Sep 13, 2018 If your vehicle's windshield gets chipped or cracked, should you repair or replace it? Regardless of where you live, your windshield may take a beating. There could be pea gravel falling from uncovered construction trucks, sanitation vehicles laying down salt and sand when the weather calls for it and the occasional chunk of unknown debris kicked up.
If you have experienced cracks or chips in your windshield, then kits made specifically to fix that problem can help minimize the damage and halt the spread of the cracks. The kits work best immediately after the cracks appear. If you delay, dirt and water will fill the cracks, making it harder for repairs to work well.
Windshield repair kits reduce the time you would spend searching for a mechanic for fixing or replacing. You can do it yourself – as long as you follow the instructions – and your windshield cracks and chips will be hidden.
Best Windshield Repair Kits 2019-2020
Model | Our rating |
---|---|
Rain-X 60001 Repair Kit Editor's Choice | 9.8 |
Clearshield Professional Kit | 9.7 |
Blue Star | 9.3 |
Permatex 09103 | 9.2 |
3M AUTO 08580 | 8.6 |
Rain-X 60001 – Best Windshield Kit
The kit consists of one gram of resin, curing strips, and a sleeved razor blade. It should be used the moment cracks appear and before dirt has accumulated. The resin will expel any air from the cracks and make the windshield stronger. The kit is recommended for cracks less than 12 inches long and for round damage not more than an inch in diameter.You can use the Rain-X on all types of laminated windshields, but not where is the damage has penetrated more than one layer of glass. The kit offers excellent value for money because you can use the kit for multiple repairs.
The kit is great for people who have never used windshield repair kits before. There are clear do-it-yourself instructions that, when followed, ensure outstanding results. Once the resin is applied, your windshield becomes stronger than before. It is advisable that you be patient with the process —you should see a significant change in the glass after around 30 minutes.
Pros:
- Simple to apply
- Durable resin
- Can be used for multiple repairs
- Works on all types of laminated glass
Cons:
- Cracks can still be visible upon close inspection,
Clearshield Professional Kit – Most Comprehensive Windshield Toolkit
This kit comes with everything from cordless UV light to 20 carbide drill bits; you have everything you need for proper repairs. The toolkit can be used to make more than 200 repairs -. Only one person is needed for repairs.The kit offers great value, considering all the extras in the box. It should not come as a surprise that most professionals who repair windshields use this kit.
Included in the large box are the following items: 8 inner O-rings, a toolbox, 4 external end seals, 100 curing squares, 10 razor blades, 1 collet, 1 drill set with battery, a drill and charger, a 30 ml thin resin bottle, and a UV light.
Pros:
- Kit has all you need for repairs.
- Offers great value for money
- Kit will make over 200 repairs.
Cons:
- Some of the items are basic items in most windshield toolkits
Blue Star – Oldest Windshield Repair Kit
The windshield repair kit can be used for damaged or chipped windshields. The active ingredient is a resin substance that uses the sun rays to harden. You can use it on glass that has been damaged by stones, pebbles, or small rocks. This product prevents the cracks from spreading.Inside the pack you will find 1 Blue Star repair injector, 1 resin chamber pedestal, 1 adhesive alignment seal, 1 razorblade, 1 tube of quick cure resin, 1 mylar curing film, and an instruction manual sheet in both English and Spanish.
The brand has been in the motor vehicle industry since 1978 and has built a following because it is one of the best windshield repair kits. The kit is designed to enable a car owner to do the repairs by him or herself. It works on cracks up to one inch diameter in size.
DIY Video
Pros:
- The resin is tough and can absorb shocks
- Being in the industry for a long time, the company has a well- established reputation
- You can apply the resin at any time of the day
- Restores windshield visibility
Cons:
- One kit does one repair
Permatex 09103 – Best Windshield Kit for Beginners
The kit has everything that you need to perform repairs without any help. Included are photographs to guide you in the process. If you have not used a windshield kit, then the Permatex could be the best choice for you because it uses a state-of-the-art delivery system that utilizes a spring lock feature; this means the manufacturers have done the mixing for you—all you need is to apply it.The resin strengthens under sunlight, but you need to apply it in a shaded area. The resin offers a permanent cure to cracks. You can use the kit on laminated windshields, including bullseyes of up to 1 ¼ inches in diameter.
Inside the package, you will find 1 adhesive disc, a Permatex windshield repair syringe and plunger, 1 pedestal, 1 push pin, 1 curing pin, 1 alcohol towelette, and 1 instruction sheet.
