Studies show that about a year are related to damaged or broken windshields. With such a common issue on hand, it’s important to know everything you can about handling a broken windshield.
One of the best items to have in your automotive kit is a set of windshield repair kits. These can help you quickly repair a crack or scratch so that your windshield isn’t at risk of breaking.
If you’re interested in windshield maintenance, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about DIY solutions to a damaged windshield.
Why Fix a Crack?
To start, why bother fixing a crack? You may have a crack that’s far out of your line of sight, such as near the top or far in the corner. These cracks are unobtrusive, so it may not feel necessary for you to repair them.
A crack in the windshield weakens the structural integrity of the whole vehicle. While the crack may look small and harmless, you’re a rough bump in the road away from the crack spiderwebbing through your windshield.
At high speeds, this can prove fatally dangerous. A small crack will become a much larger – and more expensive – problem over time if you don’t address it swiftly.
Types of Windshield Repair Kits
When you’re strolling through the automotive aisle, the amount of kits may feel overwhelming. Let’s look into what sort of kits are available.
The first thing you’ll want to find is likely a “resin” kit. These kits fill cracks and scratches with a clear resin that repairs without leaving a trace.
These kits will stop a crack from expanding. However, if the damage is too large, they may not be enough to repair the crack entirely. If you’ve broken the windshield with an escape tool, for example, you’ll need a full repair.
Scratch Fillers
“Scratch filler” kits are made to fill in a surface-level crack. Such a crack could appear from a rock glancing across your windshield or something sharp sliding down from your car roof.
These kits aren’t ideal for filling larger cracks. In turn, they’re less expensive and often easier to use. They’re also great if you need to repair a chipped windshield.
Crack Repair Kits
Crack repair kits come into play if you have a larger crack through your windshield. These kits are most effective for a single larger crack. If you have a spiderwebbed crack, the job is often better handled by professionals instead of a DIY kit.
These kits will need time to cure and harder once you fill the crack. They’re also often a more expensive option over scratch fillers. If you’re not confident in using one of these kits, consider seeking professional repairs.
Mastering Windshield Maintenance
Windshield repair kits are a great tool to practice good windshield maintenance. Do your best to keep your eye on your windshield and spot any cracks or chips right when they happen. A repair kit is more difficult to apply if a crack has been exposed for too long.
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