The automobile windshield chip repair problem with ignoring the damage is that it will grow worse with time. Replacements have their downsides as well. Besides spending up to $350, you lose the original manufacture seal. Many replacements are done incorrectly and can leak and crack. What is the alternative?
Park your vehicle in a garage or under a shelter. If possible, park your vehicle in an area where it will be insulated from the harsh environment. This will not only protect it from ice, but from falling limbs or other hazards this time of year.
A lot of people are confused between repair and replacement. There are those that opt for ready home kits to repair their windshields only to find out that they could not fix the problem. In essence, simple damage such as chips or cracks that is less than 3 inches can be repaired. However, when it becomes severe, you need to have it replaced. Also, damage within the critical vision area cannot be repaired so no matter how small it is, windshield repair is the only solution.
Now you have 3 options. You can pay out of pocket, you can have your insurance company cover the cost, or you can do the repair yourself. The cost out of pocket will vary from $30-$60, depending on the company you chose. Filing with insurance is easy because it is no cost to you, and the auto glass repair company deals with the paperwork. You can also attempt the repair yourself, but if you do not feel comfortable, i would suggest calling a professional. There is a good step by step windshield repair Instructable available, as well as other information online.
Carefully read and understand the instruction manual that comes with your newly purchased windshield repair kit before performing the repair. Now, here's how to fix the cracks on your windshield. First, use an auto glass cleaner to remove dirt from the crack and the area around it. Then dry the crack using a clean rag or towel. Use a safety pin to take out any remaining debris on the crack. Next place the suction cup onto the windshield using the adhesive included in the kit. Then mount the injector on the suction cup. Next, inject the resin; this will remove the air between the windshield and the suction cup.
Auto Glass Specialists constantly remind us to check the genuine of the glass we purchase from the market and also to look for the service thereafter. We should not fall prey for cheap substitutes, where we know that for a fairly higher price we get the best.