1. Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit
2. YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit
3. Permatex 09103-6PK Windshield Repair Kit
4. RainX Fix a Windshield Do It Yourself Windshield Repair Kit
5. Windshield Repair Kit for Big Crack and Broken Star Chip
If you’ve found yourself having a spot of bad luck lately and somehow managed to find a crack in your windshield while driving or when you thought that you had parked your vehicle securely, you’ll be pleased to know that, today, we’re going to help you find the best windshield repair kit to easily fix the issue.
The expense and practical problems presented by a damaged windshield can be a complete nightmare, but using one of these useful kits can massively bring reduce both the risks and the nasty costs that a big crack can create.
We spent countless hours looking at every available option to be able to present you with all the information you could ever need to make the safest and most effective choice possible to patch the damage in your windscreen and drive on knowing that you’re completely safe. Let’s get straight into it.
What Is a Windshield Repair Kit?
In short, windshield repair kits are specially designed, complete packages that provide you with everything you need to touch up minor damage to your car’s windshield safely and effectively. They may prove to be a much more viable solution than a complete replacement.
Whether you will be able to use a repair kit versus opting for a full replacement depends on several factors, but on average, car industry professionals rationalize the use of these products with very specific criteria that serve as a safe usage standard on which to base your decision to use them or not.
Generally, provided the center of the damage is no more than an inch and a half in diameter and the furthest extent of the damage doesn’t reach beyond 6 inches then it’s quite likely that using a kit is going to be possible without having to go through to trouble of getting a full replacement.
In the short-term, it always makes sense to try and mitigate the damage caused by any crack so that you can, at the very least, safely move your vehicle to a garage without facing any further risk. The long-term benefits might be that the kit makes the screen secure enough to not need replacing.
Either way, not having one on hand in your vehicle serves to unnecessarily elevate the risk when you’re out on the road in the unlikely, but still completely possible, event that you suffer a chipped screen at some point in your everyday journey. It simply makes more sense to have one available than not.
How to Pick the Right Windshield Repair Kit
In this section, we’re going to take you through the various comparison points you should look at if you want to find the best windshield repair kit to suit your specific vehicular damage needs. Kits vary depending on their contents and the level of damage they’re able to properly repair. While no kit is ever going to be as complete a solutions as a full replacement some of them are good enough to save you from needing one. Here are the key areas to consider when comparison shopping.
What Type of Resin Does the Kit Contain?
Resin is the base ingredient that serves to breach the damage in your windshield. This is because it’s hard-wearing and dries hard enough to be able to closely match the structural integrity and even opaqueness of glass in some instances. Be warned though. A low-quality resin will dry with a slight tint and will not have the same strength as higher quality offerings that harden to be 100% opaque and offer premium strength levels. Choose wisely depending on the extent of the damage.
Temperature Sensitivity
If you buy an inferior windshield repair kit then the resin that it contains is going to be susceptible to degradation through temperature if you apply it at certain temperature levels. The best options don’t have different properties based on how hot or cold it is when applied. Read the manufacturer specifications for your intended product, especially if you’re in a particularly hot or cold location. If the included resin is temperature-sensitive, you’re going to need to use the kit when the external temperature is in line with the product requirements.
What’s the Extent of The Damage the Kit Can Repair?
Most kits come pre-packed with roughly 1 gram of resin included in an easy application tube. This is enough to repair smaller chips or cracks but might not be enough for larger chips and cracks or if you need to apply it to more than one chip — if you’re unlucky enough to be in this position. Check the quantity of resin included and buy more kits if you think it’ll be necessary to meet your needs.
What Type of Damage Does Your Wind Shield Have?
Remember that kits aren’t designed to be an alternative to a full shield replacement. This means that they’re able to repair minor damage, but not extensive damage. As such, you should try to determine precisely how much damage your vehicle has suffered. Manufacturer specifications always give a fairly accurate idea about how useful their product will be in your given scenario, but if you’ve got anything beyond a chip or crack that falls into the more extensive damage category then it’ll take more than a simple windshield repair kit to fix it.
