DIY car glass chip repair

In detail: do-it-yourself repair of chips on car glass from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

When driving behind another car on the track, it is easy to get hit by a small stone on the windshield, body or optics. First of all, these are chips and cracks on the windshield. In this article, we will analyze the main types of damage, find out which defects can be eliminated on our own, and with which it is better to contact a specialized service station.

The windshield can be safely called the most vulnerable point of the car. Various defects appear on its surface during operation. They can be divided into the following:

  1. Scratch. This defect occurs on contact with a sharp object, the hardness of which exceeds the strength of glass. The depth of the scratch prevents a crack from forming. Shallow scratches are caused by sand particles that hit the vehicle.
  2. Round chipped "bull's eye". This is the most common defect, the chip has the shape of a circle without cracking.
  3. Crack. This is the most dangerous defect. In addition to impairing visibility, the crack tends to grow while driving.
  4. Combined defects. They are complex in structure.

Next, we will consider in more detail how to remove some defects from the windshield with our own hands. We will find out what consumables and special tools are needed.

Remember that defects on your windshield not only impair the appearance of your vehicle, but can also cause a traffic accident. Don't shelve windshield repairs!

The main reason for the appearance of small scratches on the glass is ordinary sand. It deposits on the glass, windscreen wiper bands, seals, and the rag you use to wipe your car. Sand particles constantly scratch the surface. Therefore, visibility decreases over time. Polishing will help to restore transparency to the windshield. Grinding is not recommended. Most likely, such processing will not be possible to carry out qualitatively on your own.

Video (click to play).

To polish the windshield, you can use folk remedies and professional materials. Before starting to repair scratches, wash your windshield thoroughly. Wipe it with a clean dry cloth or a special glass cloth. Don't use newspaper.

To eliminate small scratches with improvised means, use GOI toothpaste or paste. The best effect is achieved when using GOI paste. A small portion of the paste is applied to a clean cotton swab or piece of felt. Then rub in a circular motion on the problem area.

Image - DIY repair of chips on car glass

Windshield polishing helps eliminate small, shallow scratches

Reapply the paste and rub in a circle in the opposite direction. To speed up the process, you can use a sander with a felt attachment.

For polishing the windshield, various types of polishes are available in automotive stores. Before using the pastes, we recommend making a test polish on a small area of ​​the glass. The composition of polishes includes various reagents and it is not known how they will act on a glass surface.

Wash the glass thoroughly after polishing.

Deeper scratches are difficult to remove. In this case, there are two options: you need to come to terms with this state of affairs, or do it radically and replace the windshield.

After a slight blow to the frontal, a small chip remains on it. This defect most often occurs when driving on a motorway where a higher speed is allowed.And even a small pebble from under the wheels of the car in the front can cause damage. As soon as you find this kind of defect, try to quickly take measures to protect the chip from contamination. Ordinary transparent tape will help with this. Stick it on the outside of the defect. Such protection will further facilitate the repair of the windshield and make it less visible.

Do not delay the repair. Chipping, or as experts call it "bull's eye", with a probability of 80% can cause the formation of a crack over the entire surface.

To carry out a high-quality windshield repair, you must prepare the following tools and materials:

  • injector for uniform supply of photopolymer to the cleavage site; Image - DIY repair of chips on car glass A special bridge is placed over the center of the cleavage, on which an injector is attached for supplying photopolymer glue
  • an applicator or bridge for precise positioning of the injector over the chip;
  • small mirror;
  • photopolymer for glass surface repair; Image - DIY repair of chips on car glass The photopolymer adhesive is sensitive to ultraviolet light. It's better to work with him in the shade.
  • protective film;
  • UV lamp to speed up the repair. If there is no lamp, the photopolymer will also harden in the sun, but it will take 24 hours to fully cure.

For self-repair of chips and cracks, special kits are produced:

  • pump for creating a vacuum;
  • injector or syringe for photopolymer;
  • blade;
  • glue.

If you want to get rid of chips and cracks with your own hands, then pay attention to windshield repair kits from DoneDeal, HANDY-MAN.

  1. Carry out repairs in the shade. The adhesive is sensitive to ultraviolet light.
  2. Before starting the repair, clean the area of ​​the defect with plenty of water and dry with an air stream.
  3. Place the applicator or injector bridge exactly over the center of the defect. Check the accuracy of the installation from the inside of the car or with a small mirror.
  4. Apply photopolymer adhesive to the chip with an injector.
  5. Stick on a protective film. It will prevent the photopolymer from spreading over the glass. Image - DIY repair of chips on car glass We apply a protective film. It will not let the glue spread over the surface.
  6. Shine a UV lamp on the repair area. Ultraviolet light helps to speed up the curing of the photopolymer. Usually 2 to 4 minutes is sufficient.
  7. Carefully remove the protective film and glue residues with a sharp, thin blade.
  8. Polish the repair area with felt.