Fix Cracks with These Top 10 Windshield Chip Repair Kits

A windshield chip – One of the many annoyances that car lovers have to deal with. That moment when you hear a loud popping sound as you realize what has happened is when you know that repairs must be done. Sometimes, you are driving behind someone, and their tire flings a small rock; sometimes, that small rock falls from a dump truck, and other times, it falls from a nearby hill. Whatever the reason, most of us have had to deal with a windshield chip repair at one point, and it’s not only annoying but a risk to your safety. While the damages can appear minor at first, soon dirt and debris will start gathering. This will only make the repair harder and sometimes impossible. Thus, if you want to fix your windshield, you should do it within a few days of the chip.

I was one of those people who didn’t repair their windshield chip, despite the pleas of my friends. It’s not because I didn’t want to, but simply because I didn’t think it was a big deal. To my surprise, the problem only grew – and let me tell you, there are a few good reasons why you should repair a chip as soon as possible.

Important Reasons Why You Should Definitely Repair a Windshield Chip

Well, probably the most important one is that chips can easily turn into cracks due to the pressure and all the dirt that has gathered there. This could result in irreversible damage. Have you ever wondered how to fix a cracked windshield? I hope not, because it’s not easy. And if you wait too long, you might need to replace your windshield altogether.

You can’t also continue to drive with a chipped windshield. Not only is it unsafe as it obscures your view, but it also weakens the structure of your vehicle as a whole. This is one thing that I learned from my friend Chris the mechanic. The windshield itself is way more important than people think. In a crash, it can hold the roof up so it doesn’t come smashing down on you. It can also stop you from flying out the front, and it helps airbags deploy properly. A crack will severely weaken the windshield – it’s a tremendous risk to your safety. 

There are different kinds of chips, and while repairing your chip issue is most often the same no matter the type of the chip, you might want to check my different articles on fixing specific types of chips. I have managed to put together this Rock Chip Glass Repair Guide for you.

What to Do When a Windshield Chip Happens

Get it repaired immediately. Or you can do it yourself – either way, you must act fast, but that’s not always an option, is it? Sometimes, you just don’t have the time; other times you might not have access to a mechanic or repair shop or even a repair kit. For whatever reason, if you can’t get your windshield chip repaired as soon as possible, there are ways to slow down the problem.

You can literally just put a Band-Aid on it. Sticking packing tape on the glass will stop dirt and debris from getting inside. Make sure to only use clear packing tape so that you don’t obscure your view, and it doesn’t leave marks when you remove it. Even if you do all that, you should avoid washing your car, especially with cold water. This can cause the area around the chip to fog up, leaving you unable to see – and let me tell you, that’s not fun at all, especially if you live in a rainy part of the world. At that point, it’s just better to leave your car in the garage until you have a windshield chip repair.

Either way, make sure to keep an eye out for the pressure that’s being applied. Basically, don’t touch it, because the windshield glass is tempered, and any pressure from the inside will cause the chip to expand into a crack. This also means you should be extra careful when applying the tape.

What’s more, you should never put adhesive or glue on the glass – despite what some products would have you believe. That will do the opposite of fixing your windshield as it will become harder to repair, and small debris will get inside the chip. Instead, make sure that you safely tape it and leave it be until you can get it repaired.

How Much Does a Windshield Chip Repair Cost?

Not as much as you would think. Repairing a chip is really inexpensive and fast. It might even be free if you have insurance. Just go to a mechanic, and they will take care of everything – I might even recommend you to Chris or you can do it yourself. There are plenty of DIY windshield chip repair kits out there that come with instructions. The best part is the repair can be done in around 15–30 minutes, whether you do it yourself or go to a professional.

Not to mention that the windshield chip repair cost is significantly less than a windshield replacement, which can set you back a bit. This also depends on the type of car you have. A collectible or a luxury vehicle can be more than double the price of a standard car. Generally, you would be looking at anywhere between $100–1000 for a windshield replacement.

How Are Windshield Chips Repaired? (A Step-by-Step Guide)

The first thing you should do is find out which repair kit is best for you. There is a list after this that can give you a better idea of what’s out there. Although each kit is different in its procedure, the main method stays the same – not to mention most come with instructions. 

