How to Test if Windshield Chip Repair Is Done Successfully?

It has been observed that four out of 5 windshields can be repaired, and in most cases, it is simple, quick, and cost-effective. One of the most common damages in four-wheelers is a chipped windscreen, which stones, or rocks can cause. Bigger chips or cracks can also happen due to various factors. Even small chips need repairing so that you can prevent them from becoming cracked. Once the windscreen chip repair is done, you need to check if the repair is done successfully. 

How is windscreen repair done?

Windscreen repair is done by injecting a clear adhesive substance into the chip/ crack, which works as filler and spreads across the cracked surface. Then, the adhesive is left to dry with UV light, followed by polishing so the repair will blend in the windscreen. Small chips should be unrecognizable unless you look at them up closely. 

It is to be known that even after the repairs, the windscreen will not look brand new, and there will be a difference. However, it is more apparent if the chip or crack is larger. That doesn’t mean the repair was unsuccessful, but you have all the right to check if they did the job correctly. 

Once the windscreen repair has been done, you should inspect the windscreen closely where you repaired the chip. Though repair will not offer a flawless finish, you must look for a few things during the inspection.

Things to look for when checking windshield repair:

• You must look for clarity of the repair as it should not be cloudy in appearance.
• There should be no air bubbles on the repair site as it indicates dirt, air, and debris that was not removed while injecting the liquid resin.
• The chipped site should be smooth in touch. It should not be rough or have protrusions.
• You should not be able to see the broken glass. The chip should be visible even when you have a close look at it.
• Once the chip has been repaired, the chip or crack should not develop and grow in size. 

If you feel that you are not satisfied with the finish, unfortunately, there is nothing much that can be done about it, as once the resin has been inserted and dried, it gets hardened. The results of the windscreen chip repair depend on the size of the initial damage and how fast it was repaired. 

Therefore, getting the windscreen repaired as early as possible after the damage is always recommended. If you are not happy with the results of the work being done correctly, it is better to replace the windscreen completely. 

As you can’t undo windscreen repair, you can discuss with the service provider in advance your expectations from the windscreen repair so that they remain careful, which can help prevent an unpleasant situation. 

Tips for maintaining the windscreen

• Keep the windscreen clean so there is no dirt, debris, stone, etc., on the windshield. 
• Daily usage and the sun can damage the wipers. They can damage the windscreen. Hence, you must replace the windshield every 6-8 months.
• Get the windscreen regularly inspected by professionals to ensure its quality and maintenance. 

The information mentioned above will help maintain your windscreen and get a quality repair done in case of chipping. If you need the repairs to be done, choose well-trained and experienced technicians who can perform the job as expected.