Top 5 Best Windshield Repair Kits (2020 Review)

If you are on the hunt for the best windshield repair kit, then it is quite likely that your windshield glass has found itself on the losing side of a battle with road debris, such as a rock.

Unfortunately, we all know this song in dance a lot better than we probably ever had wished to. As you are driving along, not a care in the world, the sound of a sudden impact draws you to attention. Nervously, you scan your field of view for any signs of damage.

It is at this point that you notice a small, yet aggravating, dime-sized rock chip in your windshield. Many times, we automatically start figuring the estimated cost of a cracked windshield replacement in our heads.

Glass repair kits can be quite easy to use, and oftentimes, the most difficult of the DIY windshield repair process is sorting out which repair kit is right for you.

Fortunately, you can benefit from our misfortune, as we have been forced to seek out similar kits in the past. 

Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose the best windshield repair kit!

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1. Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit
2. Blue-Star Fix your Windshield Do It Yourself Windshield Repair Kit
3. Permatex 09103 Windshield Repair Kit
4. GLISTON Car Windshield Repair Kit
5. YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit

What Is a Windshield Repair Kit?

A windshield repair kit is quite simply just as its name implies, is a DIY kit that repairs damaged windshields. These kits use a durable resin formula to fill and seal windshield chips and cracks. 

These repairs, when done correctly, can last for the lifetime of your vehicle, as they stop the spread of further damage.

This is important, as most windshields warrant replacement when a small defect grows in size to the point of no longer being manageable or repairable.

Once a defect reaches a certain size, there is little hope for a successful repair, and replacement becomes inevitable.

This becomes an expensive affair, as complete windshield glass replacement can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1000, depending upon your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

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How Do Windshield Repair Kits Work?

When a windshield’s surface cracks, a crate of sorts is formed. This void allows moisture and other contaminants to penetrate the windshield’s outer layer, eventually leading to a spread in damage. 

With time, this damage grows too great to be easily repaired, and replacement becomes necessary.

When this occurs, there is little that you can do, other than being prepared to shell out far more money than one would hope.

A windshield repair kit works by filling this cratered section of the windshield with a purpose-specific resin compound. This resin binds within the crank that is filled, effectively blocking the entrance of future contaminants. 

The windshield is then able to continue in its service, as little obvious lasting effects are felt from the previous impact, apart from the barely noticeable cosmetic defect that remains.

Check out this article about the importance of windshield crack repair.

Characteristics Of A Repairable Windshield Defect

Before deciding to repair your own windshield, you must first assess the defect in question to confirm that it is repairable. Most dime or nickel-sized chips and cracks can easily be prepared at home with products that can be found at any auto parts store. 

However, while small cracks are easily repaired, larger cracks warrant further assessment by a local auto glass repair shop technician. Cracks of this size are prone to spreading and can signal a potential hazard for a car’s driver.

The Following Forms Of Windshield Damage Warrant Professional Repair:

• Cracks longer than 3”
• Cracks that extend into the outer edge of the windshield
• Cracks that penetrate deeper than halfway through the windshield
• Cracks in the driver's line of sight (repair can cause some distortion in the field of view)

This article tells more about whether to repair or replace your windshield.

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What Are The Different Types Of Windshield Repair Kits?

The most common variety of DIY windshield repair kits utilize a syringe or integrated plunger to eliminate air within the damaged portion of the windshield and to inject the sealing resin into the crack or chip as well. 

The two most commonly marketed DIY repair tool kits are:

• Adhesive strip and syringe combo
• Suction cup mount applicator combo

Adhesive Strip and Syringe Combo

This particular style of kit utilizes a double-sided adhesive strip on which an adaptor fitting is affixed.

Once these base components are in place, a syringe that is preloaded with resin is fitted to the previously mentioned adaptor. 

The syringe plunger is then withdrawn to the full extent of its stroke, thereby pulling a vacuum to eliminate air pockets within the surface defect that is to be repaired.

After a duration of 10 to 15 minutes, the syringe plunger is then engaged in the downward position until completely bottomed within the bore.

This allows the resin to be forced into the windshield’s crack or chip. After the resin has been injected, let the syringe and adaptor sit idle for another 10 to 15 minutes. 

