.
FAQs
Best Windshield Repair Kits For 2023? ›
Q: Do windshield repair kits really work? A: Yes. As long as the windshield damage isn't too extensive and you properly follow the instructions, you can successfully repair a crack or chip. However, it may still be visible; not all repairs are undetectable.
Does windshield repair kits really work? ›Q: Do windshield repair kits really work? A: Yes. As long as the windshield damage isn't too extensive and you properly follow the instructions, you can successfully repair a crack or chip. However, it may still be visible; not all repairs are undetectable.
Is professional windshield chip repair better than DIY? ›If the windshield is chipped or has a small spider crack, the glass chip repair might be able to be repaired by you at home with a windshield repair kit. If you let it grow into a crack, then you should look at having a professional repair the damages instead of repairing them yourself.
Do windshield repair kits work on long cracks? ›Only minor window damage like bullseye chips can be corrected with windshield repair kits. Most auto body centers are equipped with professional tools to repair more significant damage, including long windshield cracks, starburst chips, and spiderweb cracks.
What is the latest windshield technology? ›Infrared-Reflective Windshield Glass
This technology filters out the sun's infrared waves while allowing the visible light to get through, improving visibility inside the car, and making the glass transparent.
After falling into place, the liquid glass hardens and bonds with the surface of the glass, giving the phone a smooth finish (even under a microscope.) This adds up to six times the protection against cracks and scratches on your phone screen, without even having to add an extra piece of glass on it.
Should I repair very small windshield chip? ›Even though the damage may seem small, windshield chips of any size should be repaired as soon as possible. Left unfixed, a small chip can grow into a crack that spans the length of the glass.
What is the longest windshield crack that can be repaired? ›A windshield crack that measures a foot in length or shorter is repairable, while a chip is easy to repair if it's an inch or less. The depth of the crack is also important. A crack on the windshield that penetrates only the top layer of glass is repairable.
How big of a crack on a windshield is unfixable? ›The rule of thumb: If you have chips larger than a quarter or cracks longer than 3.5 inches, plan to get a new windshield. Take note that even smaller cracks and chips that are extremely deep may not be fixable!
What chemical do you use to repair a crack in a windshield? ›Windscreen repair resin is made of acrylic acid, an organic compound that is commonly used for polishes, adhesives, and coatings. It is also a chemical that needs to be handled with care and caution.
What is the difference between OEM windshield and aftermarket windshield? ›
While OEM auto glass is made by suppliers partnered with automakers, aftermarket auto glass, also known as Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) glass, is fabricated by auto glass makers without the license of car companies. As such, they cannot stamp their products with the carmaker's brand.
What new windshields need to be calibrated? ›Does my Windshield need Calibration? The simple answer is that any modern vehicle with an advanced driver assistance system will require windshield calibration at some point. For safety and peace of mind, you should always have your windshield recalibrated after every windshield repair and replacement.
Is there a difference in windshield glass quality? ›Some glass brands may be different, but this really does not make any difference. If you have an older vehicle like a collectors car, then repairing or replacing anything with OEM parts retains the vehicles originality. Aftermarket glass is manufactured by companies that deal directly with the car manufacturers.
Can you use windshield repair kit twice? ›It is not possible to remove the resin and redo repairs so you only have one shot to do it right.
What is the price of auto glass windshield repair resin kit? ›- 1 Pack 30 ml Thin Resin. Current Price is . ₹5,346.00.
- 1 Pack 15 ml Pit Sealer. Current Price is . ₹5,847.00. ₹9,999.00.
- Top Pick. Rhino Glass Glue. Check on Amazon.
- Runner Up. CAT PALM Glass Glue Product. Check on Amazon.
- Honorable Mention. Gorilla Glass Glue. Check on Amazon.
- Also Consider. Loctite Glass Glue. Check on Amazon.
- Also Great Option. Elmer's Glass Glue. Check on Amazon.
Always protect the original screen
One of the major disadvantages of liquid screen protectors is that when it is applied, it cannot be removed. Since it doesn't offer screen crack resistance, it will shatter. This would mean that your original screen will shatter and you will have to go and repair your screen.