Repair cracked windshield with Permatex
Pros:
- Strong resin for permanent fixing
- Spring lock feature removes the necessity of mixing.
- Handles bullseyes of up to 1 ¼ inches
- Easy-to-follow instructions with photographs
Cons:
- Requires sunlight for the resin to harden
3M AUTO 08580 – Most Advanced Formula
![Repair Repair](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125850449/929543813.jpg)
You can use the kit to repair bullseyes and chips. The substance prevents the cracks from spreading. The best part about all this is that once the 3M is applied, your window looks brand new, as the damage is minimized.
3M has very detailed instructions that make repairing a broken windshield a walk in the park. Since there is no mixing involved, you should be done in a few minutes. It’s important to understand that you should fix the cracks as soon as possible because if they spread, you will need to get a new windshield.
Pros:
- Repairs chips, small bullseyes, spider web cracks, and star damage
- Mixing or heating not required
- The kit reduces the appearance of glass chips, which makes the windshield look like new
- Clear instructions make the process simple and fast.
Cons:
- Cracks in a driver’s direct line of vision should be repaired professionally.
Conclusion
Windshield cracks are unavoidable accidents that happen to any motorist. The cost of buying a new windshield can be prohibitive, which is why it is advisable to always have a windshield repair kit on standby. You can fix the cracks and prevent further damage to your windshield. One common denominator is that most are made from resin, which expels air and seals the cracks. Based on these reviews, the best windshield repair kit is the Rain-X 60001.
Different states have different laws regarding cracked windshields. A damaged windshield on your car can lead to all kinds of hazardous situations, but Texas traffic laws do allow driving with a damaged windshield under certain circumstances. Further clarification of the law is available below!
Is driving with a cracked windshield legal in Texas?
Texas laws do not mention cracked or damaged windshields. During vehicle inspections, your car will pass inspection even with a cracked windshield.
However, windshield wipers are a part of your vehicle inspection. Any cracks which may cause the glass to change shape by becoming convex or concave can result in a failed inspection.
Furthermore, Texas does have laws against obstructed views. You are not permitted to apply stickers, advertisements, or other objects which may prevent clear view of the road. In case the windshield crack is in your line of sight it can be considered distracting and you can receive a fine.
Lack of proper rules and regulations means it’s usually up to each police officer’s discretion whether you’ll be issued a citation or not. Unless the crack is in corner and preferably on passengers side, it’s likely you will have to pay a fine and replace or repair your windshield or other cracked windows.
Vehicle inspection:
According to Texas Department of Public Safety, Items of Inspection FAQ, your car will not pass inspection if:
The windshield is NOT an item of inspection. However, the windshield wipers are. Be sure that the crack does not cause the wipers to tear and that the crack has not caused the windshield to become concave or convex so the wipers loose contact with the windshield.
Inspection guidelines above are only guidelines. While your car may pass inspection, police can still ticket you in case they determine your vision of the road is impaired.
Windshield repair or replace?
Should you repair or replace your windshield? Depending on the extent of the damage on your car’s windshield you may be able to repair it, or otherwise completely replace it.
If the crack on your windshield is less than 3″ in length, or if you have a small chip which is smaller than the size of a quarter you should be able to repair your windshield, which will cost less than replacing it. In fact, your insurance company may even cover your repair bill if you have road hazard coverage, though you should consult with them first to see if they do.
If your windshield is cracked directly in front of the driver’s line of sight some shops may decline repairing it, since even then it can obstruct your vision and cause safety concerns. If your windshield is too damaged you may have to replace it completely, which can cost a few hundred dollars.
Cracked windshield safety concerns
Do note that impaired vision is not the only reason why you should repair or replace your broken or damaged car windshield. An undamaged windshield is stronger and in case of accidents can prevent further injuries.
In a rollover wreck, the strength of the windshield/sealant system is designed to keep the roof from crushing more than 5 inches when there is a force of approx 1-1/2 times the weight of the vehicle on the roof. In a front end collision at approximately 30mph, the windshield/sealant system is designed to keep at least 50% of the glass sealed to the car which could keep occupants from being ejected.
While you can drive with a cracked windshield and may avoid a ticket from police, it’s certainly not advisable as having a cracked windshield can be dangerous and potentially against the law.
This article about Texas Cracked Windshield Laws was last updated in 2020. If any of our information is incomplete or outdated please let us know. Thank you!