There are dozens of different scenarios that can occur that will result in damage to a vehicle’s windshield. From minor car accidents to damage caused by flying debris, your windshield will sooner or later run into one of these unfortunate events. Any damage that is caused to a windshield does not stop there; over time, cracks and fractures in the windshield can permeate deep into the glass, which will cause running fractures and require a total windshield replacement in order to guarantee its safety. Did you know that the majority of your vehicle’s roll-over protection is ensured from the integrity and strength provided by your windshield?
Despite the fact that many insurance plans have coverage for windshield repair included, some do not have this amenity and will need to seek out services elsewhere. There are many different auto glass repair options available, with one of them being do it yourself windshield repair kits. While these kits may be relatively inexpensive, are they actually worth it? In the following article, we will discuss the pros and cons of DIY windshield repair to help you make the best decision about this issue.
Comparing Costs
The biggest reason why do it yourself windshield repair kits exist is the cost considerations that have to be made when needing a repair that is not covered by your auto insurance. A repair to your windshield can easily cost upwards of $100 without insurance coverage, whereas a windshield repair kit can cost as little as $15. This discrepancy leads many people to consider the use of a do it yourself kit to rectify the issue. Especially true for those with limited incomes, the act of forking over lots of money for a seemingly tiny crack in the windshield may not be a palatable decision. This leads to many individuals using a do it yourself repair option.
Differences in the Process
The overall process of windshield repair via each option is fairly similar, but the quality of components and tools used by a professional auto glass company will be much better. The tools that come with a do it yourself kit are often made of plastic; it would be impossible to create metal tools that provide the same benefit for a cost-effective price. The professional solution will include a process that levels the crack and ensures that resin finds its way into all of the cracks and chips in a damaged area, preventing new damage from forming after the repairs are completed. This cannot be guaranteed with a DIY solution, according to the National Windshield Repair Association.
Do it yourself glass repair kits will also not sufficiently repair damage in the majority of cases. The types of damage to your windshield can vary greatly and require the professional inspection of an auto glass technician in order to ensure that the damage does not spread after the repairs have been completed. You will not be able to tell with pinpoint accuracy whether or not all of the cracks have been filled with resin or whether the pattern of damage is one that can be repaired via a DIY solution. These reasons make it an even better idea to enlist the services of an auto glass company.
How It Works
If you do decide to use a do it yourself windshield repair kit, you will need to make a few preparations and allot an hour or so to perform the repairs. First, you will want to grab a pair of latex gloves, some paper towels and a sharp, pointed object to clear any debris from the crack. Once the area in question has been cleaned and freed of debris, the adhesive is then placed on top of the crack. The pedestal is then applied to the adhesive, allowing for insertion of the resin. The tube of resin is cut at one end and the majority of the substance is then injected into the pedestal. At this point, you will allow a bit of time for the resin to flow into the cracks.
Once this is complete, you will then insert a syringe into the pedestal, creating an airtight seal. The air in the chamber is then removed via the syringe, helping ensure that air bubbles do not form in the resin. After a few minutes, you will then need to remove the syringe and reinsert it to further push resin into the crack. This process needs to set for about twenty minutes, after which you can remove the syringe, pedestal and began scraping away the adhesive with a razor blade or similar object. The vehicle is then moved into direct sunlight, a small amount of resign is again applied and any uneven areas are smoothed out. After this is complete, the vehicle needs to sit for a half-hour before it is ready to be driven.
Conclusion
Do it yourself windshield repair can be a bit complicated for those who do not know what they are doing, and does not address all of the issues of damage to your windshield. A professional auto glass technician can ensure that the damage is treated at the source and will not result in future damage. While the professional solution may cost quite a bit more without insurance, the windshield may require a full replacement if not treated properly. This vital safety mechanism in your automobile deserves to be repaired by a professional, so it is recommended that you enlist the services of an auto glass shop for any windshield repair job.
