You’ve probably seen windshield repair kits on the shelves of your local auto store that promise cheap and easy fixes for windshield chips and cracks. While they may seem like a convenient solution, using these kits can cause more harm than good.
Why a DIY Windshield Repair Kit Isn’t the Best Solution
A DIY windshield repair kit can create a number of problems, including voiding your car’s warranty and safety issues. Let’s review the common problems.
Car Warranty and Insurance Implications
Windshield repair kits could end up costing you more in the long run by voiding your vehicle's warranty. Many manufacturers require professional repairs to ensure the work meets safety standards, and using a DIY kit could leave you without coverage. Additionally, insurance companies may deny your claim if the repair was done improperly or not by a certified technician, leaving you to foot the bill for further damage or a full replacement.
Risk of Incorrect Installation
Using a DIY windshield repair kit requires precision; missing a step, applying the resin unevenly, or failing to seal the crack properly can result in incomplete repairs. This leaves your windshield vulnerable to further damage, and even small errors can create weak spots that could cause the glass to shatter unexpectedly. Without professional tools or experience, it's easy to overlook potential problems during the repair, putting both your safety and the effectiveness of the repair at risk.
Windshield Repair Kits Can Obscure Visibility
One of the biggest risks of using a DIY windshield repair kit is that it can leave behind imperfections that obscure your vision. Even if the crack appears sealed, improper resin application can create bubbles, streaks, or uneven surfaces that distort your view of the road. This is especially dangerous at night or in bad weather when clear visibility is crucial for safe driving.
Windshield Repair Kits are Not Permanent Solutions
Windshield repair kits are designed to provide a temporary solution, not a permanent fix. While they may help prevent a crack from spreading in the short term, these kits aren't built to fully restore the strength and clarity of your windshield. Over time, the repaired area can weaken, especially under the stress of extreme temperatures or road vibrations. Ultimately, these kits are meant to buy you some time until you can get a professional repair, not to be a long-term solution.
Glass Doctor® Windshield Repair and Replacement Services
When you choose Glass Doctor for windshield repair or replacement, you’re getting more than just a quick fix—you’re getting professional, precision-driven service from experts who care about your safety. Our glass specialists follow the NWRA National Windshield Repair Association and ROLAGS - Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standards. This organization governs the repair industry. They established the ROLAGS standard for the industry to follow, ensuring repairs are performed to the standard. Glass Doctor uses only Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) materials to ensure your windshield is installed with care and accuracy.
At Glass Doctor, we believe in transparent pricing. With our upfront, flat-rate pricing model, you’ll know exactly what to expect before we start any work—no hidden fees or surprises. Plus, we have locations across the country, convenient mobile services, and stand behind our work with both the Windshield Protection Plan, our Road Hazard Warranty, as well as the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, so you can rest assured your window repair or replacement service is in good hands no matter where you are.
Request a Quote Today!
Don’t wait until that small crack turns into a bigger problem. Trust the glass specialists at Glass Doctor to restore your windshield’s strength and clarity with professional windshield repair and replacement services. Give us a call at (833) 974-0209, or get a quote online today.
This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Glass Doctor is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content.
DIY Windshield Repair Kit FAQ
Glass Doctor is a trusted provider of NWRA ROLAGS-compliant windshield repair and replacement services across the United States. From minor windshield chips to severe cracks, our glass specialists have seen it all, so you can trust us to answer all your windshield repair and replacement questions with precision and expertise.
Do Windshield Repair Kits Actually Work?
Windshield repair kits may offer a temporary fix for small chips or cracks, but they don’t provide a long-term solution. Without the right tools or expertise, DIY repairs can leave your windshield vulnerable to further damage.
Is it Better to Repair Windshield Chips DIY or Professional?
It’s always better to have windshield chips repaired by a professional. DIY kits often fail to fully seal the damage, leaving your safety and your windshield at risk. For a safer, more reliable repair, it's best to trust the professionals at Glass Doctor.
When Should You Not Use a DIY Windshield Repair Kit?
You should avoid using a DIY windshield repair kit if the chip or crack is larger than a quarter, is in the driver's line of sight, or if the damage is near the edge of the windshield. DIY kits can’t provide the structural integrity needed for these situations, so a professional repair is necessary to ensure your safety.
What Is the Biggest Windshield Crack that Can Be Repaired?
Typically, cracks no longer than 3 inches and chips no larger than a quarter can be repaired by a professional. Any larger damage requires a full windshield replacement. These guidelines are established by the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard, established and maintained by the National Windshield Repair Association.
Will Super Glue Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading?
No. Super glue is not a reliable or safe way to stop a windshield crack from spreading. Super glue doesn’t provide the necessary strength or seal to prevent further damage. For a proper and long-lasting fix, have your windshield professionally repaired.