How to Repair a Windshield with Superglue
by Robert Russell
It is difficult to avoid nicks and chips in your windshield caused by pebbles and various forms of road debris. The important thing is to deal with the damage before it becomes a bigger problem. Nicks and chips in the windshield are repairable in most cases. However, when nicks and chips go unrepaired, there is a risk that they might spread, turning into larger cracks and possibly leading to the entire windshield needing to be replaced. The best option for repairing a nick or chip is to purchase a windshield repair kit which comes with a syringe, a suction device and adhesive. The second option is to improvise a windshield repair kit with a screwdriver and Super Glue. The second option works well for minor nicks and chips. If the damage is more serious, purchase a windshield repair kit.
Step 1
Clean the windshield with a glass cleaner and soft cloth. Give special attention to the nick or chip.
Step 2
Visually inspect the nick or chip with a magnifying glass. The nick or chip is repairable if it is limited to the surface layer of the glass. Windshields contain three layers. Two sheets of glass are the exterior and the interior sides of the windshield. A laminated sheet of glass is sandwiched between the exterior and the interior glass.
Step 3
Cover the hood of the car with plastic or place tarp close to the windshield. Super glue is extremely difficult to remove from a painted surface without damaging the paint. A tarp is an important safety precaution that protects your car if you drip glue by accident.
Step 4
Tape the head of flat screwdriver with masking tape, then enlist the aid of a friend to sit inside the car and place the taped head of the screwdriver on the nick from inside the car.
Step 5
Apply the superglue to the nick on the exterior side of the windshield. Ask your friend to press up on the nick with the screwdriver. The upward pressure will slightly open up the nick allowing the Super Glue to better penetrate the nick.
References
Things You'll Need
- Glass cleaner
- Soft cloth
- Magnifying glass
- Super Glue
- Screwdriver
- Masking tape
- Tarp/ plastic
Writer Bio
Robert Russell began writing online professionally in 2010. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and is currently working on a book project exploring the relationship between art, entertainment and culture. He is the guitar player for the nationally touring cajun/zydeco band Creole Stomp. Russell travels with his laptop and writes many of his articles on the road between gigs.
