Best Windshield Repair Kit for DIY (2023 Reviews and Guide)
Windshield cracks mean impaired visibility, inevitable expenses, and in extreme cases, even fines and accidents. Smart drivers are equipped to fix them fast. We researched popular brands to find the best windshield repair kit currently on the market. Here are our top finds. Read on to find the ideal solution for you!
Top Selection
WhyDoesEverythingSuck is reader-supported. We may receive a commission if you buy through links on this page. However, this doesn’t affect our opinions. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. Permatex Windshield Repair Kit
Excellent for bull’s eye chips
- Works on most laminated windshields
- Effectively invisible traces
- Easy cleanup of excess resin
- No mixing required
10
$11.44
Read Review 3M Windshield Repair Kit
Good for small-scale damage
- Good for an emergency quick-fix
- For more than one repair
- Prevents star chip spreading
- Minimizes repair traces
9.8
$10.97
Read Review J-B Weld Windshield Saver
Top windshield repair kit for star chip repair
- Enough for three repairs
- Leaves a smooth windshield
- Patented J-B resin
- Works even in suboptimal conditions
9.6
$13.99
Read Review American Windshield Repair Systems American Mini Windshield Repair Kit
Editor's choice
- Full repair equipment selection
- Portable nylon protective case
- UV LED flashlight and backup
- Enough resin for 50 repairs
9.9
$229.00
Read Review Clearshield Windshield Repair Kit
Professional windshield repair kit
- Replenishment packs available
- Long-lasting injector
- Fixes all chip types
- Suitable for all experience levels
9.5
$299.00
Read Review Blue Star Do-It-Yourself Windshield Repair Kit
Excellent cost-effective option
- Can cover more than one repair
- Clear visibility after repair
- Suitable for beginners
- Long-lasting repair (two years)
9.7
$8.15
Read Review Gliston Windshield Repair Kit
Good for outer layer damage repair
- Extra-strong suction cup
- Effective in winter conditions
- Includes a screw-in plunger
- Removes air from cracks
9.9
$10.99
Read Review Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit
Great for structural integrity
- Can repair device screens
- Stabilizes all types of chips
- Prevents further cracking
- Works on all laminated windshields
9.8
$13.99
Read Review ATG Windshield-FIX Full Repair Kit
Top windshield repair kit for damage control
- Can treat thin cracks as well
- Can restore faded glass
- One hour for prep and application
- Special injector for faster repair
9.7
$11.49
Read Review VersaChem Windshield Repair Kit
Good for damage up to 1.25” in diameter
- Fast reaction time when curing
- 90% reduced damage visibility
- Works on old damages
- Deep-penetrating crack treatment
9.5
$14.14
Read ReviewWindshield Repair Kit Reviews
Now that you have a good overall idea of your options, let’s check out each kit in a bit more detail. We’ve provided short, comprehensive reviews, along with pros, cons, and pricing for easy comparison.
Permatex Windshield Repair Kit
10
Excellent for bull’s eye chips
- No. of repairs: One (single-use kit)
- Damage: Star chips, bull’s eye chips up to 1.25”
- Surface: Most laminated windshield glass
Permatex is known as a quality choice, primarily used for bull’s eye and star-shaped chips. It’s not meant for repairing cracks, though. However, considering the frequency of these two chip types, it’s still a highly sought-after product. The instructions feature step-by-step visuals, which make it easier to do the repair. Additionally, several Permatex windshield repair kit reviews praise the resin for being very cleanup-friendly. Reviews also say that the repaired chips are almost invisible.
On the downside, you’ll have to manually keep the syringe in position since anchoring equipment isn’t included. Also, some reviewers mention having to compensate for the kit’s vacuum capabilities with manual force. However, the same Permatex windshield repair kit reviews that mentioned these issues also pointed out that the quality of the results fully makes up for these inconveniences. Keeping the syringe in place and applying some pressure doesn’t reduce the overall effectiveness of the repair process.
