5 Windshield Repair Mistakes You Should Avoid

Although windshield repairs are meant to fix chips, cracks, and other damages, they can result in costlier damages when not done correctly. Your lack of expertise and experience can make auto glass repairs quite challenging, resulting in the risk of errors that can damage your windshield further or create a safety hazard. Discussed below are five windshield repair mistakes you should avoid.

Delaying windshield repairs

Delaying windshield repairs, no matter how minor, can have severe consequences, including:

• Increasing damage: While your windshield might have a small chip or crack, the damage may not remain the same. Temperature changes, riding over bumps, and the vehicle’s vibration can result in the damage spreading swiftly. When the damage becomes too significant, your windshield might require full replacement
• Safety threat: A damaged windshield poses a major threat to you and other vehicle occupants. It can cause accidents because of reduced visibility or not protecting you in the event of a crash
• High costs: As your windshield’s damage expands, its repair costs also rise

Ensuring immediate windshield repair can help prevent the possibility of damages escalating and leading to costly repairs. Repairing your windshield as soon as you notice a crack or a chip can also help safeguard your safety.

Not hiring a professional auto glass repair service

When faced with a cracked or chipped windshield, you may be tempted to repair it yourself to cut costs. However, this isn’t advisable because it can lead to numerous negative consequences, including the following:

• Inadequate repairs: Most DIY windshield repairs don’t offer a permanent solution. Chips and cracks can quickly reappear, resulting in more damage and comprehensive repairs. Besides wasting time and money, this can lead to a full windshield replacement
• Safety hazards: A poorly repaired auto glass can impair your visibility on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents. In addition, an incorrectly installed windshield might not offer sufficient structural support in a collision, compromising your safety
• Reduced value: When poorly repaired, an auto glass can make your vehicle lose value, attracting low offers when selling or trading in the car
• Insurance challenges: For most insurance companies to maintain coverage, they need repairs done by certified professionals. Attempting a DIY windshield repair can jeopardize your claim, leading to unexpected out-of-pocket repair expenses

Hiring a professional windshield repair expert from Van Isle glass service can help ensure the work is done correctly, efficiently, and safely.

Using low-quality windshield repair kits

Low-quality windshield repair kits are available on the market and may be alluring due to their low cost. However, they often don’t deliver the safety and quality required to withstand extreme weather conditions. Intense UV and heat exposure can lead to fast repair degradation, causing cracks to spread, which necessitates more extensive repairs or windshield replacement. 

Poor-quality windshield repair kits also have low-quality resin, which leads to weak repairs. Opting for premium quality repair kits or a professional repair service can help guarantee safety and quality fixes.

Not replacing the adhesive

The adhesive is crucial for keeping your car’s windshield secured in place. Failure to replace this adhesive when repairing the windshield means the auto glass won’t be well secured to the vehicle frame due to the weak bond. 

This can lead to jeopardized structural integrity, leaks, and safety risks, particularly when exposed to impacts or extreme temperatures. When repairing your windshield, replace the old adhesive with a fresh, premium-quality one to ensure a more secure bond.

Failure to clean the damaged area well

Failure to clean a chip or crack before repairing it can result in moisture, debris, and dirt interfering with the repair material’s (resin) bonding. This can lead to repairs that appear opaque or dirty or have air bubbles, lowering visibility and creating a safety hazard. During windshield repairs, ensure the crack or chip is thoroughly cleaned and dry before using the repair resin.

Endnote

Windshield repair errors can result in extensive damage and more expensive repairs. Some windshield repair mistakes you should avoid include not hiring a professional auto glass repair service, delaying windshield repairs, and not replacing the adhesive.