Fixing a chipped windshield is now an inexpensive, do-it-yourself repair

HARTFORD, Conn., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- It takes mere seconds for a pebble or road debris to damage a windshield. What starts out as a small bullseye or chip in the glass can quickly grow into a crack that compromises the safety of drivers and their passengers. Fixing the damage before it escalates into a safety issue used to require an expensive trip to the repair shop. However, now most drivers can tackle dings and chips from the comfort of their own driveways.

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An unattended chip in the windshield could get worse with time, because constant vibration in the vehicle and changes in temperature can cause the chip to expand and spread. Eventually, you may be left with a larger, unsightly crack stretching across the glass, and what started as a inexpensive repair job has now turned into a costly windshield replacement.

Glass repairs may or may not be covered by your insurance. Repair bills for damaged windshields can range from $75 to several hundred dollars. Many drivers are unaware that windshield repair does not have to be a difficult or expensive venture. With do-it-yourself kits, repairing chips can now be done in mere minutes for right around $10.

Permatex® has developed a special Windshield Repair Kit that fills in the ding and stops the damage from spreading while minimizing the blemish on the glass. It comes complete with everything needed to make a permanent, professional quality repair in minutes, including step-by-step instructions and an online demo video. There is no mixing required and the repair cures automatically under natural sunlight.

For the kit to be effective, the chip or bullseye should be no more than a 1¼ inches long and must be on the outside of the windshield. It is a good idea to make the repair as soon as possible after it happens. This prevents the crack from getting contaminated and spreading.

The Windshield Repair Kit follows the same steps that a repair shop would, including sealing the crack with resin under a vacuum. View the Permatex how-to demo video at www.permatex.com.

In addition to quickly repairing a ding in the windshield, there are other windshield maintenance tips to follow.

• Clean the windshield regularly. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt, sand and debris on the glass and helps avoid scratches when you use your wipers.

• Check the windshield washer. Test your windshield washer regularly to make sure it works properly. In addition, keep the washer fluid level topped off so it's there when you need it to clean the windshield.

• Drive defensively. Avoid following a large truck that may be kicking up debris. Move into another lane, if possible. Also, do not follow vehicles that are transporting unsecured items on the car roof or in a pick-up truck bed.

More information is available at www.permatex.com.

SOURCE Permatex