Pros
- + Works on most laminated windshields
- + Effectively invisible traces
- + Easy cleanup of excess resin
- + No mixing required
Cons
- − No anchoring equipment for the syringe
3M Windshield Repair Kit
9.8
Good for small-scale damage
- No. of repairs: One (single-use kit)
- Damage:
- Surface: Most windshield glass
3M is a good windshield repair kit for emergency quick fixes, especially for star chips that are on the small side. It has been proven effective at preventing them from cracking further. It’s also handy that the applicator hardware will remain functional for more than one repair. This is an affordable and fairly effective emergency option for small-scale repair work. 3M is a trusted brand in leather and vinyl repair, and it has an equally impressive reputation when it comes to windshields.
However, some users have not been pleased with the build quality of the equipment. They said that other brand windshield chip repair kits were sturdier or had better quality parts. Even so, aside from criticizing its appearance, the reviewers didn’t really have anything bad to say about the actual functionality of the equipment. Likewise, since these single-use auto windshield repair kits are not meant to be reused, you don’t have to worry about wearing anything down.
Pros
- + Good for an emergency quick-fix
- + For more than one repair
- + Prevents star chip spreading
- + Minimizes repair traces
Cons
- − Some of the tools seem cheap
J-B Weld Windshield Saver
9.6
Top windshield repair kit for star chip repair
- No. of repairs: One (single-use kit)
- Damage: Star, half-moon, bull’s eye, combination cracks up to 1.25”
- Surface: All laminated windshield glass
The J-B Weld cracked windshield repair kits stand out thanks to a number of impressive features, first up being the patented resin. J-B uses a proprietary resin, so you’re guaranteed a quality filler of legitimate origin. It is lauded for leaving the windshield surface notably smooth after repair. Although this kit is sold as a single-use option, users have reported that it can provide for up to three repairs if the chips are small. Reviews tend to praise it as a great solution for star-shaped chips in particular.
One potential issue here is the curing time compared to other DIY windshield repair kits. Some users have reported giving the resin 12 whole hours to cure, while others even left their vehicles overnight (under a UV light) to ensure that the fix is 100% set. The upside of the longer curing time is that it only seems necessary in lower temperatures and that the resin sets in more seamlessly than with a lot of other products, so the damage is rendered virtually invisible. Other than that, this kit is as good as professional windshield repair kits.
Pros
- + Enough for three repairs
- + Leaves a smooth windshield
- + Patented J-B resin
- + Works even in suboptimal conditions
Cons
- − Resin takes a longer time to cure
American Windshield Repair Systems American Mini Windshield Repair Kit
9.9
Editor's choice
- No. of repairs: Up to 50
- Damage: Cracks, chips of any shape
- Surface: Most windshield glass
The American Mini Windshield Repair Kit offers a comprehensive range of tools that will come in handy for more than just basic repairs. This puts it in stark contrast with most DIY windshield repair kits, which only come with a resin applicator and basic accessories. One very important thing we have to mention is that the kit includes a UV LED flashlight (with a backup). That means you can cure the resin under any conditions, instead of depending on sunny weather for your repairs.
As a bonus, the American Mini Kit includes a portable protective case for your equipment. You can have this kit with you in your home garage or on the road, even if you unexpectedly have to switch vehicles. One potential downside is that this is one of the more complicated American windshield repair kits because of the many tools. Not to worry, though, as the accompanying DVD demo makes the process simple to understand.
Pros
- + Full repair equipment selection
- + Portable nylon protective case
- + UV LED flashlight and backup
- + Enough resin for 50 repairs
Cons
- − Some may find the kit complicated
Clearshield Windshield Repair Kit
9.5
Professional windshield repair kit
- No. of repairs: 200+
- Damage: Cracks, all chip types, scratches
- Surface: All types of vehicle glass
ClearShield Professional Windshield Repair Kit is the best pro option on the list and the top choice among commercial windshield repair kits. Moreover, it provides you with a minimum of 200 repairs, which is more than any other kit on this list. The kit boasts a top-notch injector which is likely to last well after you’ve spent the resin that comes with the kit. Coupled with individually purchasable replenishment packs, you’re set for a long time of successful windshield repair with this one-time investment.
