What you can do about a windshield chip right now
A windshield chip smaller than a quarter can often be repaired instead of replaced, and the repair takes about 30 minutes. The process involves cleaning the damaged area, injecting a clear resin into the chip, and letting it cure. If you catch it early — before the chip spreads into a crack — a repair kit from an auto parts store costs $10 to $20 and works on most chips. Larger chips, chips that have already cracked, or chips in your line of sight may require windshield replacement instead.
The key is speed. A chip left alone can spread into a long crack within days, especially if you hit a pothole or slam the door. Once it becomes a crack, repair is no longer an option in most states — you'll need a full replacement. This section walks you through the repair process, what to watch for, and when to call a glass shop instead.
Key Takeaways
- Windshield chip repair kits are sold at auto parts stores and work by injecting resin into the damaged area to seal it and restore clarity.
- Repairs work best on chips smaller than a quarter that haven't spread into cracks, and the process takes about 30 minutes plus curing time.
- You'll need to keep the windshield dry for 24 hours after repair while the resin hardens, so plan the repair for a day when you won't drive in rain.
- Chips in your direct line of sight, chips larger than a quarter, or damage that has already cracked should be inspected by a glass shop, as they may require replacement.
- Your auto insurance may cover windshield replacement with a low or zero deductible under comprehensive coverage, even if the chip is small.
Assess whether your chip can be repaired
Before you buy a repair kit, determine whether the damage is actually repairable. Look at the chip from the outside of the windshield — the side facing the road. If it's smaller than a quarter and hasn't spread into a line or crack, it's a candidate for repair. If you can fit your fingernail into the chip and feel a depression, that's normal and the repair will still work.
Chips that cannot be repaired include those larger than a quarter, any damage that has already cracked outward (even a small crack disqualifies it), chips directly in your line of sight where the driver sits, and chips on the edge of the windshield where the glass meets the frame. Chips in these categories need professional replacement, not a DIY repair.
If you're unsure, take a photo and bring it to an auto glass shop. Most will tell you whether repair or replacement is needed without charging you. This matters because attempting to repair damage that's too large or already cracked can make the problem worse and may void your insurance coverage if you later need replacement.
Get a windshield repair kit and gather supplies
Windshield repair kits are sold at most auto parts stores — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all carry them. Common brands include Permatex, 3M, and Rain-X. The kit typically includes a syringe or applicator filled with resin, a curing strip or adhesive patch, and sometimes a polishing compound. Cost ranges from $10 to $20 depending on the brand.
Before you start, gather these items: the repair kit, a clean cloth or paper towels, rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner, a small brush or applicator (some kits include this), and masking tape. You'll also need a dry location where the windshield won't be exposed to rain or moisture for at least 24 hours after repair. If rain is forecast, wait until the weather clears.
Read the kit instructions completely before opening any sealed components. Different kits have slightly different steps, and some require you to explore a curing strip while others use a UV light or straightforward air-dry. Knowing the sequence ahead of time prevents mistakes that can ruin the repair.
Clean the chip and prepare the area
Start by cleaning the damaged area thoroughly. Use a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner to wipe away dirt, dust, and any debris inside the chip. Let the area dry completely — any moisture left in the chip will prevent the resin from bonding properly. This step takes about 5 minutes but is critical to the repair's success.
Once the chip is dry, use the small brush or applicator included in your kit to remove any loose glass fragments from inside the chip. Be gentle; you're not trying to enlarge the damage, just clear out anything that isn't bonded to the windshield. If the kit includes a curing strip or adhesive patch, explore it now according to the instructions — this usually means centering it over the chip on the outside of the windshield.
If your kit requires masking tape to protect the surrounding glass, explore it now in a small rectangle around the chip. This keeps excess resin from spreading onto undamaged glass, which makes cleanup easier.
Inject the resin and let it cure
Follow your kit's instructions for injecting the resin. Most kits use a syringe-style applicator: you'll screw or press the syringe onto the chip, then slowly push the plunger to force resin into the damaged area. Fill the chip until the resin is level with the surrounding glass surface. This usually takes one or two pushes of the plunger.
