How to Fix a Cracked Windshield: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to repair a small windshield crack yourself with this simple DIY guide. Save time and money by fixing stone chips before they spread.

Automotive

FigsiT Project Rating

DIY-friendly

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from glass shards and resin, and avoid getting resin on your skin or the car's paint.

Safety gear: Safety glasses, Work gloves

Where to find it

The windshield is the large glass panel at the front of the vehicle. The chip or crack is usually visible from the outside; place a piece of colored paper on the inside of the glass behind the damage to make it easier to see.

What it looks like

A small circular bullseye, star-shaped pattern, or a short line in the glass.

Tools Required (5)

Not sure what something is? Tap it to see a picture.

Parts (1)

Get the exact part. Parts change by year, make, model and engine. Give the parts store all four, or your VIN (it's on your registration, on the sticker inside the driver's door, and on the dashboard where it meets the windshield on the driver's side), and they'll match the right part for your vehicle.

Tell FigsiT your exact setup and get your personal tools list, materials, and steps in seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1.
Assess the damage: if the crack is in your direct line of sight, longer than a few inches, or near the edge of the glass, have a professional repair or replace it to ensure safety.
2.
Park the vehicle in a shaded area and ensure the windshield temperature is between 50°F and 75°F before starting.
3.
Clean the area: stand outside the vehicle facing the windshield, use a microfiber cloth with glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol to wipe the area around the chip, and let it dry completely.
4.
Clear loose glass: use a safety pin or needle to gently remove any loose glass shards or debris from the impact point.
5.
Give the parts store your year, make, and model so they match the exact repair kit for your windshield type.
6.
Follow the specific kit instructions to attach the adhesive seal and applicator pedestal over the chip, ensuring an airtight bond.
7.
Inject the resin into the pedestal and use the syringe or plunger to create a vacuum, which pulls air out of the chip and forces the resin into the cracks.
8.
Apply the curing strip over the resin and park the vehicle in direct sunlight for the time specified in your kit instructions to harden the resin.
9.
Once cured, use the razor blade held at a 45-degree angle to scrape away any excess hardened resin until the surface is flush with the glass.