Just imagine this. You are on the road driving when out of nowhere a small rock hits your windshield. Bam! And just like that, you have a small chip on your windshield and now you can’t help but wonder to yourself, “Is windshield Repair something I can do by myself?” You are not alone, nobody wants to spend money on something that could have been done with a little bit of elbow grease. But, will repairs done at home actually work? Let’s find out.
How to repair windshield yourself: The Ultimate Guide to Windshield Repair
The last repair shop visit you had and the thought of going through that hassle yet again must not be appealing. If this sounds relatable then chances are you have heard some mixed reviews, encountered some DIY advertisements, or even both but now you have landed on a single burning question, “How effective is DIY windshield repair, really?” It’s a complicated subject – how effective is Americas best DIY kit? Well truth be told: It depends on the situation. And yes, I know the situation because I’ve been in it—thinking it was quicker and cheaper to fix that little chip myself rather than pay a professional. So, let’s investigate the issue and get on with it.
Windshield Damage 101 – What Do You Need To Know To Prevent It?
Where Do Windshield Damages Originate?
Every single person has had their share of this experience. You’re on the interstate and out of nowhere you hear a loud noise. A few seconds later you realize a piece of debris broke your windshield. Regardless of the cause: a knock from a stone, hail, or even a tree branch but windshield damage is frequent and always comes in surprise. Tiny chips or cracks do not appear to be serious damages but can turn into something quite major quite easily.
Different Types of Damage That Most People Don’t Recognize
Most of the times you would think of windshield damage as a single entity, it’s not! This is a very important detail to understand. Tiny chips, the more simplistic of the varieties, can be “starburst” shaped or simply resemble a bull’s-eye (who decides the names of these, anyway?). Now we have cracks. These have varying degrees in length, some are superficial while others penetrate through the material. I’m sorry if this offends but for long cracks, this is my opinion that a rehab kit is not the best option.
The DIY Approach: Should You Spend your Time and Money on This Method?
How DIY Windshield Repair Kits Work
So what’s with these so-called kits? They work a bit like toothpaste filled with resin to be applied over the chip that has been created in the window. Now the reasoning behind this is that the resin is to be boosted with a UV light source so that the chips don’t move. So, easy-peasy! You just have to sit in your car and wait for the sun to do its magic or the system to do it.
Here’s the catch though — Sometimes, yes, you can do it, but that does not mean it is good for you.
The Pros of DIY Windshield Repair
Let’s not get too negative from the onset. Some benefits come with trying Do It Yourself. For one, it is quite affordable as we are talking about maybe $10-$20 for a kit instead of paying a professional like a hundred bucks or more. Either way, if you are someone who loves rest coupling products, this is the job for you as you don’t need a machine. And it’s better if the damage is really small like a tiny dot. You would not have to endure the ordeal of sitting in a shop for all that time.
The Bumps on the Road of Doing Windshield Repair on Your Own
But here’s where the complications arise. Remember, if you are unsure how to apply the solution, do not apply it. That will only be increasing the problems that you seeking to solve. Trust me- the [gunshot] is that simple chip can develop into cracks and force replacement. Simple as that! Additionally, it can be very misleading to think that there is something like a magic wand. You may fix it on windshields injuries at the level of the surface, but those that are complicated, like cracks – forget it.
Besides, if you happen to be where extreme changes in weather are common (hello, our dear, cold standing hours of dozens of winters), chances also are that the self-repair may easily resist. Yep not great. Sorry.
DIY or Hire a Professional: The Compromises in Effect
Cost Comparison: Self and Professional
I know of ways to love spa cingones; most definitely all of us love saving a buck. However, there are limits, or better put, there are extremes. It is less costly to do it yourself, obviously. The impact of this DIY repair is however, when done cheaply, is only going to last for one night. In any case, if that does happen, it is reasonable to expect to shell out more cash to a skilled repair person. As such, if there is damage now, expect damage rewards and damages through indignation.
On the other hand, a professional has a reason to feel confident. They understand how to prevent that little chip from snowballing into a major problem down the line. Besides, most reputable repair shops have warranty policies thus giving you greater peace than a DIY kit could ever offer. You may think that you’d be saving money by going DIY at first, but it may disappoint you in the end.
Safety Concerns and Effectiveness
And here is the part they never seem to remember: safety. Windshields in addition to being shields from the wind act as one of the key components of your car. In other words, if a DIY job doesn’t fully dry, not only clients have to pay a larger amount later on, but their wellbeing may also be endangered. That’s not even a small matter.
When Should You Skip DIY and Call a Pro?
Too Dangerous for DIY to Attempt Self-Repair
As a general rule, if the crack or chip is larger than a quarter, or if the chip is located in a spot that would be within direct eye contact while driving, ignore it. All of it. This is clearly one of those instances where greater caution is more desirable than regret.
In addition, if the crack extends to the edges of the windshield, it’s best to leave it alone and seek the services of a professional. Such cracks are, to say the least, quite dangerous because they can spread with ease and caution to those DIY enthusiasts who are thinking about the same.
Conclusion
So, is it worth the trouble attempting windshield replacement at home? In some cases, yes. For example, for small chips or shallow brown marks, a DIY kit might just be of very good value. A more delicate construction suggests that you are not going to call it quits too soon and is expecting something greater than a simple kit offers. It’s possible that you might even appreciated true professionals for their skill and time saved. Of course, there’s satisfaction in doing things yourself but in cases where it’s way too risky, one shouldn’t have concern handing control over.
FAQs
1. Can I use a DIY windshield repair kit to fix a long crack?
Not at all. Most DIY kits usually don’t consider very long scratches or patches with dents. You need to have professional help for cracks with more than a couple of inches
2. How much time is required to do a windscreen repair on your own?
Generally, you can expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes on this type of repair. Drying times for the resin should be factored in as well. But keep in mind, take it easy!
3. Will my attempt at a self-repair be as effective as that performed by an expert?
Not exactly. While some DIY fixes can improve the scope and further attempts at repairing the damage, most of these attempts are not as effective as professional ones.
4. Should I be concerned about winters while performing a windscreen repair on my own?
Yes, cold weather is known to hinder the curing of the resin, and therefore it can affect the overall effectiveness of the repair.
5. Will my insurer cover losses in the attempt to fix the cracked glass?
Normally, the answer is no. Most of the insurance providers will only provide coverage for repairs done by trained professionals. Of course, this is always worth confirming with your provider!