Q: Do liquid glass screen protectors wear off easily? A: These protectors usually have an oleophobic coating that lasts between nine months and two years. But, depending on your general use, the life of the coating can be reduced if you expose your screen to rough surfaces with high abrasion levels.
Does Gorilla Glue work on windshield? ›You can use super glue; a high-quality, clear super glue will do in a pinch. However, you should avoid Gorilla Glue because it swells as it dries, which could exacerbate the problem (just picture the glue seeping into the chip/crack and expanding between the panes of glass).
Can duct tape help a cracked windshield? ›Covering the crack as such with the help of tape can add a protective barrier and ensure that moisture or dirt does not cause the crack to spread further. It's recommended that you use a clear tape for the application. You can also use a duct tape if the location of crack does not impede with your visibility on road.
Will super glue fix a chip in windshield? ›
Use Superglue or Clear Nail Polish
Apply clear nail paint or super glue to the crack as a low-fidelity fix. Allow the polish or glue to dry before applying clear packing tape to the area to keep dirt out until the crack can be fixed.
Windshield chips on your vehicle are most often caused by flying debris, usually in the form of a small rock. At certain times of the years, the roadways can be littered with small rocks and pebbles and when a tire on a high-speed vehicle hits that rock, it can project the small rock backward into the air.
How long can you leave a chipped windshield? ›If the crack hinders the view as you drive the car, you should have it repaired right away. However, if the crack is small and on the passenger side, you could possibly drive for hundreds of miles without any issue.
How long does it take for a chip to turn into a crack? ›Waiting even a short amount of time allows the chip to splinter, causing large cracks. Different environmental factors could cause the chip to become a crack within hours. Temperature: When it is hot or cold outside, your windshield or other auto glass will expand and contract.
Can tiny rock chips be fixed? ›Rock chip repairs are fairly inexpensive and quick: they usually take less than half an hour to repair. Often times, and much to people's surprise a tiny rock chip will require a full windshield replacement. If you do not have the chip repaired, over time the chip can become larger and deeper.
Can you stop a cracked windshield from getting worse? ›A cheap way to stop a windshield crack from spreading without drilling a hole in the glass is to fill the chip with cyanoacrylate glue, often marketed as Superglue. This temporary fix should hold the crack together for at least a week or two until you can bring your car to Scott's for a more permanent repair.
Can a 10 inch windshield crack be repaired? ›Whether it's two or 10 inches long, or somewhere in between, a crack has always been a primary reason to get a windshield replaced. Cracks, both short and long, can be repaired by filling the damage with a special resin.
Can you repair a windshield with a crack more than 6 inches? ›So the short answer is that cracked windshields can indeed be repaired in many cases. Current windshield repair standards classify short cracks as less than 6 inches and long cracks as between 6 to 14 inches.
What makes a cracked windshield worse? ›In fact, most windshield cracks do get worse by spreading or splintering over the glass due to changing weather conditions or other debris. For example, extreme hot and cold can cause the glass to expand and contract causing cracks it grow, making visibility incredibly difficult for a driver.
What is the difference between a chip and a pit on a windshield? ›Chip (pit): A chip is a small piece of glass missing from the windshield. The “pit” is the area where the glass is missing. Bulls-eye: Larger than a chip, a bulls-eye is an area of damage that is dark-colored and circular-shaped, with an impact hole.
Is it better to replace or repair a cracked windshield? ›
Whether or not you should replace your windshield typically boils down to the size of your windshield, the type of glass and the size of the crack, according to Glass.com. It's usually a good idea to replace your windshield when: The glass is tempered, not laminated. The crack is longer than a dollar bill.
Do windshield repair kits work? ›Q: Do windshield repair kits really work? A: Yes. As long as the windshield damage isn't too extensive and you properly follow the instructions, you can successfully repair a crack or chip. However, it may still be visible; not all repairs are undetectable.
Does clear nail polish help a cracked windshield? ›YES! It's not just for maintaining your manicure anymore! Clear nail polish can fill the nooks and crannies of your small windshield chips and cracks and when it dries, helps to seal and protect it from the cold and elements that cause further cracking!
