Why You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Windshield Repair and Replacement

Unfortunately, even the best quality windshield is not immune to damage. Your windshield may suffer wear and tear due to age. Additionally, the windshield may sustain chips, cracks, and other types of damage due to debris, bad weather, or accidents.

When your windshield sustains damage, you may want to try a do-it-yourself (DIY) repair or replacement job. After all, many kits are available online and in stores that claim to make the process simple and affordable. However, as easy as the procedure may sound, a DIY windshield job can pose expensive and dangerous consequences. Discover why windshield repairs and replacements are not a DIY project.

You May Spend More

The upfront cost of a DIY windshield repair or replacement kit may be enticing. However, the project's overall cost depends on how much product you use and will likely be more expensive than if you hired a professional. For example, assume that professional-grade resin for a windshield crack repair costs $50. If you need two resins for your job, the cost of the materials rises to $100.

Things get worse when you are not knowledgeable on how to use the repair kits. You will likely waste a lot of the material, so you may have to buy more kits, and before you realize, you will have spent more on the kits alone than you would on a professional service.

Also, many windshield damage kits do not include all the necessary tools for the job. For example, some crack repair kits do not come with an injector or a cure light. As a result, you would need to purchase these tools separately, which would further increase the cost of your project.

Additionally, you may purchase low-quality materials that will not be as effective as professional-grade materials. For example, the resin in some DIY kits is not as strong as what professionals use. As a result, your repair may not last as long, and you may have to repair or replace your windshield sooner than if you had hired a professional.

You May Cause Further Damage to Your Car

Even if you can find a windshield damage kit with all the necessary tools, you likely lack the skills and expertise to use them properly. As a result, you may cause further damage to your car.

For example, if you wish to repair a crack in your windshield, you may inject the resin incorrectly. As a result, the resin will not fill the damage, and the damage will continue to spread.

Similarly, if you wish to replace your windshield, you may not remove the old windshield correctly. Consequently, you may leave bits of glass behind. These bits of glass can cause the new windshield to shatter.

In addition, even if you can remove the old windshield and install the new one correctly, you may not seal the new windshield properly. This mistake gives water and debris an easy way into your car, which can cause rusting and other damage.

You May Sustain Injuries

Due to a lack of skills and expertise, DIY windshield repairs and replacements put you at risk of injuries. For instance, mishandling resin or other materials can cause skin irritation or burns. The chemical could also get into your eyes and cause severe damage.

In addition, if you lack experience working with glass, you may cut or scrape yourself when removing the old windshield or installing the new one. These cuts can be deep and require stitches. In some cases, they can even become infected.

Affiliated Auto Glass offers reliable auto glass repair and replacement services. We have extensive experience and use the right tools, guaranteeing quality. Contact us for free estimates.