How to Repair a Windshield Dent

It happens to everyone from time to time: an errant rock hits your windshield on the highway and suddenly you've got a nasty little chip in your windshield. You may worry that a costly repair is in your future, but there are several consumer products available in any auto parts store to help you fix minor windshield dents and chips without spending a fortune. Be sure to perform the repair as soon as possible after the damage occurs, since waiting will only cause the problem to grow.

Instructions

Identify the Damage and Prepare the Car

1

Only certain types of windshield damage can be repaired at home. Simple pits and chips can generally be fixed with a do-it-yourself kit, but if there are any cracks radiating from the chip a home kit is not appropriate.

2

Windshield repair kits require a completely clean and dry surface to bond. Clean the damaged part of the windshield and the surrounding area carefully and thoroughly with a glass cleaner and towels, being careful not to leave any lint in the crack.

3

Allow the windshield to dry completely. If the weather is poor, park your vehicle inside and use a hair dryer to remove moisture.

Choose Your Kit

4

Visit an auto parts store or the automotive department of a large retail store. Repair kits typically come in one-part adhesive or two-part adhesive varieties.

5

Read the package to see what type of damage each kit is best for. Buy the kit that is best for your specific type of windshield damage.

6

Read the directions thoroughly before beginning the repair.

Repair Your Windshield

7

Prepare the adhesive according to the package directions.

8

Adhere the adhesive piece to the windshield over the damage in the manner indicated on the kit's packaging.

9

Carefully attach the syringe to the adapter on the adhesive piece, taking extra care not to spill any adhesive on the car's paint.

10

Follow the package instructions for creating a vacuum and injecting adhesive into the damaged part of the glass.

11

Remove the syringe and adhesive piece, then let the adhesive cure for the time indicated in the kit's instructions.

After-Care

12

Remove excess cured adhesive with a sharp razor blade.

13

If the repair does not fix the damage, or if the chip develops cracks later, take the car to a glass repair professional.

14

The repaired section of the windshield can be washed as normal after the adhesive has cured.