While some of the larger ClearShield’s auto windshield repair kits include enough tools and supplies for two people to work simultaneously, this one comes with a single set of tools. However, it has enough expendable materials for you to not have to worry about running out anytime soon. The only gripe with ClearShield is that the instructions don’t specifically say how to clean the injector. It’s easy to figure out, though. We tried cleaning it with denatured alcohol (hand sanitizer), and it worked great!
Pros
- + Replenishment packs available
- + Long-lasting injector
- + Fixes all chip types
- + Suitable for all experience levels
Cons
- − No info on how to clean the injector
Blue Star Do-It-Yourself Windshield Repair Kit
9.7
Excellent cost-effective option
- No. of repairs: One (single-use kit)
- Damage: Bull’s eye and combination chips, surface cracks
- Surface: Most windshield glass
This kit is single-use, but if the damage isn’t extensive, it can provide enough resin for more repairs. Its biggest virtue is that, after curing, your windshield remains clear. Even if you can still spot some traces, the overall visibility is restored to an admirable degree. Additionally, the guide is specific and easy to follow, even if you don’t have windshield repair experience.
Another way this product stands out from other windshield crack repair kits is thanks to its price-to-benefit ratio. However, there is one caveat we need to mention. Namely, some reviewers noticed that, while the angle of the applicator on the adhesive circle is perfect for slanted windshields, repairs on vertical glass can be more of a challenge. Even though this doesn’t seem to be more than an inconvenience for most users, it is also sometimes mentioned in reviews of other auto windshield repair kits of this type. Fortunately, parking the car on an incline or jacking it up completely solves the issue.
Pros
- + Can cover more than one repair
- + Clear visibility after repair
- + Suitable for beginners
- + Long-lasting repair (two years)
Cons
- − Inconvenient for vertical windshields
Gliston Windshield Repair Kit
9.9
Good for outer layer damage repair
- No. of repairs: One (single-use kit)
- Damage: Surface chips of any shape up to 1”, surface cracks up to 8”
- Surface: All types of laminated windshield glass, outer layer only
According to countless user reviews and our own experience, this is the best windshield repair kit for cracks and chips that are limited to the outer layer of the glass. The suction cups boast superior performance, so you can be sure that there will be no slipups while injecting the resin. The product offers both a syringe and a screw-in plunger for resin insertion. You can use whichever you’re more comfortable with, or you can combine both for the best possible results.
This is also the best windshield repair kit for winter DIYs. You can repair your windshield in lower temperatures and weaker natural UV light conditions and still get solid results — it just might take longer for the resin to cure and set. To avoid issues, make sure to give it more time than the manual says. As a matter of fact, a number of reviewers weren’t happy with the instructions. If you find the manual for Gliston’s windshield repair kits unclear, you can look up a video version on YouTube.
Pros
- + Extra-strong suction cup
- + Effective in winter conditions
- + Includes a screw-in plunger
- + Removes air from cracks
Cons
- − Confusing instructions
Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit
9.8
Great for structural integrity
- No. of repairs: One (single-use kit)
- Damage: Cracks, surface chips, bull’s eye chips, star chips
- Surface: All types of laminated windshield glass
The Rain-X windshield repair products are known for their structural focus, i.e., stabilizing the cracks and chips you use them on. They are easily the most popular solution for preventing cracks from spreading further. These kits come with detailed and comprehensive instructions, which make them highly suitable for first-time DIY repair people.
Some Rain-X windshield repair kit reviews even say that these tools successfully repair damaged screens of electronic devices. Of course, it needs to be mentioned that the manufacturer didn’t list this as one of the potential applications of the kit. Since you might be risking permanent damage to your device if the resin comes in contact with the electronics, be sure to check what types of damage can be fixed this way.
One Rain-X windshield repair kit review noted that the plunger doesn’t seem to always manage to fully fill the chip or crack. If this happens to you, don’t try screwing the plunger further in, since that could actually lead to you making the crack worse. Instead, the manufacturer-recommended solution (for this and other similar windshield crack repair kits) is to gently heat up the chipped area from the inside when applying the resin with either a hairdryer or a heat gun.
