It has happened to everyone, you are driving down the road then all of the sudden a rock hits your windshield and cracks it. Sometimes your insurance will pay to replace the windshield, but if this is not the case, then the next best option is to repair it. Repairing a windshield is a simple procedure and should not take more than a few minutes. Here’s how to get started. If this process doesn’t work you may need to check with a Chicago auto glass company.
Prep the Surface
Get a kit, and then prepare the surface. You want to be certain that the windshield surface is as clean and dry as possible. This ensures that the repair will take and that not moisture will be trapped under it which can lead to more damage. One the best ways to do this is with acetone and a hair dryer. Use the acetone as a solvent to clean the windshield, then once it has dried up use the hairdryer to get rid of any lingering moisture.
Apply the Resin
Most simple kits will come with an applicator adapter, syringe and a syringe filled with resin. The directions may be different between kits, so check yours before starting.
What you will need to do is apply the applicator over the crack. This should be a flat piece of plastic with a rubber nipple on it. Simply place it over the crack as perfectly as possible. Getting this right is very important to the success of the repair. Once it is in place, get your syringe and hook it up to the adapter.
Now, pull the plunger out as far as you can without actually removing it from the syringe. Hold this for a full minute then let go all at once, do not follow the plunger down. When you pull the plunger out, it is creating a mild vacuum inside the crack and filling it with resin while removing the air. When you replace the plunger it is going to, somewhat violently, snap back into place. This will help pack the resin into the crack. Repeat this process five or six times.
Cleanup
Once you are done, remove the adapter and let the resin sit undisturbed for an hour or so. After it has partially cured, use a razor blade to remove any excess.
Repairing your windshield is a much faster, easier, and cheaper alternative if you just have a simple chip, but won’t work for large cracks.
If you have a cracked windshield then check out Frank’s Auto Glass.