Cost & Contents
It’s obvious that anyone is going to check the price tag of any product before they decide whether or not they’re going to buy it, but you should also check the contents, and specifically, what the contents. You’d be surprised at how much prices can differ from one kit to another — simply based on the brand name. Do some due diligence and check to see whether or not you’re actually getting more by paying more, or you can pay less for the same before committing.
Practicality / Ease of Use
It’s important to remember that when you use one of these kits, you’re going to be doing DIY work on a very expensive item. Potentially even the most expensive individual item that you own. As such you need to ensure that your chosen kit is very straightforward and easy to use. Try to look at the instructions online before making a purchase or at the very least check the product box thoroughly before buying. If you don’t understand how to use it then it’s worth looking for something else that you find easier to follow
Brands
It’s sometimes a good idea to shop for a product from a reputable brand name so that you know you’re getting something that thousands of people have already used to great success and satisfaction. The following list of manufacturers producing some of the best kits available on the market: Blue-Star, Mookis, Tri Glass, Rain-X, Permatex, Raniaco, Yoohe, and Gliston. Though this list by no means covers every possible brand associated with these vital repair kits, these companies are absolutely amongst the biggest and most trustworthy out there.
Top 5 Best Windshield Repair Kits
We’ll now provide you with a comprehensive rundown of what we feel are the five best options currently available on the market for your hard-earned money. We’ve chosen them for various reasons but maximum safety and efficiency underpins them all. Here are the best windshield repair kits you can buy right now.
1. Our Pick: Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit
Features:
- Easy to use
- Advanced resin formula
- Repairs all types of laminated windshields
- Minimizes the appearance of chips and cracks
For an extremely good value, supremely efficient, and easy-to-use at the roadside option for immediate application, this kit from Rain-X should tick all of your repair boxes without breaking the bank. Considering the potential cost of a windshield replacement the value on offer here, at just under $10, is amazing — especially considering that the included resin formula can be used for several applications. Due to there being no fiddly application steps you can quite literally pull over and get straight to work.
Pros
Pros
- Perfect for immediate roadside repairs
- No hassle stress-free application
- Included resin can be used multiple times
- The price tag is almost as low as the cheapest options on the market
Cons
Cons
- Results aren’t very long-lasting
- Won’t completely disguise the damage
Though you can’t completely eradicate the damage to your vehicle this kit is designed to make cracks and chips invisible from a 45-degree angle meaning that the impact is certainly reduced despite not being entirely eradicated. This is the most reliable and safe option for anyone who wants a simple repair process when they’re stuck in an emergency and want to ensure that damage can’t get in worse than the moment it happened. There’s not much to fault aside from the results not being long-lasting.
Public Review Summary: This kit is really easy to use and works well. Just a few steps are needed and all is done. The instructions are clear and easy to understand, it comes with all tools you need for repair.
2. Best for Precise Application: YOOHE Car Windshield Repair Kit
Features:
- Easy to operate
- Perfect design
- Fast repair
- Widespread application
This windshield repair kit from YOOHE easily offers the best solution for those who want pinpoint accuracy when injecting the resin into the damage site on their windshield. The included frame makes for a totally stress-free and effective application process. The kit can inject resin deep into most cracks, displacing air bubbles and restoring the look of the glass. But unfortunately, this kit cannot guarantee a perfect repair for every kind of breakage. It’s easy to use, it gets to work within 20 – 30 minutes and it’s suitable for a wide array of application purposes (it’s suitable for different types of damage) all for a low price that’s a fraction of the cost of a screen replacement.
Pros
Pros
- Very precise application
- Long-lasting high-quality resin
- The kit is suitable for a wide variety of damage types
- Great value for a low cost
Cons
Cons
- Frame requires light assembly
- Takes longer to set than some alternative products
This windshield repair kit from YOOHE easily offers the best solution for those who want pinpoint accuracy when injecting the resin into the damage site on their windshield. The included frame makes for a totally stress-free and effective application process. The kit can inject resin deep into most cracks, displacing air bubbles and restoring the look of the glass. But unfortunately, this kit cannot guarantee a perfect repair for every kind of breakage. It’s easy to use, it gets to work within 20 – 30 minutes and it’s suitable for a wide array of application purposes (it’s suitable for different types of damage) all for a low price that’s a fraction of the cost of a screen replacement.
