How to Remove a Windscreen Chip

Getting a chip in your windscreen can do more than just look ugly. A chip can very quickly develop into a large crack, allowing moisture into the layers of the windscreen, which would then have to be replaced. However, so long as the chip is smaller than a quarter, it is possible to repair the damage yourself. Windscreen (or windshield) repair kits are available in the automotive section of most major retailers.

Instructions

Dry the windscreen completely. If it is raining or snowing, move the car into a garage to allow it to dry. You can use a hair dryer to hasten the process, but you must make sure there is no moisture inside the chip. If there is, it will get sealed in and cause the windscreen to fog.

Clean the damaged area with acetone and a paper towel. Acetone will evaporate quickly, but don't use so much that it soaks into the chip.

Peel the backing film off the repair kit's adhesive strip and press the strip onto the windscreen, centered over the chip. Rub it with your fingernail to make sure it has a very strong bond. Once it is secure, peel off the front piece of film, leaving only the adhesive strip.

Stick the plastic adapter onto the adhesive strip, centered over the chip. Make sure it is secured by rubbing it with your fingernail.

Turn the syringe of adhesive up (with the plunger pointed at the floor) and remove the cap. Pull the plunger back slightly to prevent material from spilling out of the tip.

Attach the tip of the syringe to the plastic adapter.

Pull the plunger all the way back with the syringe attached to the adapter. This will create a vacuum, pulling all air out of the chip. Hold the plunger this way for a full minute, allowing the air from the chip to bubble up through the adhesive. The adhesive will settle down at the tip of the plunger.

Let go of the plunger handle once all of the air has bubbled through the adhesive. The vacuum will force adhesive into the chip.

Repeat the pullback and release action four or five times to fully impregnate the chip with adhesive.

Remove the syringe, plastic adapter and adhesive strip from the windscreen.

Wipe off excess adhesive from the windscreen with acetone on a paper towel, but be sure to leave a bump over the chip.

Allow the adhesive to cure for several hours.

Use a sharp razor blade to slice the adhesive bump off the windscreen, completing the repair.