Not only is it a disturbing sight to have a crack on your windshield, but it can also be unsafe for you to drive with a cracked windshield. Therefore, when you notice a chip, crack, or even a scratch, the best thing would be to use the best windshield repair kit to repair the damage.
What is a Windshield Repair Kit?
It is a kit that comes with an advanced repair formula plus other accessories to help you repair scratched, chipped, or cracked windshield glass. The most important component in the kit is the formula, often made with resin; it penetrates the cracks to harden the glass and prevent the damage from spreading further.
In some instances, you can also use these repair kits to fill cracks on any damaged laminated glass. But, you will have to assess the damage before using a repair kit, especially when repairing your windshield. Deeper and longer cracks will indicate a need to replace the whole windshield.
When using this repair kit, you will need to use pressure to drive the resin into the cracks, so a badly damaged windshield may not withstand the pressure. However, if you know the damage is not so severe and does not impede your line of view when driving, you can get powerful repair kits to restore the windshield's integrity.
With that in mind, we have reviewed these five best repair kits for you to choose from. They have the best formulas and accessories, and their effectiveness is cemented by satisfied customer reviews. If you'd like to understand what you need better, read on as you will also find detailed information about different windshield cracks and what you need to look for in a repair kit.
1. Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit
Sale
Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit
- Easy to use - takes only minutes
- Repairs all types of laminated windshields
- Minimizes the appearance of chips and cracks and stops them from...
- Crack vanishes when examined at 45 degree angle, poor resin are...
- Advanced resin formula. Good for multiple repairs
When you first notice a small crack on your windshield, the best thing would be to get this Rain-X windshield repair kit before the crack worsens. Rain-X is a renowned company that makes car products, so it is no surprise they also make the best windshield repair kit.
The product consists of a resin formula that will penetrate the small cracks and fill them to prevent further damage. You will also get a suction pad applicator and a curing strip. In addition, this kit also comes with an instruction sheet, so it is easy to repair the windshield even if it is your first attempt.
While this Rain-X advanced resin formula is great for car windshields, it is also ideal for all types of laminated glass. After applying, examine the crack at a 135-degree angle to see if the crack is vanishing so you can repeat the process before the resin cures fully.
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2. Permatex Windshield Repair Kit
Permatex 09103 Windshield Repair Kit
- Make permanent air-tight repairs of bullseye damage up to 1 1/4"...
- Professional quality repairs with no mixing required
- Complete kit provides everything needed for the repair including...
- Repair should be made in shaded area with the windshield...
- Resin cures by natural sunlight
The bullseye crack on your windshield will no longer stress you if you decide to use this highly advanced resin formula from Permatex. It is easy to apply for starters as you won't need to mix any components, and it cures the cracks in two hours if you apply under the right outdoor conditions.
When your windshield has a crack not extending 1.25 inches, you will need to repair it at the first instance with this windshield repair kit. First, park your car in a shaded area where the temperature ranges between 50°F and 75°F. Then, follow the included repair guide to ensure you apply the formula correctly.
Once you have finished applying, leave the resin to heal under natural sunlight. This resin formula is affordable, easy to apply, and cures fast so you can be safely on the road soon.
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3. Blue-Star Windshield Repair Kit
This package comes with two Blue Star windshield repair kits to save you money the next time you need to fill a crack. In addition, each Blue Star windshield repair kit also comes with a repair injector, an adhesive alignment seal, a curing film, a 1.6-ounce tube of resin liquid, a razor blade, a resin chamber pedestal, and an instruction sheet.
It is easy to use even if it is your first attempt, and the resin will fill the cracks to make them invisible in ten minutes. When applying, it is best to do so under a shade and on a cool windshield. After applying, it is best to leave the resin to cure under direct sunlight for total repairs.
The package is affordable, and the resin offers long-lasting results. In addition, it will also work on other laminated glass pieces like windows, shower doors, etc.
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4. 3M Windshield Repair Kit
Sale
3M Windshield Repair Kit, 08580
- Glass resin fills small bull’s eyes and chips to prevent...
- Preventative damage control can stop more extensive damage from...
- Repair kit minimizes appearance of glass chip to make windshield...
- Easy-to-use glass repair formula requires no special tools,...
- Step-by-step directions guide project from start to finish
If you have noticed a spider web crack or a bullseye crack, this 3M windshield repair kit is what you need for timely repairs. The kit comes with all the accessories you need and a powerful glass resin for filling the cracks fast.
The kit needs no mixing or heating, and the kit comes with a powerful dual suction stabilizer to help you add the resin to the cracks. In addition, it also comes with a detailed instruction manual to guide your repairing process.
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5. GLISTON Car Windshield Repair Kit
GLISTON Car Windshield Repair Kit, Auto Glass Repair Kit for Chips and Cracks, Star-Shaped,...
