What to Know Before Trying to Fix Your Windscreen on Your Own?
Your car windscreen is your barrier of protection keeping you and your passengers safe from harsh weathers, flying objects and in case of an accident.
Since it is a safety barrier, it is best to avoid driving on the road with a damaged windscreen regardless of how insignificant the damage might be. Even a small chip could lead to a massive crack and what could have been fixed in a small repair service would then require you to replace the glass entirely.
Therefore, car windscreen damage shouldn’t be underlooked and treated with importance. However, just because it is important, it doesn’t mean you take things into your own hands literally by attempting to fix your car windscreen on your own.
There is a reason why professional services are the perfect solution, not just because it leaves you with peace of mind but also because you can be sure that the professionals know exactly what they are doing and how to fix your windscreen without hampering your glass or jeopardizing your safety. But, we understand that there still might be some of you who may want to explore the option of doing it yourself.
So, without further ado, let’s dig into what you need to know before attempting a DIY car windscreen repair.
1. Do you have a windscreen crack or a chip?
Before you attempt anything, identifying if you have a car windscreen chip or crack is essential. This is because DIY kits only work temporarily for small chips caused due to dirt, tiny stones and dust. It is of no use when trying to fix cracks or big chips in the point of view of the driver or edges.
You should also keep in mind that DIY kits are only a temporary fix until you are able to show your windscreen to a professional and get it fixed professionally. However, if you have a crack, there isn’t even the option of fixing it, you should get your glass replaced if the damage is too severe.
2. DIY kits aren’t a long-term solution:
As we mentioned before, DIY kits are only temporary solutions until you get it professionally fixed or replaced. This is because DIY kits aren’t as effective, reliable and durable as professional ones.
While professional repairs and replacements help in aiding structural strength to your vehicle’s windscreen, a DIY repair will only act as a bandaid to hold your vehicle’s windscreen together and prevent it from further damage until you get it professionally fixed.
3. DIY kits are more detrimental than you think:
A DIY repair can cause further damage if it isn’t done correctly, applying too much pressure or more resin could further crack your vehicle’s windscreen.
Since most DIY repairs are used by individuals that lack the knowledge, skills and experience in fixing car windscreens, often they end up paying more to fix the chip that was already there and the crack they caused due to a DIY kit. Therefore, if you aren’t an expert in car windscreen repairs, it is best you leave it to the experts to fix your glass.
4. DIY kits jeopardize your safety:
Your windscreen is your first and most important safety barrier in times of an accident. Therefore, it is essential for your vehicle’s windscreen to be in its best condition, free of any sort of chips or cracks.
If your vehicle’s windscreen is already chipped, it won’t be able to protect you during an accident and would simply shatter causing you and the rest of the passengers more harm than a fully functioning windscreen.
Therefore, using a DIY kit to fix your windscreen would prevent it from functioning as effectively and jeopardize your safety.
So, should you attempt to repair your car’s windscreen yourself?
Cracks and chips are inevitable no matter how hard you may try to avoid them. Either due to bumpy roads or harsh weather conditions, you could end up with a few cracks and chips on your windscreen.
Although a DIY repair kit might seem tempting due to being lower priced, it is not an ideal long-term solution. Therefore, if you intend to use it as a temporary fix until you get your windscreen professionally repaired, then you can but it shouldn’t be considered as an effective solution for windscreen chips.
However, keep in mind that it would be better and cost-effective to get your chipped windscreen repaired as soon as possible and as soon as the chip is caused rather than investing in a temporary fix and then also for a professional repair.
A1 Windscreens, the go-to company for all your windscreen repair and replacement requirements
We, at A1 Windscreens, understand how stressful it can get to fix glass chips and cracks and making time to schedule an appointment and go to the garage could be even more time consuming.
Therefore, we provide same day services and on-site repairs even if it means after hours just to ensure your car is up and about in perfect condition to set out on the road.
In conclusion, in order for your windscreen to act effectively as a safety barrier, it should be free from chips and cracks. Additionally, even if it does get chipped or cracked, it should be repaired or replaced soon to prevent further damage and to continue to enjoy its thorough protection while driving on the road.
Although DIY repair kits are affordable and do the job, it is only a temporary fix and shouldn’t be considered as a permanent solution to windscreen chips and cracks.
About the Author: Darren Pay and Justin Oakes are co-owners of A1 Windscreens a window repair and replacement company in Australia that also provides durable window tinting and same day windscreen repair services.
