How to Repair a Divot in a Windshield

It happens to even the most careful driver: A pebble spins up off the road from a passing vehicle or flies off a truck, and you end up with a divot in your windshield. If left untreated, such divots can turn into cracks, and you will end up replacing your entire windshield. However, treatment kits are available from most auto repair shops that you can use to fill in the divot with a resin compound, stopping the divot from spreading and saving you from a major repair.

Instructions

1

If you do not have a windshield repair kit on hand, place a piece of clear packing tape over the divot on the inside and outside of your windshield. This will not keep the divot from enlarging, but will help keep it clean until you can repair it more fully. However, don't leave the tape on any longer than absolutely necessary.

2

When you are ready to repair the divot, remove the packing tape and use a razor blade to carefully pick out any loose pieces of glass from the divot.

3

Use glass cleaner and soft cloth or paper towels to clean the damaged area of the windshield. Dry the area thoroughly so the adhesive strip in the repair kit will stick.

4

Remove the backing from one side of the adhesive strip, and press the strip onto the windshield, centering it over the divot. Use your thumbnail or a coin to press the strip firmly onto the glass.

5

Remove the backing from the other side of the adhesive, strip and attach the plastic adapter from the kit to the adhesive.

6

Place some paper towels or cloths on your windshield around the adhesive strip. They will catch any residue that leaks out during your repair. This residue could damage your vehicle's paint.

7

Remove the cap from the end of the syringe, and place it into the adapter.

8

Pull out on the plunger of the syringe, and hold it out for several seconds to pull air out of the divot and push resin in. Let the plunger return to its starting position and then pull it out again. Repeat this plunging motion up to 10 times.

9

Remove the syringe, applicator and adhesive strip.