Pros
- + Can repair device screens
- + Stabilizes all types of chips
- + Prevents further cracking
- + Works on all laminated windshields
Cons
- − You might need to heat the windshield up
ATG Windshield-FIX Full Repair Kit
9.7
Top windshield repair kit for damage control
- No. of repairs: One (single-use kit)
- Damage: Chips, thin cracks, scratches, glass fadeout
- Surface: Any type of vehicle glass
ATG is a reliable German brand, and since this country’s DIY sector’s ecommerce revenue in 2020 totaled $5.1 billion, you know they are taking the tools for these projects seriously. The FIX Full repair kit has a reputation for being focused on preventing the damage from spreading further. These automobile windshield repair kits are primarily meant for chip repair, but they work on cracks too, if they’re thin and not too deep. It’s a fast-acting solution: the prep, repair, and curing take one hour total. A notable feature is that it can smooth out scratches as well as restore faded glass (e.g., on vintage vehicles).
Some windshield chip repair kit reviews mentioned that, due to the opaque bottle that the resin comes in, it might be difficult to tell how much of it you have used. Since you’ll need a quarter of the bottle for the final steps of the repair, you’ll need to be extra careful when filling the resin base. However, if you take your time and occasionally check the amount of resin left by either shaking the bottle or holding it up to the light, you should be all set.
So, the ATG is a good windshield repair kit for both crack damage control, scratch reduction, and vintage glass restoration. You just need to mind the instructions and gauge your chip diameter right. The bonus capability of mending smaller cracks makes it possibly the most versatile kit on this list.
Pros
- + Can treat thin cracks as well
- + Can restore faded glass
- + One hour for prep and application
- + Special injector for faster repair
Cons
- − Opaque resin bottle
VersaChem Windshield Repair Kit
9.5
Good for damage up to 1.25” in diameter
- No. of repairs: One (single-use kit)
- Damage: Star, bull’s eye, and combination chips up to 1.25”
- Surface: Laminated automotive windshields
Easily the best point about this kit is its fast reaction time. The resin cures very quickly when exposed to sunlight, which will save you valuable time. This makes it possibly the best windshield chip repair kit for small repairs on the road. Moreover, this windshield repair product has proven itself effective in repairing damage approximately a year old. That makes it an excellent choice for busy people who don’t want a windshield replacement but can’t get to the chip immediately.
Unfortunately, this kit doesn’t include a pin to clear the glass debris from the chip, nor a utility razor blade to scrape off excess resin. One VersaChem windshield repair kit review even mentioned that you will also need to provide your own alcohol wipes. However, since you more than likely already have a utility blade, since alcohol wipes can be bought cheap at any gas station, and since you can clear the chip with any thin pointed object you have on hand, most users found this a non-issue.
Pros
- + Fast reaction time when curing
- + 90% reduced damage visibility
- + Works on old damages
- + Deep-penetrating crack treatment
Cons
- − No utility razor blade/cleaning pin
How to Pick the Best Windshield Repair Kit
— Buyer’s Guide —
Did you know that along with windshield repair, changing the oil, and replacing the wipers, fixing headlights and tail lights is one of the most money-saving DIY auto repairs? Now that you have a good idea of the different available options, let’s take a look at how to pick one that’ll give you the best results while saving you some money. Here are five things to keep in mind when buying a windshield repair kit.
Damage Assessment
First of all, assess the damage type. You need to diagnose whether you’re dealing with chips, cracks, or a combination of both if you want the best windshield repair kit for your particular situation. Be extra vigilant when it comes to tiny insidious cracks that might be spreading out.
Most windshield chip repair kits feature photos that illustrate what kinds of chips and cracks they’re meant to fix, so finding a suitable one shouldn’t be a problem. However, to be on the safe side, take a look at what user reviews have to say about the kit’s effectiveness in dealing with different damage types.
Resin Volume
Second, consider whether the kit volume is enough for your scope of the damage. Most common small chips can be mended with around 1 g (0.035 oz) of resin, which you’ll get from any single-use kit. Larger cracks may require more kits, or products that lean more to the professional side.
