Repair vs. Replacement: How to Fix Windscreen Damage?

Have you seen a chip or crack on a car windscreen? The windshield of a vehicle can develop chips or cracks due to any reason. Most of the car owners don’t know what to do in case of minor damage.

Without knowledge and professional guidance, car owners run their cars with a cracked windscreen which makes the damage more severe. Some people use the DIY kits to repair their damaged windshield which is not the right thing to do every time.

These tips will help you to decide whether you should repair or replace your damaged windscreen.

Size of the damage

The tiny chips or cracks needs repair, but in case of large damage, you will need to replace the windshield. Earlier, the medium cracks were irreparable, but with the latest technologies have made it possible to repair the cracks that are larger than a dollar bill. However, the results of the repaired cracks cannot match the quality and visibility of a new windscreen.

Types of damage

There is a wide range of damages that can occur in a car windscreen. Whether a windshield needs repair or replacement also depends on the kind of damage. Check out some common types of damages that occur in a windscreen.

Bull’s eye: These are the circular or semi-circular cracks that are usually caused by the circular objects like stones or ball.

Star break: These are similar to a star that spread from the point of impact.

Crack chips: These are cracks smaller than the size of a coin

Pit: Pit is a small shape created like the glass is rubbed by sand particles.

Usually, the cracks and pits are repairable, and they don’t cost you much for the repair. However, the damages like the bull’s eye and star breaks may need replacement. Even the linear cracks can be repaired by restoring the visibility up to 90 percent.

The depth of the crack

A windshield is primarily made up of three layers – an outer and inner layer of glass and a plastic layer between them. The plastic sheet holds the outer and inner glass layers in place and prevents from falling during and after the impact. If the damage is in the outer layer of glass, a professional can repair it, but if it penetrates into the plastic or inner glass layer, the windscreen needs replacement.

Location of damage

Whether your windscreen needs repair or replacement also depends on the location of the damage. If the damage is near the edges or extends to an outer edge of the windshield, it may impact the structural integrity of the vehicle. In such a case it is better to replace the windscreen than repair.

If the chip or crack is in an area covered by the windscreen wiper, it is not advisable to get it repaired. Repairing a chip or crack in the driver’s line of sight may reduce the visibility and lead to blurred view in the night.

Moreover, if the damage is in the view of sensors like rain sensors, automatic braking systems, lane departure warning systems or any other sensor system. All these sensors need a crystal clear windscreen visibility for their proper functioning. The reduction in visibility can lead to malfunctioning of such sensors.

How to Fix Windscreen Damage?

There are plenty of ways to repair the windscreen damage. If the damage is too small, you can fix it yourself using DIY windscreen repair kit. The repair kits are easily available in the local markets where the auto spares are sold.

In case of minor scratches, chips or crack like a pit or crack chip, you can use a DIY auto glass repair kit. However, if the damage is larger than the size of a coin, it is better to get it repaired by a professional.

Where to get the Auto Glass Repair Kit?

Look in the local stores where the auto spares are available. You can also get it from a windscreen repair shop. In case it is not possible to buy it from a local store or non-availability, you can look online at Amazon or eBay and choose from a variety of options.

It is best to buy a windscreen repair kit with a rubbing compound having cerium oxide. The compound helps in sealing the crack and prevents it from further deepening.

Steps to use an Auto Glass repair kit

Read the instructions

The process of windscreen repair is similar for most of the kits, but it is essential to read the instructions and follow the process. However, this is the most common process for using a windscreen repair kit.

Cleaning

Clean the windscreen and damaged area. Use a glass cleanser of a soap water solution to clean the damaged area. Rinse it thoroughly to clean any soap residue and let it dry for a few minutes. Use an air blow dryer to dry the water inside the cracks.

Applying the rubbing compound

After cleaning the windscreen, you need to apply the rubbing compound. Take the rubbing compound with a spatula or ice cream stick and apply it on the damaged area. Some kits come with a rubbing compound applicator. Then rub it gently on the damaged area, so that it enters the cracks. Try not to apply much pressure while rubbing the compound.

Leave the rubbing compound to dry

After applying the rubbing compound, leave it for a few hours to dry completely. You can check the instructions and follow the process as given. The rubbing compound and damage will disappear after drying, and you will be able to see clearly through the repaired area.

Final Words

Now, as you know when to repair or replace your windscreen, you can fix your own or help a friend in doing the same. However, repair is not a substitute for replacement. If the damage is severe but repairable, you should not repair it yourself. Instead, get the windscreen repair done by a professional.