Step 1: Cleaning

Before you do anything, make sure to clean the damaged area. Most repair kits come with a cleanser, but even if yours doesn’t, you can use any glass cleaner to the same effect, as long as you don’t spray directly on the windshield. 

Step 2: Preparations

After you have thoroughly cleaned the windshield, you can take a tack or a safety pin, and carefully go around to make sure there is no glass left in the chipped area. There isn’t? Good.

Now, you take the round seal, and place it on the windshield. Make sure the chipped part is in the middle, after which you take your pedestal and stick it on top.

Part 3: Repair

After all is done, you simply take the resin and put three-quarters of it directly inside the pedestal. Be careful, because it’s really nasty to clean if you get some on your hands.

Now take the syringe, hopefully with clean hands, and push it inside the pedestal. Hold it with one hand, and with the other, pull upward. There is a clip that locks the handle in place. After that, lightly bang around the windshield to let the air bubbles escape – you can check for them from the inside. Now, go make yourself a sandwich, and pat yourself on the back, because you deserve it. Come back after 10 minutes though.

After the sandwich, pull the syringe out to let air in and then stick it back. Remove the clip, and push the handle down a bit. Let it sit for another 20 minutes.

Part 4: Deconstruction

Now, simply remove everything, and use a safety razor if needed. After that, take the resin, and put a single drop directly on top of the chipped part. Put the flat square on top, and carefully go over it with the safety razor. Let it sit again for another 20 minutes under direct sunlight or an hour in the shade. 

All that is left is to remove the square and go over the windshield with the razor. Make sure not to scratch it. Only push parallel so that you can remove any left-over resin. Congratulations, you have repaired your first windshield. How does it feel?

Best Windshield Chip Repair Kits – Review Section

While there are many repair kits out there, few are as good as the ones shown below. Through my research and consulting my mechanic friends, I was able to find the best windshield chip repair kits out there.

1. LIFEDE Windshield Repair Kit

LIFEDE Windshield Repair Kit, Windshield Chip Repair Kit, DIY Car Windshield Glass Repair Tool for Repair Windshield Crack, Half Moon Crescents,Star Chips,and Bulls Eye.(1 Pack)
  • 【EFFICIENT WINDSHIELD REPAIR】Do-It-Yourself Repair Windshield Cracks/Chip takes 20 minutes minimum to repairing chips and cracks. Windshield…
  • 【DIY CRACKED GLASS REPAIR KIT】DIY Glass Repair Kit helps minimizes the appearance and spreading of chips and cracks on window grass
  • 【ADVANCED RESIN FORMULA】Windshield Chip Repair Kit is reusable for multiple repairs. Please avoid repairing cracks under direct sunlight.

Last update on 2024-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This DIY windshield chip repair kit is really easy to use, and it takes around 20–30 minutes to fix the chipped area. This particular kit can work on a long crack that’s under 7.8 inches, a star-shaped hole, a half-moon, and a bullseye. That’s why I like this one. It has a lot of versatility, and it’s really good if you don’t have much experience with car problems. Not to mention that it’s a multiple-use kit, so it’s worth the purchase.

The only problem I have is that while it’s really good at filling up the hole, other windshield chip repair kits do a better job of filling in the surrounding lines, some of which will remain visible under certain lighting with this one. That won’t be too much of a problem as most of the time, you won’t notice them, but when you do, it can be really annoying. Still, if you are looking for a fast, easy-to-use repair kit, I will definitely recommend it.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Ean fill bigger cracks
Cons
  • Chipped lines might stay visible after curing

2. GLISTON Car Windshield Repair Kit

GLISTON Car Windshield Repair Kit, Auto Glass Repair Kit for Chips and Cracks, Star-Shaped, Bulls-Eye, Nicks, Half-Moon Crescents
  • PERFECT TOOL: Professional quality Do-It-Yourself windshield cracks/chips repairs with no mixing required, windshield repair kit can quickly and…
  • WIDELY USE: Car Windshield Repair Kit is designed for all types of laminated windshields outer layer glass small damaged. The kit works best on…
  • ADVANCED FORMULA: Imported repair fluid (this is the key), the shear strength can reach to 20 P–A, the repair location will not be broken even…

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

When asking yourself “How to fix a cracked windshield?” you should also ask “What type of crack do I have?” Some DIY repair kits only work on small chips but are more precise, while others are less so but can fix larger areas. This windshield chip repair kit is the latter. It can deal with cracks of up to 7.8 inches as well as half-moons, star, and bullseye chips. However, there is a single problem.

