Windshield Repair Kit: How to Fix a Chip
A windshield repair kit fills a small chip or crack with resin and helps stop it from spreading, if the damage sits inside the kit's stated limits.
On this page
A stone flicked up on the drive home leaves a chip in the windshield, and the choice is between a repair now or a replacement later. A windshield repair kit is the answer for a small chip: a resin kit that fills the break and helps stop it from spreading. This guide explains what a kit can fix, what the limits are, and which kits fit the job.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. GarageToolHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit for Chips
Resin kit for chips, cracks and bullseyes, for round damage below 1 in and cracks smaller than 12 in.
Pros
- Handles round damage below 1 in and cracks smaller than 12 in
- Good for multiple repairs, per the listing
- Resin sets in direct sunlight with curing strips
- Stated for laminated windshields, up to the first layer
Cons
- No warranty stated; the listing says No Warranty
- Round damage limit is below 1 in
- Repair must be made before dirt or water contaminates the break
- Too much pressure can extend the crack, per the listing
Permatex 09103 Automotive Windshield Repair Kit
9-piece kit with a spring-lock syringe for bullseye damage up to 1¼ in, set in sunlight in 15 minutes.
Pros
- Spring-lock syringe controls pressure automatically
- Bullseye damage up to 1¼ in in diameter
- Sets in sunlight in 15 minutes, no UV lamp needed
- 9-piece kit with photo instructions included
Cons
- No warranty stated on the listing
- Listed weight of 0.000625 pounds does not match a 9-piece kit
- Stated for bullseye damage; no crack length limit is stated
- No multiple-repair claim is stated
Car Windshield Crack Repair Kit
Liquid resin kit with a 3-step process stated at 5 to 10 minutes and a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- 2-year manufacturer warranty stated on the listing
- 3-step process stated at 5 to 10 minutes
- Resin matches the optical clarity of car glass
- Curing film and blade included, per the listing
Cons
- No damage size limit is stated on the listing
- No contents list beyond the curing film and blade
- The listing mentions filling airbags, which does not match a glass repair
- No dimensions are stated on the listing
GSTOL Windshield Repair Kit
Compact kit for small chips, bullseyes, star breaks and minor cracks, with a 30-day warranty.
Pros
- Covers small chips, bullseyes, star breaks and minor cracks
- Compact and lightweight for car or garage storage
- 30-day warranty stated on the listing
- No complicated equipment needed
Cons
- No damage size limit is stated on the listing
- No kit contents list is stated on the listing
- No set time is stated on the listing
- No resin amount is stated on the listing
Windshield repair kit: what it fixes
| Damage | Kit limit | What the listings state |
|---|---|---|
| Round chip | Below 1 in across | Rain-X states round damage below 1 in in diameter |
| Bullseye | Up to 1¼ in across | Permatex states bullseye damage up to 1¼ in in diameter |
| Crack | Smaller than 12 in long | Rain-X states cracks smaller than 12 in in length |
| Star break | Small breaks only | GSTOL states small chips, bullseyes, star breaks and minor cracks |
The limits matter more than the brand. A kit fills a small break in laminated glass; it does not rebuild a windshield. Repair the damage as soon as possible after it occurs, before dirt or water contaminates the break, and check the stated limits against the damage in front of you.
What a kit can and cannot fix
A windshield repair kit works on laminated windshields, where the resin fills the break in the outer layer of glass. Rain-X states its kit repairs all types of laminated windshields up to the first layer of windshield glass. A break past the stated limits, a crack in the driver’s line of sight, or damage that has already collected dirt needs a pro to judge it, not a kit.
The kits that fix the chip
The kits below handle the repair step itself: each kit is a resin kit for chips and small cracks, ranked by the stated limits, kit contents and listing detail.
How a repair works
The job follows the same shape in the kits that state steps: clean the damaged surface, apply the resin, cover it with a curing strip or film, move the windshield into direct sunlight so the resin sets, and scrape off the excess. Permatex states a 15 minute set in sunlight, and JOPHY states a 5 to 10 minute process. Rain-X warns against applying resin too quickly, against too much pressure, and against repairing a contaminated crack: air pockets can compromise the result, and too much pressure can extend the crack.
Safety
Do not drive with a crack that blocks the driver’s view, and do not press hard on the repair device: Rain-X states that too much pressure can extend the crack. Apply light, even pressure only, and let the resin do the work. If the damage sits in the driver’s line of sight, or past the stated limits of the kit, have a pro look at it before driving.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
FAQ: garage tools
How big a chip can a windshield repair kit fix?
Rain-X states round damage below 1 in in diameter and cracks smaller than 12 in in length, and Permatex states bullseye damage up to 1¼ in in diameter. Measure the damage against those limits.
How long does a windshield repair take?
JOPHY states a 5 to 10 minute process, and Permatex states 15 minutes in sunlight for the resin to set. Rain-X states only that the job takes minutes.
Does a windshield repair kit work on long cracks?
Only within the stated limits. Rain-X states cracks smaller than 12 in in length, and a crack past that limit needs a pro to judge whether the windshield needs replacement.
What is in a windshield repair kit?
It varies by kit. The Permatex 9-piece kit lists a syringe, resin compound, adhesive disc, pedestal, curing strip, push pin, razor blade, prep towelette and photo instructions. The JOPHY kit includes a curing film and a blade.
Should I repair or replace a cracked windshield?
Repair a small chip or crack inside the kit’s stated limits and away from the driver’s line of sight. A crack past the limits, a break full of dirt, or damage in the driver’s view needs a pro to judge it.
Related: best glass cleaner for car, best glass sealant for car windows, best headlight restoration kit and the garage upgrades hub.