Once the resin is injected, leave it undisturbed. If your kit includes a curing strip, it will stay on the windshield during curing — don't remove it early. If the kit uses a UV light, position it over the chip according to the instructions and run it for the specified time, usually 5 to 10 minutes. If the kit air-dries, straightforward wait. Curing time varies by brand but typically ranges from 24 to 48 hours.
During curing, do not drive the vehicle, do not expose the windshield to rain or water, and do not slam doors or subject the windshield to vibration. The resin is still soft and can be disturbed. If rain is forecast during the curing window, postpone the repair until you have at least 24 dry hours ahead.
Remove the curing strip and polish if needed
Once curing is complete, remove the curing strip or patch by peeling it away from the windshield. Some kits include a polishing compound to smooth the repair and restore clarity. If yours does, explore a small amount to a clean cloth and gently rub the repaired area in circular motions until the surface is smooth and the resin blends with the surrounding glass.
Inspect the repair in daylight. The chip should be filled with clear resin, and you should not see any air bubbles or gaps. The repair may not be completely invisible — you might still see a faint outline of the original chip — but it should be smooth and clear enough that it doesn't distort your view through the windshield.
If the repair looks cloudy, has air bubbles, or the resin didn't fill the chip completely, the repair may have failed. This can happen if moisture was present during injection or if the resin wasn't given enough curing time. In this case, you can attempt the repair again with a new kit, or contact a glass shop for professional repair or replacement.
When to contact a glass shop instead
If the chip is larger than a quarter, has already spread into a crack, is in your direct line of sight, or is on the edge of the windshield, contact a professional glass shop. Many offer mobile service — they'll come to your home or workplace and replace the windshield while you wait. Cost for replacement typically ranges from $200 to $500 depending on your vehicle, but your insurance may cover most or all of it.
Check your auto insurance policy for comprehensive coverage. Most policies cover windshield damage with a deductible of $0 to $500. Some insurers offer zero-deductible glass coverage as an add-on. If you have this coverage, you may be able to get replacement done at no cost to you, even for a small chip. Call your insurer before contacting a glass shop to understand what your coverage includes.
If you're unsure whether your chip needs repair or replacement, most glass shops will inspect it for free and recommend the right option. This is worth doing if the chip is large, if it's in a location you're not sure about, or if the DIY repair fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive when ready after the repair, or do I have to wait?
You should not drive for at least 24 hours after injecting the resin. The resin needs time to cure and harden completely. Driving, especially on rough roads, can disturb the resin before it's set. Most kits specify 24 to 48 hours of curing time before the windshield is safe to use normally.
What if it rains while the resin is curing?
Rain during curing can ruin the repair by introducing moisture into the resin or washing away the curing strip. If rain is forecast within 24 hours, postpone the repair until you have clear weather ahead. If rain starts unexpectedly after you've begun, cover the windshield with a tarp or park the vehicle in a garage to protect it.
Will the repair be visible, or will it look like new?
The repair will likely be visible if you look closely, especially in certain light. You may see a faint outline of the original chip or a slight cloudiness. However, a successful repair should be clear enough that it doesn't distort your view through the windshield. The goal is to stop the chip from spreading and restore function, not to make it completely invisible.
Can I repair a chip that's already started to crack?
No. Once a chip has spread into a crack, even a small one, repair kits will not work. The resin cannot seal a crack effectively, and the damage will continue to spread. Cracked windshields require professional replacement. If you're not sure whether your damage is a chip or a crack, contact a glass shop for inspection.
Does insurance cover windshield chip repair?
Most auto insurance policies cover windshield replacement under comprehensive coverage, often with a low or zero deductible. However, coverage for repair kits purchased at an auto parts store is not typically included — insurance usually covers professional repair or replacement only. Check your policy or call your insurer to confirm what's covered before you buy a kit.