Public Review Summary: The resin cures quickly, which means it won’t flow into the cracks unless it stays very watery. The instructions are easy to follow and make the process easy and fast. You need is 10 minutes and everything will be ok. On the flip side, some customers say that it can crack more if you use the kit incorrectly.
3. Best Budget: Permatex 09103-6PK Windshield Repair Kit
Features:
- Professional quality repairs
- No mixing required
- Easy to follow instructions
- Make permanent airtight repairs
The lowest cost kit on our list this product also happens to offer a truly intuitive and practical resin delivery mechanism that makes it one of the most efficient options too. It’s the perfect solution for short to medium-term chip and crack repair. The state of the art, spring-loaded functionality of the resin applicator on offer here makes for a highly practical and accurate implementation that doesn’t require any pre-mixing before use. This all means that it’s easy to use in a hurry on the roadside should you need to.
Pros
Pros
- Incredibly low cost provides amazing value
- Pinpoint precise application
- Highly practical and easy to use out of the box
- Instructions include pictures for practicality
Cons
Cons
- The formula is temperature-sensitive
- Limited mainly to bullseye damage
The tough formula dries and hardens under direct sunlight and is also designed to be long-lasting and permanent. This means that if you’re patching up a small crack or chip, the chances are that you won’t have to think about it again after the initial application is complete. The downside here is that the formula doesn’t respond well to temperature extremes so you need to be very careful during the application process.
Public Review Summary: This kit is super easy to follow and carry out. The instructions are clear as day and even have photo illustrations. This makes the process of repairing and damage really quickly. Another plus is it that is much cheaper than to do regular repair and the results are nice. But it has the same problem as other products, it doesn’t work well for all types of damage.
4. Best Premium: RainX Fix a Windshield Do it Yourself Windshield Repair Kit
Features:
- Easy to use
- Advanced resin formula
- Good for multiple repairs
- Repairs all types of laminated windshields
For the best all-round option when looking for maximum quality and efficiency, this kit from Rain-X will deliver both in abundance to ensure that all of your chip and crack related stress is completely relieved. On every front, it provides a high level of satisfaction and peace of mind. The advanced formula maintains efficiency through multiple repairs and caters for pretty much any type of damage, meaning that no matter what happens to your shield whether it’s a crack, chip, or dent. You’re covered.
Pros
Pros
- Very high-quality, long-lasting formula
- No-hassle application process
- Works with pretty much any damage type
- Gets to work fast making a perfect roadside solution
Cons
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Not as long-lasting as some other products
It only takes a few minutes to work and its effect is long-lasting enough to ensure that you can keep on driving for an extended period without having to worry about further damage. In some instances, the high-quality resin here will be able to provide a permanent fix. The instructions are incredibly easy to read and the applicator can be set up within seconds. Though the price tag is higher than some alternative products, the high quality on offer here makes it more than worth it.
Public Review Summary: Kit doing its job well and quickly.Also, there isenough of the product to repair not only one or two cracks but also for future starburst cracks. The only thing is that you should read the instructions carefully before use because if you don’t do it right it can make the problem bigger.
5. Best for Longevity: Windshield Repair Kit for Big Crack and Broken Star Chip
Features:
- Easy to use
- Upgraded repair fluid
- Quick windshield treatment
- 100% satisfaction
Not only is this the longest-lasting option on our list, providing a resin formula that lasts for up to an incredible 3 years, but the application system is also absolutely one of the most precise and easy to use you’ll find anywhere. Once you’ve taken a little time to set up the included frame the self-sealing rubber injection head will force enough pressure into the resin to push it straight into the deepest depths of the crack or chip in your windshield for maximum protection and safety.