Can aftermarket be better than OEM? ›High-quality aftermarket parts are as good as OEM parts, or in some cases, can perform better. You really do get what you pay for, and the higher the cost, the better the build or materials. There are hundreds of manufacturers to choose from, so be sure to ask your mechanic about your options.
Why aftermarket is better than OEM? ›More options. Aftermarket parts can be made by any company that wants to manufacture car parts, so you have more options when looking for a part. Cheaper cost. Because there are more options available for aftermarket parts, they tend to be cheaper.
Which type of glass of windshield is best? ›Laminated Glass
They're considered one of the safest kinds of glass because they are not easy to break or shatter. Most vehicle windshields are made of laminated glass. They're considered to be effective for preventing break-ins because of the effort required to break them.
What Happens if You Don't Calibrate Your Windshield? Failing to have ADAS components associated with your windshield recalibrated when necessary can lead to a number of potential problems: Failure of safety functions. Safety features may malfunction or fail completely, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
Can you replace windshield without calibration? ›Windshield replacements and rear window replacements, however, always require ADAS recalibration since the installation process disrupts the sensors and cameras.
Does Safelite calibrate sensors? ›Schedule your appointment today
Safelite provides both windshield replacement and recalibration service, keeping you and your family safe and secure.
While it has similar standards, it does not bear the manufacturer's logo. As a result, aftermarket glass does not meet the quality standards of the original car manufacturer. OEM glass is more expensive than aftermarket glass, so you should only purchase it if you have a strong brand loyalty.
What is the difference between Safelite OEE and OEM? ›
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshields are produced by the original manufacturer of your vehicle, while Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) parts are aftermarket parts sold by a third-party.
How can I tell if my windshield is OEM? ›You can verify a genuine windshield or non-original auto glass by looking at the windscreen logo. Oftentimes, the original windscreen comes without a car logo. In this case, you can match your brand-new vehicle windscreen logo with your cracked glass.
How warm does it have to be to use a windshield repair kit? ›(Delta Kits recommended range is 70-100 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 38 degrees Celsius), and that temperature should be maintained throughout the repair process.
Will windshield resin cure without sunlight? ›Working in adequate sunlight should do the job because the UV rays emitted from the sun are able to cure the resin alone. However, if it's a cloudy day, you might need the help of UV lamp ultraviolet light.
How long does it take 3m windshield adhesive to cure? ›The adhesive must be allowed to dry for at least one hour before you can drive away. After an hour the windshield can handle normal driving. However, the urethane is not secure enough to keep the windshield in place in the event of a collision for at least 8 hours, so drive carefully and go straight home, if possible.
Does Safelite use tempered glass? ›Unlike the front windshield, the glass for the back windshield is made in the same way that auto glass is made for the side window, vent window, or quarter glass panes: tempered glass.
How long does it take Permatex to work? ›Permatex® Ultra Gray® Gasket Maker cures on exposure to moisture in the air. The product dries tack free in one hour and fully cures in 24 hours. Cure times will vary with temperature, humidity and gap.
Will super glue stop windshield crack? ›Use Super Glue or Nail Polish as a Temporary Fix
These household products should only be used to stop a windshield crack from spreading if the crack is small. Superglue: Very gently apply the glue in an even layer over the crack. Wait for it to completely dry before using your car.
How long will a Rain‑X ® Original Glass Treatment application last? This product typically lasts about 3 months depending on weather and environmental conditions.
Do you need to recalibrate after new windshield? ›For safety and peace of mind, you should always have your windshield recalibrated after every windshield repair and replacement. In addition to recalibrating after a windshield replacement, the ADAS should also be recalibrated after any disconnect, fault code, change of suspension, or wheel alignment.
Why you shouldn't wait to get your windshield fixed? ›
As glass expands in hot temperature and contracts when it gets cold, a small chip or a crack can easily spiral into a larger mess if the temperature outside or inside the car is not moderate. Not only that, a crack or a chip on the windshield in car can also spread due to change in the air pressure.