Repair broken automobile glass by using a windshield repair kit, which uses alternating cycles of suction and pressure to force adhesive into the crack or chip while removing trapped air. Windshield repair kits only work on small chips and cracks and should not be used to fix long cracks.
Long cracks in a windshield are unrepairable, meaning that the entire windshield glass has to be replaced in these cases by a trained professional. Any chip that goes into the glass perpendicularly to the surface or at a slight angle may be able to be repaired. To repair small chips, follow the steps below.
- Purchase a repair kit
- Clean and dry the glass
- Peel the adhesive off the strip
- Place the adapter over the strip
- Pull the syringe handle out to create a vacuum
- Let go of the handle
- Repeat the procedure
- Remove the adapter and syringe
- Clean off the residue
- Shave off any protruding adhesive
Find and purchase a repair kit at auto parts stores or at Wal-Mart. Loctite makes a reliable windshield repair kit, notes PopularMechanics.com.
Clean the glass using acetone or lighter fluid. Be sure it is completely dry and as close to room temperature as possible.
Peel the adhesive off the precut strip and place the strip onto the chip or small crack. Use a blunt object to press the strip flush with the chip.
Position the adapter onto the chip and attach the syringe to the adapter.
Pull out the handle and hold it in place for a full minute.
Let go of the handle abruptly. This forces the adhesive into the crack.
Repeat this procedure six times or until the crack is full of adhesive.
Remove the adapter, syringe and adhesive sheet.
Allow the adhesive to set for a few hours. Clean off the residue with a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol.
After the adhesive sets, use a razor blade to remove any leftover bits of adhesive.
