Windshield repair is a specialized job with their own professional organizations. A DIY repair kit does not match a professional result, but it is a cheap option that is good enough for light damage. This article will teach you to assess risks, and to repair your windshield if that’s the best way to go.

• Check the conditions of insurance contracts and repair. The cost of repair or complete replacement varies widely depending on your location, insurance, and type of windscreen. If you have any insurance at all, a visit to a repair shop auto glass might surprise you. A professional repair is more expensive than a DIY kit, but the result may be significantly less visible.
• In Florida, Arizona, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Massachusetts, comprehensive car insurance will cover the entire cost of repair or replacement. If you are in another state or country, or if your auto insurance is not complete, you may have to pay part or all of yourself.
• Look for damage near the edge of the windscreen. The cracks or chips on the edge compromise the structure of the windshield. Even after repair, the damage could be a major safety concerns. Make the windshield replaced instead.
• Consider the driver’s line of sight. Damage in direct line of sight of the driver can interfere with driving, even after repair. The most dangerous area is a 12 in (30 cm) wide stretch of glass centered in front of the steering wheel and the height of the wiper extends. Replacement is recommended that if this area is damaged. You can decide to repair and judge the visibility later.
• In this area, two damage to 4 inches (10 cm) apart require replacement. This pattern of damage may create a blind spot for the driver, obscuring the line of sight of both eyes.
• Measure the length of the crack. With modern techniques, most cracks less than 6 inches (15 cm) can be repaired at home. For a crack up to 18 in (46 cm) long, consult a professional first and fix it yourself only if he thinks it is safe. Any cracks longer requires a full windshield replacement.
• If two or more cracks, bring the car to a repair shop auto glass repair and ask if it is possible. Three long cracks almost always require complete replacement.
• Examine chips and dents. The damage caused by impacts may or may not be repairable. This depends on your size and shape:
• Circular or semicircular “target” cracks should be less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
• THE “Star break,” or point of impact with short cracks spread outward, you must have all cracks set in a circle 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.
• Other ways must fit within one of 2 inches (5 cm) circle, not counting short cracks running outward.
• Check the depth of all damage. Windshields are made ​​of two layers of glass with a plastic layer in between. If the crack extends beyond the outer layer and the inner layer or plastic, replace the entire windshield.
• The damaged windshields from the inside are rare, and even a professional can be sure how to evaluate it. For safety reasons, usually it is better to replace the windshield.
• Purchase a repair kit windshield bridge style. You can buy a kit windshield repair shop auto parts, department stores, or online. Ideally, choose one with a “bridge” applicator attached to the glass with suction cups. These are more stable than an applicator syringe. The applicator should also include a vacuum system to remove air from the crack as you go.
• Almost all repair kits have similar components and operate in the same way. However, it is a good idea to read the instructions that come with the kit, to check for special requirements.
• Plan to use the sun or a UV lamp. He filling the crack with resin you need to be cured with ultraviolet light. If you cannot wait for a sunny day, you need a UV lamp to complete the repair.
• If you are parked in the sun, the shadow of the windshield until ready to heal. This will allow you to continue at a relaxed pace.
• Tap out broken glass. Use a thin metal object to gently tap out small pieces of glass from impact points. Some computers come with a collector target which can be used for this purpose.
• Wear gloves when handling broken glass.
• Clean and dry your windshield. The windshield must be completely dry before you start. If there is dust in the cracks – and usually there – wipe with a dust blower, or a small amount of acetone or lighter fluid. If the glass gets wet, dry it with a hairdryer.
• Configure the applicator. Take a few minutes to become familiar with the operation of the application. There are many different models, but most are not difficult to understand, following the instructions. Check the following:
• Identify the syringe or barrel where the resin is loaded cap and O-ring or to close.
• Find the dial or bolt used to adjust the pressure, or by moving the applicator away from the windshield.
• Check the instructions on how to operate the applicator. A syringe applicator has a simple piston, but some applicators may have a single bridge mechanism.
• Tap a small hole if necessary. This is the step with the highest risk of causing further damage to the windshield. Fortunately, this is only necessary if repair a long crack that does not end in a circular or semicircular hole, or fill a small “breakout star” without missing piece of glass.
• To take advantage of the hole, place a target collector (or a robust needle) into the crack star or the end of a crack. Tap the removal tool with suction cup (or any hard object) until a small hole pops out.
• In some cases, you will have to drill into the hole before touching. For home repairs, do not drill more? The way through the glass. It may be more prudent to hire a professional in place if you cannot touch the hole without a drill.
• Load the resin onto the applicator. Most repair kits come with two types of resin. One is intended to fill the cracks, and filling the other chips. Load the applicator with the resin required for repair, according to the kit instructions. In most cases, you only need a few drops of resin.
• Place the applicator to repair a crack. Cover the cups with a thick layer of lubricant, so that they can slide through the windshield. Place the suction cups so that the applicator tip is over the hole in the end of the crack. Tighten until gently pressed against the glass.
• If your computer did not come with lubricant, try petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
• If you are using a suction applicator syringe, simply hold it against the end of the crack.
• Apply the resin along the crack initiation. Move the applicator over the first 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) crack. Apply resin according to the instructions for your model. Typically, this involves retreating air with a piston or other vacuum mechanism, then release to push the resin into the crack. Slide back and forth over the crack, making sure that the resin is going on.
• If the resin does not reach into the crack, bend the glass gently with your thumb as you apply. This should only be necessary to implement it.
• Seal the rest of the crack. Move the applicator over the length of the crack. Once you are sure that the resin is entering the crack, you should be able to seal the crack in slow motion.
• Note that the crack will remain visible at this point.
• Fill chips and dents with thicker resin. Load the applicator filled pit, or any type of resin to fill your kit it includes dings. If a bridge applicator is used, slightly lubricate the suction cups so firmly to the glass stick. Place the tip of the applicator on the chip, and use the system vacuum / pressure until the resin fills the gap completely.
• Syringe applicator kits usually come with a separate suction cup with a hole for the syringe to the slot.
• Remember, breaks star-shaped glass without missing a target need to have first crack hit.
• Clean the applicator first if it contains a different type of resin.
• Cover all curing resin tape. This is also called cure or cure strips eyelashes when sold in different sizes.
• Never use plastic wrap or other substances not intended specifically for this purpose. Some of these blocks UV light, and thus stop the curing process indefinitely.
• Let the resin cure. Allow the repaired areas in full sun or under an ultraviolet light to cure. This can take 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the brand and strength of the lamp or ultraviolet sunlight conditions. Check the instructions for your product, on the side of a longer waiting time.
• Driving or opening car doors before the resin is completely cured increases the possibility of elongated cracks.
• Scrape the excess resin. Remove curing strips. Scrape the resin along the windshield surface using a razor blade. Remove excess resin until the windshield is smooth. If the windshield is blurred or crack is visible enough to interfere with driving, you may need to treat again with a special resin refinishing. Wipe with a glass cleaner, once finished.

Place the razor blade in a blade holder resistant razor to avoid injury.

Tips:

• If the resin takes a long time to cure UV light under an old, try replacing the batteries of light.
• If the damage is in the center of your windshield, or if you have short arms, look for a kit with an extendable arm to the applicator.

Warnings:

• The laws about driving with a damaged windshield vary by country and state. You can be fined in some regions.
• Never fill cracks with superglue, insect repellent, or other substances not intended for this purpose. These myths Internet can make your crack to spread and actual repair difficult or impossible.