While the kit is easy to use, the instructions themselves feel like they have been poorly translated. So you are better off watching a video or going back to the instructions section on this article. At least the kit is environmentally friendly, so that’s always a plus in my book. I would say that if you have some experience in dealing with a chipped windshield, this is a good repair kit to check out.

Pros
  • Wide usage
  • Environmentally friendly
Cons
  • Difficult instructions

3. AODA Car Windshield Repair Kit

Last update on 2024-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is one of the car windshield chip repair kits that focuses more on precision and smaller damages, such as a tiny rock. However, it’s just as easy to use as any other, and it takes around the same time (20–30 minutes). So you won’t be using this one for any half-moons or long cracks.

It also comes with two bottles of resin, so it’s good for multiple uses. I would say that the kit works best with bullseye cracks and damages that are less than 1 inch in diameter. While it lacks versatility, my mechanic friends and I find ourselves really loving this little windshield rock chip repair kit. Not only does it save you on cost, but it also works so well that soon, you will forget that there was a damaged area on the glass. This comes highly recommended on my part.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Precise
Cons
  • Doesn’t work with larger damages

4. YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit

YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit – Windshield Chip Repair Kit with Windshield Repair Resin for Fix Auto Glass Windshield Crack Chip Scratch
  • Fast Repair – The windshield repair kit can quickly and easily repair small cracks chips only in 20-30 minutes. prevents damage from spreading…
  • Easy to Operate – Windshield chip repair kit is easy to use, first, Clean and dry the windshield glass surface and then squeeze the resin into…
  • Prefect design – Professional quality Do-It-Yourself repair windshield cracks/chips. designed with a reinforced injection sealant dispensing…

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Unless you have insurance, the windshield rock chip repair cost can be more expensive than simply doing it yourself. That’s one of the reasons why I prefer to try my hand at something before taking it to a professional, but more on that later. Sometimes, it turns out to be an easy windshield chip repair. Other times, a mechanic needs to open the hood.

This DIY kit is really inexpensive compared to similar products and relatively easy to use. It can cover a wide range of the damaged area, and it works well enough with long cracks up to 7.8 inches, as well as half-moons and smaller chips such as a bullseye. Although the instructions it comes with are not the best and while it works the same way as any other windshield chip repair DIY kit, if you don’t know how to use them, you will be left scratching your head with this one.

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Wide usage
Cons
  • Difficult instructions

5. American Mini Windshield Repair Kit

American Windshield Repair Kit – Complete Auto Glass Repair Business Start-Up – Fix All Types of Stone and Rock Chips – Glass Chip Repair Tools – Including Video and Training Manual Download
  • Anodized Bridge: New design with a window that provides even better veiwing so that you can see those legs coming from the center of the star…
  • 23 YEARS: For 23 years we have been a proven provider of auto glass repair systems. The American Mini Windshield Repair Kit is designed for…
  • 100 REPAIRS: Do 100 or more repairs! This kit now includes an extra 15ml bottle of repair resin, 30 replacement O-rings and 15 External End…

Last update on 2024-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you take any mechanic to the side and ask them about the best windshield chip repair kit, they will probably think for a moment and then show you this one. However, I don’t really agree with that. Don’t get me wrong – this is one of the best, and you get premium quality, but let’s just say that it might cost you less to simply replace your windshield. The key word being “might”. 

Even so, the American Mini Windshield Repair Kit is a great buy if you are looking to start your own repair shop. It has everything an aspiring mechanic will need. Such as a repair bridge, curing strips, razor blades, a UV light to speed up the curing process, and a backup one, enough resin for up to 50 repairs as well as a filler to give it a hard finish, improving durability. The windshield chip repair kit was designed with professionals in mind, and it shows.

