Windshield Scratch Repair

Oops! Your car windshield has got a scratch, thanks to the rough weather and some bad drivers. Be aware of this, as it may turn out to be a major problem later. The worst part, to top it all is that a scratch would not go away. The only thing that you can do in this situation is to repair it or first at least check out if it can be repaired by you.

How to Repair a Windshield Scratch

Determining the Type of Scratch

You would know whether the scratch can be repaired or not by rubbing it with your fingernail. If it feels smooth when you run your fingernail over the glass is a surface scratch. On the contrary, if your fingernail gets stuck in it, consider that the scratch is pretty deep and the whole windshield may have to be changed. If it is on the surface it can be repaired, here is how it can be done.

Instructions: Part 1

• First things first, you need to buy a do-it-yourself glass repair kit. This way, there would be no need to hire a professional for fixing a minor scratch. You would get that kit in nearby auto repair shop.
• Now clean the windshield with soap and water or any good glass cleaning solution, thoroughly. See to it that there is no speck of dust on the glass.
• Then rinse and wipe it, totally dry prior to you trying to fix the glass.
• Now apply a glass rubbing compound on the scratch, which will be there in the repair kit. This will resemble a toothpaste.
• Next thing you do is spray water on the scratch covered by the compound.
• Now use a soft cloth and rub the compound in. Make sure that you do it gently and with care.
• Let the compound dry, it will take around 30 minutes for that.

Instructions: Part 2

• You would need to get hold of duct tape, distilled water, wash cloth and a polishing disk for accomplishing this task.
• Use distilled water only, as it will remove the abrasions in the glass.
• If you have any paintwork on the windshield, cover it to prevent it from getting spoiled.
• Clean the glass gently using a soft cloth soaked in distilled water in circular motions.
• Now this gets interesting. Make a dam using the duct tape on the windshield.
• Stick a side of the duct tape on the windshield.
• Get another strip of tape same in size as the first one and stick the two pieces of tape together, sticky sides.
• Do the same over, only that it should be horizontal.
• We did this because we want to ensure the best use of water and to avoid spilling it.
• Connect a polishing disc to the buffing machine.
• Gently buff the damaged area after making sure that the machine is working properly.
• If you feel like, do this with another disk and once you finish doing this, your windshield will be as good as ever before. There would be no ripples or damage on the glass.
• Get rid of the duct tape now and clean the windshield along with all other tools used.

Kudos! You are now done with the repair! Wasn't it easy?

At the end of the day if you know this, you are surely going to save a buck or two. There would be no need to call a pro and give him a cost which could start from around $50 and may go up as the severity of the crack increases. At the same time, it also important to remember that getting rid of scratches might take a while, so be patient.