How to remove a windshield chip

Getting a chip on your windshield can do more than just look ugly. A chip can develop very quickly in a large crack, allowing moisture in the layers of the windshield, which then would have to be replaced. However, as long as the chip is less than a quarter, it is possible to repair the damage to itself. Windshield (or windshield) repair kits are available in the automotive section of most major retailers.

Explanation

• Dry the windshield completely. If it is raining or snowing, move the car in a garage to allow it to dry. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the process, but you should make sure there is no moisture inside the chip. If there is, it will get sealed in and cause the windshield to fog.
• Clean the damaged area with acetone and a paper towel. Acetone evaporates quickly, but does not use it so much that it gets soaked in the chip.
• Peel the adhesive tape support film from the repair kit and press the strip into the windshield, centered on the chip. Rub the nail to make sure it has a very strong bond. Once you are secure, remove the front part of the film, leaving only the adhesive strip.
• Glue the plastic adapter over the adhesive strip, centered over the chip. Make sure it is secured by rubbing with the nail.
• Turn the syringe until adhesive (with the plunger pointing to the floor) and remove the cap. Pull the plunger a little backward to prevent material from spilling out of the tip.
• Place the tip of the syringe into the plastic adapter.
• Pull the plunger back with the syringe connected to the adapter. This will create a vacuum, pulling all the air off the chip. Hold the plunger in this way for a full minute, allowing the air from the chip to bubble through the adhesive. The adhesive will be set at the tip of the plunger.
• Release the plunger handle once all the air has bubbled through the adhesive. The vacuum is forced on the chip.
• Repeat the recoil and release action four or five times to fully impregnate the chip with adhesive.
• Remove the syringe, plastic adapter and tape from the windshield.
• Wipe the excess glue from the windscreen with acetone on a paper towel, but be sure to leave a protrusion on the chip.
• Allow the adhesive to dry for several hours.
• Use a sharp razor blade to cut the adhesive bump off the windshield, to complete the repair.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not try to manually pump adhesive at the tip. If the adhesive strip sprouts a leak, you will have a mess in your hands.