Pros
  • Premium quality
  • Long lasting
Cons
  • Expensive

6. 3M Windshield Repair Kit

Sale
3M Windshield Repair Kit, 08580
  • Glass resin fills small bull’s eyes and chips to prevent spreading
  • Preventative damage control can stop more extensive damage from spreading
  • Repair kit minimizes appearance of glass chip to make windshield look like new

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3M is a giant corporation that, most of the time, provides quality goods. That’s why I came into this windshield chip repair kit review with high expectations, and for the most part, I was left pretty satisfied. 

The 3M Windshield Repair Kit has everything you need to repair small damages and only small. This is one of those windshield chip repair kits that focus on precession, so it only works with holes that are 1 inch in diameter. Once you clean the area of debris and apply the resin, the damage should disappear in about 30 minutes. So this is an all-around decent single-use repair kit. The only problem that I have with it is that while it’s easy to use, for some reason, you have to assemble the repair tool yourself. Luckily, there are instructions to help you with that, but it can still get pretty annoying especially if this is your first time with a windshield repair kit.

Pros
  • Precise
  • Quality product
Cons
  • Unnecessary tool assembly

7. Permatex Windshield Repair Kit

Permatex 81730 Flowable Silicone Windshield and Glass Sealer, 1.5 oz.
  • Forms A Tough, Waterproof, Durable, Clear Seal
  • Resistant To Weather, Extreme Temperatures, Vibration, Shock And Most Shop Chemicals
  • Flows Into Hidden And Hard-To-Reach Areas To Seal Leaks

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for quality and simplicity, I would say that you won’t find a better windshield chip repair kit, although this product is not really a kit. Instead, it’s a single bottle of silicon, but don’t be fooled as the Permatex Windshield Repair Kit works better than most kits out there. 

The windshield chip repair bottle can withstand temperatures as high as 600°F. Seems a little overboard to me, but it’s good to know that you can drive around an active volcano with a solid windshield, although that would probably be the least of your worries. However, the best part of this silicon bottle has to be the self-leveling electronic-grade sealant. Because it does not contain any corrosive chemicals or acetic acid, it’s extremely resistant to all types of weather. From heat waves to typhoons, it will keep the windshield as smooth as butter. The only thing that is keeping me from putting this windshield chip repair bottle in the first place is the long curing time. You will have to wait up to 24 hours for the viscous liquid to settle, which is not ideal.

Pros
  • Premium quality
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Long curing time

8. Blue Star Windshield Repair Kit

Sale
Blue-Star Fix your Windshield Do It Yourself Windshield Repair Kit, Made in USA
  • Easy to use!
  • Saves time and money!
  • Cost Effective Repairs

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is another simple product. It’s really easy to use, and when someone who is not that experienced with cars asks me what chip repair kit I would recommend, I show them the Blue Star Windshield Repair Kit.

The kit works best with smaller chips, such as a bullseye. It also comes with really high-quality resin that will stick deep inside the cavity, resulting in a smoother surface when fully cured, not to mention that every single part is already assembled so there is no unnecessary head scratching. 

The DIY windshield chip repair package also has a special pedestal that makes applying the resin much faster and easier. I have only one problem with this product – its long curing time. You need to let it sit for around 1 hour before you can safely remove everything and clean off the excess. While that is not as bad as the Permatex bottle, it’s still rather annoying.

Pros
  • Perfect for beginners
  • High quality
Cons
  • Long curing time

9. Versachem Windshield Repair Kit

Versachem 75009-12PK Flowable Windshield Silicone – 1.5 oz., (Pack of 12)
  • Formulated to flow into cracks to form a clear, tough, flexible and airtight seal
  • Resistant to weather, vibration, shock, and most shop chemicals
  • Set time: 1 hour; Cure time: 24 hours

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for professional quality at an affordable price, this is the windshield repair kit for you. I say kit, but this too is a single silicon bottle. Even so, it’s one that most mechanics use, and for good reason.

The viscous liquid flows evenly into the thickest cracks and forms a clear, flexible, tough, and airtight seal. That seal is also resistant to shock, vibrations, all types of weather, and most shop chemicals. That means you don’t have to worry about what type of glass cleaner you buy. It doesn’t need mentioning, but the DIY windshield chip repair silicon is really easy to use. Simply apply it to the damaged area, and let it do its magic, although you will have to wait for a bit as the curing time is around 24 hours. I should also mention that the product doesn’t do well with bullseye or star cracks.