Resin Research and Testing
Third, do your homework on the resins different brands use. Try to find a balance between quality and affordability. Windshield repair kit reviews often mention how a given resin behaves. As a rule of thumb, higher-quality resins are thicker/denser, but there are exceptions.
The cured resin should naturally blend in with your windshield. Pay attention to the color and whether it changes as it dries. In dry, warm weather, most resins will set and dry fairly quickly. If it’s taking a long time or doesn’t end up transparent and clear, you may want to try a different product.
Also, even the best windshield repair kits benefit from a trial. When you’ve made your purchase, give it a test run first, ideally on a piece of scrap glass that you can afford to trash. It’d be best if it’s the same type of glass as your windshield (e.g., laminated).
Temperature Sensitivity
Depending on the brand you buy, the resin in your kit will require different working conditions. Most DIY windshield repair kits will specify the optimal temperature ranges in their instructions. There are two factors to keep in mind: windshield temperature and curing temperature.
You may need to either warm up your vehicle or keep it in the shade for a while to make sure the glass is neither too hot nor too cold. Likewise, some cracked windshield repair kits will instruct you to use direct sunlight, while others will recommend using a UV flashlight for curing.
Review the Tools in the Kit
Finally, check out the tools that a kit offers. Most of them will have the same staples: the resin, an injector for it, a razor, a bridge, and an instructions manual.
A top windshield repair kit will offer additional accessories for finer repair work. These are aimed more at professionals who deal with extensive damage and might be overkill for a DIY repair, but they might also make a world of difference for your final results.
Whichever kit you buy, you should read the instructions. If you follow them improperly or skip a step you could cause additional windshield damage instead of fixing it.
FAQ
Can a 12 inch crack in a windshield be repaired?
Although some sources claim that cracks longer than 12 inches can be repaired (even those up to 18 inches long), most car repair pages and even drivers’ online communities agree that it’s better to replace the entire windshield if a crack is longer than 12 inches.
Do windshield repair kits really work?
They do, but mostly just for minor cracks and small chip damage. DIY kits shouldn’t be used for long cracks and large chips. Leave that to the experts.
Does the Rain-X windshield repair kit work?
Yes, if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions properly. Also, don’t take your time with it. This repair kit gives the best results when you apply it quickly, before the crack/chip has a chance to spread through your windshield.
Rain-X repair kits work best on laminated windshields, when the damage is in the outer layer and less than 12 inches long. Results won’t be as good if the crack extends to the edge of the windshield.
What is the best windshield chip repair?
If you’re wondering about the best particular brand, there are tons to choose from, and a few that consistently get high praise. Rain-X, Permatex, Blue Star, ClearShield, and American Windshield Repair Systems tend to rack up the most points across the board.
Whatever general recommendation you get, make sure to do your own homework on the product — and the problem! Different types and scopes of damage demand different treatment. Take a bit of time to find the best possible solution for your specific situation.
What is the best professional windshield repair kit?
Our advice is to buy yourself a pro kit that you’ll be instantly comfortable with. Most DIY repairs don’t need anything more than a commercial kit. Take another look at our list, consider your history with the tools, and buy the one you’re most skilled with.
You can get one large comprehensive set if you’re just starting out or a smaller one if you need to restock on, say, drill bits, resin, seals, etc. Either way, suddenly transferring to equipment you’re not familiar with could seriously compromise your performance.
The Bottom Line
We hope these reviews helped you select the best windshield repair kit for your needs. DIY vehicle repair can be a little tricky, but the time and money saved are well worth it. In general, whichever brand you settle on, just follow the instructions closely, be patient, and you won’t fail to get results.
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Doroteja Balaban
Doroteja is a content creator and language play enthusiast with a penchant for noticing links between seemingly unrelated ideas. She puts this observational quirk to use in her career as a content writer, researching and writing compelling articles and blog posts about education, health, fitness, ecommerce, pets, and science. When not working, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, exploring different types of coffee, and trying to make puns work in different languages.