- PERFECT TOOL: Professional quality Do-It-Yourself windshield...
- WIDELY USE: Car Windshield Repair Kit is designed for all types...
- ADVANCED FORMULA: Imported repair fluid (this is the key), the...
- EASY to OPERATE: The method of repairing slight glass cracks is...
- SAFE& GREAT SERVICE: All material without not good material....
If you have used Gliston products to repair a dent in your car before, you will love that they also have this repair kit for small cracks. It is designed to fill small windshield cracks in about 30 minutes, but the cracks need to be smaller than eight inches and no larger than one inch in diameter.
The windshield repair kit comes with a plastic injection molding head to help you push the resin into the cracks. It also includes a more detailed instruction manual so you can repair your windshield on your first attempt.
According to the manufacturer, it is better to use this resin immediately after a crack occurs, before it is contaminated with dirt or water so that the resin will perform better. The kit will also work on other types of laminated glass, and it comes at an affordable price with a 30-day moneyback guarantee.
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What Are the Benefits of Using the Best Windshield Repair Kits?
One thing you dread as a car owner is the appearance of chips and cracks on your windshield. It almost always means you need to start budgeting for a new windshield, which costs a fortune. But, if your car has small cracks, it is better to repair them with a windshield repair kit because if left alone, the cracks will expand, making it not only annoying but also unsafe to drive the car.
These are the main benefits of using windshield repair kits.
a) They are effective for repairs on glass
The best windshield repair kits can effectively fill small chips and cracks on your car's windshield. They come with powerful resin or silicone formulas that penetrate the cracks to harden them and clear the blemishes in the glass surface.
b) They are easy to use
One good thing about any windshield repair kit is that it comes with a detailed instruction manual to follow when applying the formula. Thus, even a first-time user will not struggle to fill the cracks for hardening. In addition, the kits provide an affordable option compared to hiring a professional to repair the cracks for you.
c) They are affordable
A windshield repair kit is an affordable repair option, but only if sufficient to repair the cracks. If you have small chips and cracks, this repair kit can save you the hassle of replacing the whole windshield.
d) They offer long-lasting results
If you are not sure a windshield repair kit will hold, it can help to know this kit will prevent the cracks from spreading. When you get a windshield crack, failure to repair it will cause it to spread under continued pressure and temperature changes. A DIY windshield repair with resin or silicone fills and hardens these cracks so the windshield can last much longer.
What are the Types of Windshield Damage the Windshield Repair Kits Can Fill?
As the windshield is a vital part of your car that guarantees safe driving, it is best to understand when to use a windshield repair kit. Some types of windshield damage are too severe to fill with resin, which would then require you to invest in a new windshield.
These are the types of damage you can fix with a kit.
a) A Bullseye crack
A bullseye crack damage is caused on your windshield by a small object such as a flying rock. It leaves cracks and chips that take the shape of a spider web or a dart board's bullseye. If it does not affect the driver's view, the bullseye is repairable with a repair kit, such as the Permatex Windshield Repair Kit.
b) A chip
If a flying rock or pebble were to hit your windscreen at high speed, the damage it would cause is a chip that would cause pieces of the glass to chip off. If the chip does not fall directly into the driver's view, then you can find a kit, such as the Rain X Repair Kit, for the glass repair.
c) Stress crack
Sometimes your windshield goes through lots of stress due to temperature changes. For instance, if it is exposed to very high temperatures where it becomes hot, it could crack if you turn on the conditioning which would lower the temperatures very fast. The same can happen when you constantly use a defroster when the windshield is iced up.
If you want to perform a DIY windshield repair, you would first have to examine the extent of the windshield crack. If the cracks are small and don't affect the driver's view, then you can get a glass repair kit. But, if the cracks are longer and would require multiple repairs, it could be better to invest in a new windshield.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Windshield Repair Kit
When you notice a windshield crack, the first instinct will tell you to either buy a windshield kit or get a new windshield to replace it with. If you need a kit, these are the factors you will need to consider before buying any.
1. The type of crack
You will need to look at the type of crack to determine the effectiveness of a repair kit. While we have discussed the three types of cracks you can repair with resin, there are two types that you may not be able to repair; an edge crack or a floating crack. These indicate the need for a new windshield as their damage is too severe to repair.
2. The extent of the damage
You will also need to examine how deep and long a crack is to determine;
- If a repair kit will be sufficient
- How many kits will be enough
3. Included accessories
You need several accessories in your kit to effectively repair the windshield. At the very least, any crack repair will need a resin or silicone formula, an application device, a stabilizing device, and a cloth to clean any excess formula.
4. Curing time
Depending on how soon you will need to use your car after applying the resin, consider how long it will take for the resin to cure fully. For example, some take 30 minutes to five hours, while some take 12 hours to harden and cure fully.