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Whether or not you’re a car enthusiast, it’s important to keep your vehicle in proper working condition for safety and functionality. That means repairing small chips and cracks in the windshield as soon as possible, especially if they impede your line of sight. If left unattended, this type of damage can turn into a serious issue. Fortunately, if you take care of the problem early enough and the damage is minor, you can repair it without needing the assistance of a professional. There are a variety of affordable and effective windshield repair kits available in stores and online. They allow you to easily make repairs at home. These kits can’t fix all types of windshield damage, but they do a good job with small chips and cracks. This buying guide will help you find the best windshield repair kits available.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Permatex Windshield Repair Kit
- Best Value: Blue Star Windshield Repair Kit
- Best for Multiple Cracks: Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit
- Best for Professionals: RockPro Commercial System Windshield Repair Kit
- Best for Bullseye Damage: Permatex Bullseye Windshield Repair Kit
- Fastest Acting: 3M Windshield Repair Kit
- Best Mess-Free: J-B Weld Windshield Saver Paste
- Most Weather Resistant: Delta Kits Magnibond Windshield Resin
- Most Versatile: Mascarry Automotive Windshield Repair Resin
Our Methodology
I took many factors into consideration when compiling this list of the best windshield repair kits. I made sure to pick products from reputable manufacturers with a reputation of creating high-quality items for automotive purposes. I focused on kits that were easy to use, particularly for car owners who have limited or no experience with this type of repair. I also made sure to feature kits in a wide range of prices to suit a variety of budgets. Finally, I checked consumer feedback to see how these kits perform in real-life conditions. For more info on the process, check out The Drive’s Gear About page.
Best Windshield Repair Kits Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Permatex Windshield Repair Kit
Best Value
Blue Star Windshield Repair Kit
Best for Multiple Cracks
Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit
Best for Professionals
RockPro Commercial System Windshield Repair Kit
Best for Bullseye Damage
Permatex Bullseye Windshield Repair Kit
Fastest Acting
3M Windshield Repair Kit
Best Mess Free
J-B Weld Windshield Saver Paste
Most Weather Resistant
Delta Kits Magnibond Windshield Resin
Most Versatile
Mascarry Automotive Windshield Repair Resin
Our Verdict on the Best Windshield Repair Kits
Our pick for the best windshield repair kit is the Permatex Windshield Repair Kit. It’s a good option if you have no experience making windshield repairs because it’s simple to use. You can use it on cracks, chips, bullseyes, and star cracks that are up to 1.25 inches long. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Blue Star Windshield Repair Kit.
What to Consider When Buying a Windshield Repair Kit
When choosing a windshield repair kit, keep several considerations in mind in order to achieve the best results. Measure the size of the chip or crack. If it’s too long or large, you will need professional assistance. Other factors to consider include type of damage, ease of use, volume of repair materials, and quality of the kit itself.
Types of Windshield Repair Kits
Resin Based
Resin-based windshield repair kits are designed to fill and seal cracks and gaps. These kits typically include a device to insert the resin properly into the chipped or cracked area. A few may require you to mix components before application. Some may require application in the shade for the best results. The resin is usually clear, so it will create a repair that’s less visible.
Silicone Based
Silicone is one of the easiest materials to work with when it comes to windshield repair kits. Many silicone kits don’t require complicated procedures or a lot of tools to be effective. The silicone flows into chips and cracks, creating a strong seal that holds tight when exposed to shock or vibrations. Check the amount of time needed for curing as well as the temperatures in which it can be properly applied.
Key Features
Type of Damage
There are numerous types of cracks and chips that can occur on your windshield. Bull’s-eye damage is a center chip with cracks in a circular pattern. Crack chips are smaller than a quarter with one point of impact, while edge cracks occur on the edge of the windshield. Floater cracks occur in the center of the windshield and spread out. Half-moon cracks are shaped in a half-circle or moon shape and tend to spread out. Star cracks are caused by an impact and look like a starburst. You may also experience combination cracks with more than one type affecting your windshield.
Sensitivity to Temperature
When you’re using a windshield repair kit, consider temperature and how sensitive the materials in the kit are to it. Try to fix your windshield cracks or chips in weather that’s too cold, and the resin could seize up without curing properly. Do so in high heat, and the resin might never set.
In order to cure the resin patch, the best windshield chip repair kit will include instructions on the best temperature range to make the fix. Most kits recommend curing the repair in direct sunlight, while others say the exact opposite. It’s essential to follow the product’s directions in order for the resin to properly cure. Regardless of what the kit’s instructions say, it’s always a good idea to choose a moderate temperature (and a dry area) to perform windshield repairs.
Resin Quality
The best windshield repair resin repairs chips and cracks, but it needs to be a high-quality substance. How can you tell if a kit’s included resin is worth your investment and your effort? Find one that has a denser and thicker material that dries clearly. You want the resin to blend into the windshield without leaving a big blemish. Look for clear-drying resin and user reports of flawless, seamless, and invisible final results. Additionally, look for remarks about how well a repair kit’s resin performs a year or more after being applied.
Lower-grade resin kits may dry in a pale yellow shade. If you can’t clearly identify that a windshield repair kit’s resin will dry clear, skip it. You want to make sure the final repair blends right into your windshield and offers a clear line of sight.
Volume
One windshield repair kit should be suitable for a one-time repair on a small crack on a single windshield. You want to try to repair cracks and chips as soon as they appear rather than waiting for the problem to worsen. Ideally, you should only need a small volume, but if you notice that you have multiple small spots of damage, you may require more.
If you’re repairing more than one windshield, you will need a kit that can be used more than once. For a significant number of chips and cracks, you need more than just one repair kit. Extensive damage means you’ll need more material to fill and smooth out all damage. So, if a single repair looks like it will require multiple kits, you’re most likely in replacement territory.
Pricing
Typical windshield repair kits can be found ranging between $8 and $15. These kits offer repair compounds and accessories needed to complete at least a single windshield repair. Some kits in this price range will also offer enough formula for multiple repairs. For higher quality compounds that tend to offer more professional results, look at those for more than $20. Some top-quality products can even cost as much as $30 and more, depending on the amount of resin you buy.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Yes. As long as the windshield damage isn’t too extensive and you properly follow the instructions, you can successfully repair a crack or chip. However, it may still be visible; not all repairs are undetectable.
A: In general, windshield repair kits can correct damage up to 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Larger repairs typically need correction by a professional.
A: If the crack or chip is smaller than the size of a quarter, a windshield repair kit can do the job just fine. A good-quality DIY kit will prevent a rock chip or crack from expanding but will not remove the damage, and correcting a cracked window is not very costly. Professionals use similar techniques to repair small chips and cracks. However, if the crack, bullseye, or star is directly in front of your line of sight, you may want to replace the windshield. Also, if your vehicle is old, the windshield may not hold up as well under stress and probably should be replaced.
A: There are ways to delay the inevitable, but a cracked windshield is only going to get worse. Every bump and change in temperature has the potential to damage your windshield beyond repair. You can even cause a crack to spread just by touching the glass with your finger. Take our advice and fix the problem before it’s too late.
A: If the alternative is to throw something away, it might be worth your time to try repairing it with one of these kits.