How to Repair a Car Windshield?

Understanding Common Issues with Car Windshields

Identifying the problem and its cause is the first step toward effective windshield repair. Below is a quick overview of the most common issues car owners face, along with their underlying causes:

How to Repair a Cracked or Chipped Car Windshield?

Begin by thoroughly evaluating the size and severity of the crack or chip on your car's windscreen. Quick fixes can temporarily address small chips and cracks. However, larger or spreading cracks must be promptly repaired or replaced by a professional.

Here are some of the top tips to follow:

Clear Nail Polish or Superglue

Using a clear nail polish or superglue works well for small chips and cracks. In most cases, it will provide a temporary fix until you see a mechanic. Here's what you need to do:

• Step 1: Clean the cracked surface with a microfibre cloth. Make sure it is completely dry.
• Step 2: Apply clear nail polish or superglue (cyanoacrylate) on tiny cracks and chips. It acts as a sealant, preventing further dirt and moisture from seeping in.
• Step 3: Allow it to dry completely.

DIY Windshield Repair Kits

With windshield repair kits, you can temporarily seal the crack and stop it from spreading further. These work on cracks that are less than 30 cm long and have not branched out too much. The kit contains a resin fluid, a syringe-like applicator, and a curing strip. Here's the complete process:

• Step 1: Fill the syringe applicator with the resin fluid and inject it into the crack.
• Step 2: Let the fluid set in the sunlight. If you have a UV lamp, you can use that too.
• Step 3: Apply the curing strip to stop the formation of air bubbles.
• Step 4: Remove the curing strip after keeping it on for the recommended amount of time.
• Step 5: Remove any excess resin left around the crack for a proper finish.

Professional Help

DIY fixes can offer short-term relief, but they are not a permanent solution. It is always advisable to take your car to a professional for proper inspection and repair of any cracks or chips. If the damage is minor, has not spread significantly, and is not in the driver's direct line of sight, technicians typically use a specialised resin to fill and seal the affected area, preventing further damage.

Windshield Replacement

A windshield is made of two glass layers separated by a plastic layer. If a crack affects both the inner and outer glass, the windshield may require complete replacement. Professionals also recommend replacement when the damage lies directly in the driver's line of sight, as even minor distortions after repair can affect visibility, especially at night. The cost of windshield replacement typically ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the car model and type of glass used.

How to Clean a Foggy Windshield?

A foggy windshield increases the risk of accidents, especially at night or during monsoons. Let's find out how to clean a foggy windscreen:

Car Defogger

A defogger is a device that removes condensation or frost from the windshield. This device blows warm and dry air on the glass to evaporate the trapped moisture. The front defogger (used for the windshield) uses the car's HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system to defog. Here's what you need to do:

• Step 1: Start the engine to power the HVAC system.
• Step 2: Press the defogger button on the car dashboard.
• Step 3: Set the temperature to 'hot', and increase the fan speed.
• Step 4: Turn on the air conditioner to assist in removing moisture from the air, and keep the air recirculation mode switched off.

Glass Cleaners

You can also clean a car windshield with a specialised glass cleaning solution. After cleaning, you can apply an anti-fog solution to prevent the glass from getting foggy again. Here's the complete process:

• Step 1: Spray the cleaning solution on the windshield. Start cleaning from the top to the bottom in a horizontal manner.
• Step 2: Wipe the area with a microfibre cloth in an up-down or side-to-side motion. Do not wipe in a circular motion to avoid streaking. You can also use a specialised windshield wiper tool to clean the glass instead of a cloth.
• Step 3: Repeat this process until the windshield is cleaned inside and out.
• Step 4: Apply an anti-fog solution to prevent future fogging. Spray the solution on a microfibre towel and apply it to the glass.

Professional Cleaning

Cleaning the windscreen yourself may not always deliver the best results, as leftover residue from cleaning solutions can cause smears or streaks. Given the heat and dust of Indian road conditions, regular products may also not do the job. Professional cleaners use high-quality, heavy-duty solutions, such as ammonia-free, fast-drying, and weather-resistant formulas, to ensure a clear, spotless, and streak-free finish.

Does Car Insurance Cover Damage to the Car's Windshield?

Yes, car insurance covers the damages to the windshield of your vehicle. It is covered under a standalone own-damage or comprehensive car insurance policy, provided it results from a covered event, such as accidents, collisions, natural calamities, fire, explosions, theft, and man-made incidents such as riots, vandalism or strikes.

For instance, a windshield damaged in an accident is eligible for coverage, whereas cracks due to normal wear and tear are not. When the damage is caused by a covered event, the policy generally covers the cost of repair or replacement of the windshield.

Should You File a Claim Under Car Insurance for Windshield Repairs?

If your windshield needs repair or replacement, filing a car insurance claim can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. However, it is not always the best choice, especially for minor repairs. Small fixes are often inexpensive, and raising a claim in such cases may lead to the loss of your No Claim Bonus (NCB), increasing your future premiums. Filing a claim is generally useful when the damage is extensive and requires full windshield replacement, which can be relatively costly.

Before making a decision, consider whether the cause of damage is covered under your policy and compare the repair cost with your deductible. If the damage is not covered or the repair cost is lower than the deductible, filing a claim may not be beneficial.