The windshield of a car, motorbike, airplane, or even a window is an American terminology. In British terminology it is called windscreen and in Japanese English, it is called front glass. It is primarily used as protection from the wind, extreme temperatures, flying debris (such as pebbles, rocks, dust) and even ultra-violet rays for windshields with UV coating. Just like air bags and seat belts, windshields are very important safety devices. In case of a collision or upturn, windshields keep the passengers inside the car. When windshields are improperly installed, they can be a source of danger; they can puff out of their mounting when the air bag blows up.

How much is the Cost of a Windshield Repair?

• For small cracks or damages in the windshield that may not necessarily require a replacement, the repair cost could be minimal or it will vary on the intensity of the damage. The key to cost cutting is to address the problem before it gets worst.

• For damages that already require replacement, the cost is quite high and varies greatly on the type of car and the kind of glass that will be used. You may avail the benefits of your comprehensive insurance if you have one to assist you with the financial aspect.

What are my Windshield Repair Options?

• Do the repair yourself.

This is a practical option for small cracks and damages to minimize the cost of repair. There are many do-it-yourself windshield repair kits available in the market. This will greatly help you do the repair yourself; saving on the cost of the repair and without the hassle of having to bring the car to a repair shop.

Simple steps to do a windshield repair:

Materials Needed -

• Razor Blade

• Windshield Repair Kit, which typically includes:

• Tube of Resin

• Suction Cup Tool

• Threaded Plastic Tube

• Clear Finishing Film

Steps to Do the Repair -

1. Clean the windshield’s surface, especially where the crack or damage is situated. Remove any small, loose pieces of glass with a razor blade. Use a windshield or window cleaner to wipe the surface and let it dry completely for the next step.

2. Fasten the suction tool device to the windshield and ensure that the hole is directly over the cracked surface. The suction cup tool consists of four suction cups connected to an x-frame with a hole in the center. Push down the cups securely to the glass and adjust the position of the hole when necessary by gliding the x-frame’s arms.

3. Put the threaded plastic tube in the suction cup tool’s hole. The tube should appear like a hollow, large bolt. Lock-in the tube in the threaded hole as tight as possible. Check the tube’s rubber tip to be on top of the window chip.

4. Set the tube of resin in the plastic tube, ensuring the resin tube’s cap open. Pinch drops of resin, about two to four into the tube and on the crack or damage. Remove the plastic tube’s center nozzle and screw it down the tube to help push the resin on the crack.

5. When the resin is totally settled in, remove the kit from the windshield and put the clear finishing film over the surface. Even out the resin by spreading it all over the small cracks by using the flat side of the razor blade. Make sure the resin is totally dried before taking away the film and scrape away the excess resin from the surface of the glass.

• Take the car to a specialist for windshield repair and replacement services.

This is a viable option if the damage requires the professional windshield repair services. The car repair shop has the appropriate equipment that could analyze the severity of the condition and could address the problem. It may just be a small crack but that small crack may compromise the safety of all the people we love.

No matter how small the windshield crack may be, it is always the wisest action to take preventive measures seriously. Keep in mind that safety is never an option, it is an obligation!