How to Buy the Best Windshield Chip Repair Kit

Mike Bumbeck

January 15, 2026

5 min read

Mike Bumbeck

January 15, 2026

5 min read

An automotive windshield is made by sandwiching two layers of glass around a central layer of flexible plastic. This is called laminated glass, which prevents the glass from breaking into sharp pieces. DIY repair kits - opens in new window or tab. use a clear liquid resin that seeps between the damaged outer glass and the central plastic layer.

Assess glass damage before attempting a repair. DIY kits - opens in new window or tab. generally work best on chips or bullseyes that are smaller than 1.25 inches in diameter and on cracks less than one foot. Each kit has limitations, so choose based on its manufacturer's recommendations.

Spiderweb cracks or any damage that pierces the inner glass layer cannot be repaired. Replace the windshield if cracks extend to the edges of the glass.

How to Choose the Right Kit

A small windshield chip with a star crack extending from the center. A partially cloudy sky is reflected on the windshield. — A close examination of the damage will determine if a chip is repairable.

The first step is to select a repair kit that matches the type of damage on your windshield. Closely inspect the chip, star crack, or bullseye and measure the diameter of the damaged area. As you browse eBay’s selection of windshield repair kits, choose one that matches the damage. Beware of windshield glass repair kits that promise miracles.

Manufacturers tailor their DIY auto glass repair kits to specific types of windshield damage. Some kits are designed only to fix circular bullseye and star chips and are not recommended for crack repair. Others include an applicator and curing sheets suited for chips and cracks.

Regardless, most windshield repair kits come with an applicator, clear liquid resin that cures in sunlight with ultraviolet rays, and materials required to finish the job.

Repair damage as soon as possible. Repair resin works best on clean and uncontaminated glass. Repairing a small chip quickly after an impact can also prevent further damage. The repair kits are cheap enough that buying one and tossing it in the trunk or glove box could be a worthwhile investment.

The process of a successful crack or chip repair can reveal previously unnoticed windshield pits, scratches, and hazing. Using a glass polishing kit can restore original clarity.

This is also a great time to inspect your windshield wipers and replace any worn or contaminated blades that could scratch your freshly polished and repaired glass. Check our complete windshield wiper buyer’s guide for selecting the right one. Check the washer fluid reservoir and add winter or summer bug blaster blend to meet the season.

Windshield Repair Kit Costs

A vehicle-owner uses a small windshield chip repair device to fill a chip with resin, while using a blue disposable shop towel to contain overflow. — An inexpensive windshield repair kit is appropriate for small chips.

Small chip-and-crack DIY windshield repair kits sell for between $10 and $20. Buying in bulk drops the kit price below $10 each.

If you’ve used a kit before, the tiny bottles of repair resin without the tool sets cost even less. The kits are cheap enough that buying one and tossing it in the trunk or glove box is a worthwhile investment. Repairing a small chip shortly after impact can prevent further damage.

Professional windshield replacement costs around $300 at a minimum. Even if a DIY windshield repair kit doesn't work perfectly, it's worth a sawbuck and a couple of minutes of your time.

Use a successful chip or crack repair as motivation to check your windshield wiper blades, arms, and washer fluid system. Installing new windshield wipers is easy - opens in new window or tab., and changing over to a winter washer fluid blend can prevent freeze-ups.

Also, consider a windshield glass polishing kit to remove resin residue, minor pitting or scratches, and wiper blade hazing. Use automotive glass cleaners and microfiber window cleaning towels for a finishing touch of clarity.

If the crack is too big for a repair kit, you might need a new windshield. A professional windshield installation, including the replacement windshield and skilled labor, costs between $300 and $600. Add more cost for larger or more complex windshields with additional heating layers, built-in antennas, or embedded electronic sensors.

Tools and Accessories for DIY Windshield Repair

A technician wearing black nitrile gloves uses a gray microfiber towel to clean a windshield. — Your windshield should be as clean as possible. Keep microfiber towels on hand.

All the tools you need come with the windshield wiper repair kit. But for best results, your windshield should be as clean as possible. The right equipment for that job might not be in your garage.

We recommend buying a high-quality glass cleaner and microfiber glass cleaning towels. Use shop rags or towels to catch any excess repair resin during application. Protective latex gloves also keep fingerprints and skin oils off the glass. Hand cleaner removes any resin or adhesives that get through the gloves. Some kits include a razor blade to remove excess cured resin, but a razor scraper makes cleanup safer and faster.

About the author

Mike Bumbeck

Mike has written about vintage automobiles and the people behind them for more than two decades. His experience includes writing for Hot Rod, Hemmings, and Mecum Auctions—and working on the pit crew of a nostalgia top fuel dragster. He lives in New England with a multi-vehicle fleet that ranges from a contemporary front-wheel-drive turbo hatchback to vintage Japanese 4x4s. His hobbies include building, flying, and crashing remote control scale model airplanes.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.