Check out our full Versachem Windshield Repair Kit review here

Pros
  • Premium quality
  • Extra durability
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Long curing time
  • Doesn’t work on bullseye or star cracks

10. Rain X Windshield Repair Kit

Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit – Quick And Easy Durable Resin Based Kit for Chips and Cracks, Good For Round Damage Below 1″ In Diameter And Cracks Smaller Than 12″ In Length, BLUE,YELLOW
  • Stops The Spread of Chips and Cracks – Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit Helps You Minimize The Appearance And Stop The Spread Of Chips And Cracks In…
  • Easy To Use – Everything You Need Is Included, Takes Only Minutes With Minimal Steps. For Cracks Simply Apply Resin To Crack Then Curing Strips,…
  • Durable Resin Formula – Use Durable Resin To Make Windshields Stronger Than Before, Repairing All Types Of Laminated Windshields Up To First…

Last update on 2024-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for the best of the best windshield chip repair kits, I must recommend the Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit. This is the one that I have noticed most mechanics use, and I can’t blame them.

The repair kit has advanced Original Glass Treatment technology in its cleanser and wipers. This removes even the tiniest speck of debris and allows the resin to strengthen the damaged area and cure faster. However, the innovation doesn’t end there. The DIY windshield chip repair kit uses an advanced resin formula to further strengthen the glass with an airtight seal. A quick side note: I mentioned in the beginning that when you apply the adhesive, you will need to lightly bang on your windshield so that any air bubbles can escape. You don’t have to do that with the Rain X as the special resin formula prevents those annoying bubbles from forming.

While the windshield chip repair kit comes with clear instructions, it’s not exactly the easiest to use. That, however, doesn’t mean I won’t recommend it to beginners, as long as you know how to follow instructions.

Pros
  • Premium quality
  • Innovative technology
  • Fast curing time
Cons
  • Difficult for beginners

What Are the Pros and Cons of Windshield Chip Repair Kits?

There are a few reasons why you should want to repair your own windshield rather than going to a professional.

One of the reasons is because a windshield chip repair is not that hard and the kit comes with all the necessary equipment, such as UV-activated epoxy and resin, curing strips, suction plungers, and a simple scraping tool, not to mention instruction. I would even say that a windshield chip is one of the easiest car problems you can fix, apart from a simple scratch. 

Another reason is speed. While a chip repair usually doesn’t take long, at a shop, you might have to wait until they get to your car, then wait for them to call you, and then go pick it up, so unless you actually know the mechanic personally, it might take a while. On the other hand, if you repair it yourself, you can be back on the road within two hours.

Sadly, you might void your warranty. If you don’t do the filling properly, it could cause irreversible damage not to mention that only really minor damage such as a bullseye chip can be repaired with a kit. Despite this, personally, I still prefer to do it myself. I feel that then I have more control over my car.

How to Avoid Windshield Chips

Explore uncharted roads. I’m serious, the likelihood of a chipped windshield is much higher on a highway due to all the debris being kicked around. You have no idea how many windshield chips I have had to repair thanks to high traffic. However, if you don’t really want to go around driving on dirt roads, simply make sure to keep your distance, especially from trucks or semis. They can fling a rock much farther and faster, and although some may have mud flaps, those won’t protect you. 

One more thing you should keep in mind is to take it slow. A lesser-known fact is that a cracked or chipped windshield is not caused by the rock, but instead by the forward motion of the car hitting the rock. This means that taking it slow will reduce the chance of debris damaging your windshield.

Conclusion

The car is a culmination of moving parts, and sometimes, those parts break. Anyone who has been driving for a while has had to deal with repairing some part of their favorite vehicle whether it’s a fallen rearview mirror or a chipped windshield. Whether you want to do it yourself or go to a professional, stuff brakes and repairs happen. Personally, I prefer to repair a problem myself, but that’s not always an option. Sometimes, you need to go to a professional, such as when you have a cracked windshield. The thing is, you can easily repair it yourself while it is still chipped.

Best Selling Windshield Chip Repair Kits

Last update on 2024-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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