Pros
Pros
- Incredible 3-year resin lifespan
- Patented technology makes for maximum safety
- A low price tag for the quality on offer
- Can be used in a hurry for roadside repair
Cons
Cons
- Some light frame assembly required
- Some people prefer hand application vs frame use
It takes a mere 20 minutes for the formula to set and the included syringe is preloaded with formula, meaning no awkward mixing at the roadside if you need to use the kit in a hurry to patch up any repairs on the go. The price is lower than some of the more premium albeit less efficient products within this category. On the whole, it’s an absolute breeze to use thanks to the easy to understand instructions.
Public Review Summary: The kit is easy to use and repairs small cracks very quickly. This one, however, is perfectly fine for simply sealing up small chips and cracks before they get bigger. It can be used multiple times to boot. The product comes in a reusable plastic bag which is a plus also. But not always doing its job properly is a big con of this kit.
How to Use Windshield Repair Kit
We’re now going to tell you exactly how to use a repair kit so that there’s no confusion whatsoever before making a final purchase decision. The steps needed to ensure a successful application are as follows:
- Clean the damaged area thoroughly
Ensure that the application area is completely clean before using the resin injector by wiping it down with a cleaning solution and removing any dirt or debris. This will ensure a smooth and precise base for the resin.
- Ensure that the resin tube is placed inside the applicator
You might not need to put your resin in an applicator before use as it might have a one stage process but in instances where your resin comes in a separate tube, make sure that you place the formula inside the applicator housing prior to placement.
- Position your applicator
Whether it’s an injector frame, a syringe or simply a squeezable tube make sure that it’s firmly and accurately in a position directly above the damage site before beginning the injection process.
- Begin to apply the resin
Either squeeze the applicator progressively or turn the inbuilt screw slowly until it reaches the end of its chamber. Now leave the formula to settle for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Allow the Formula to Set
Your formula now needs to be placed in direct sunlight so that it can effectively “prove” and harden, providing maximum protection against further damage.
Best Windshield Repair Kit FAQ
We’ll now highlight the five most frequent questions that people ask before making use of a windshield repair kit like this. By the time you reach the end of this section, you should feel totally at ease about utilizing one of these super-efficient and convenient products.
Should I repair my windshield with a kit or replace it?
Even the best windshield repair kit might not be suitable depending on the level of damage your windshield has sustained. Any damage up to 6-inches in diameter with a maximum of 1.5 inches radius at the “heart” of the damage should be fixable with a kit. Any cracking/dent that extends beyond these measurements will likely require a full shield replacement.
How do I stop a crack from spreading?
In order to stop a crack from progressing further you simply need to make use of a windshield repair kit as soon as possible after the initial damage. This will provide a viable permanent or short-term solution depending on the kit and the level of damage.
Can I use a windshield repair kit on other areas of my car?
Yes actually, you can! Anything on your car that is glass and damaged could benefit from the introduction of a repair kit like this. As could any damaged household object that has a glass construction.
Do windshield repair kits really work?
These repair kits are a proven solution provided you use the kit following the usage guide as directed in the manufacturer’s specifications.
Should I use an applicator or apply the resin myself manually?
If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a precise resin application at the site of the damage then you should always opt for an applicator-based repair kit. This will maximize effectiveness and ensure smooth, deep, and accurate resin delivery.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read our one-stop guide to comparing and buying the best windshield repair kit options available on the market you’ll be able to continue driving with total peace of mind knowing that you’ve got an easy-to-use solution at your fingertips should your windshield encounter damage.
It’s more likely than you might think that you’ll get a cracked or chipped windscreen and when you do it’s always ideal to be able to mitigate and control the damage as soon as possible before it spreads and puts you and your family at further risk of the windshield shattering.
Buy any of the options from our top five list for immediate access to a quick-acting windshield repair solution that might just save your life. There’s no need to take chances. Purchase a windshield repair kit for your glove compartment now and save yourself stress, expense, and potential injury.