This process of withdrawing and engaging the unit’s plunger is to be repeated in an identical fashion until five cycles have been completed.

Once satisfied that the chipped or cracked portion of the windshield has been filled with resin, you then remove the syringe, applicator, and double-sided adhesive.

You can now wipe down this segment of the windshield with an alcohol saturated paper towel. 

After allowing the area of your newly completed repair to sit for 15 minutes, you will now employ the use of a razor blade to carefully scrape away any dried resin that remains on the surface of the windshield.

Suction Cup Mount Applicator Combo

When using a suction cup mount applicator combo, you will wipe the area of the windshield that is to be repaired free of all dirt or road grime.

You will now stick the mount’s suction cups to the windshield in a way that places the mount’s center hole directly over the defect that is to be repaired. 

With your mount in place, you will now place the applicator within the mount’s center hole until it bottoms out on the windshield’s surface. This applicator is then filled with five to six drops of the liquid resin that comes with your repair kit. 

You will now thread the plunger assembly into the top of the applicator body until it bottoms out completely.

This forces resin into your windshield’s crack or chip, while also expelling any air within. You will now let the entire assembly stand for thirty minutes.

After the newly injected resin has been allowed to dry, remove the repair assembly from your windshield and ensure that the crack or chip has been entirely filled with resin.

You will now add two drops of resin over the face of the newly filled defect and cover with a piece of translucent film that is included with the repair kit. 

Your car should then be allowed to sit outside in direct sunlight for 15 minutes for the resin to cure in the UV light.

Once this time period has expired, remove the previously applied film, and scrape away any excess resin with the use of a razor blade.

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What To Look For In A Leather Repair Kit

When buying a leather repair kit, several factors should be kept in mind, by giving each of these factors adequate consideration, you will be better able to select a kit that suits your needs, and is conducive to the best possible repairs in your specific case.

A Repair Kit Specific To Your Needs

There are a number of excellent repair kits on the market today. However, if you do not factor in the type and extent of damage that you are attempting to repair when selecting a product, disappointment can result.

When attempting to repair leather, you must consider which of the abovementioned kit types will provide the most suitable repair.

You can be using the best putty/paste kit on the market. However, if upholstery damage is severe, it will be difficult to obtain the seamless and permanent results that you desire.

In this case, the use of a patch-based kit would be advised. Alternatively, using a patch-based kit would not likely be the best way to remain inconspicuous with your repair work, if only minor damage exists.

A Kit With A Quality Reputation

When it comes to the life and longevity of your vehicle’s interior, it is never wise to gamble on the products of fly-by-night companies that you have never heard of.

These here today, gone tomorrow companies who enter the market do not necessarily value quality results over low production costs and increased profit.

Reputable companies have reached prominent status due to their consistency in turning out quality products.

These same companies have reputations to uphold, and therefore continually push for excellence. When this occurs, consumers when, as quality products are produced, at a price point that is typically affordable to the masses.

A Kit That Falls Within Your Budget

Leather repair kits can be found at price points all across the board. While you certainly do not want to purchase the cheapest kit available on the market, it is possible to find a kit of quality that fits within virtually any budget.

However, before buying any leather repair kit, it is advisable to study reviews from sites like Amazon, to select the best product within your price range.

On the low-end of the price spectrum, minimalistic repair kits can be purchased for as little as approximately $10.

However, some premium-priced kits can cost in excess of $50, and often feature a wide array of accessories and touch up paints.

A Kit With Matching Color Options

No one wants their seat repairs to be outwardly obvious to the naked eye. Concealment is the name of the game, and much of this comes down to blending in the outline of your repairs with touch-up paint.

Some color repair kits offer specific paint tones to match different types of leather, while others require color mixing in a mixing bottle to accurately replicate the color that is needed for blending.

It is vital to consider whether or not a particular car leather repair kit features the correct color paints to assist you in concealing the source of any repair.

Without the ability to correctly pain and blend the affected segment of upholstery, your repair will likely stick out like a sore thumb.

Best Windshield Repair Kits (2020 Review)

Our Top Pick: Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit