A pebble may not be enough to crack your windshield but it is big enough to leave a sizeable windshield chip. Sadly, this can happen to anyone, and you can’t be careful enough to prevent it. While the need to repair it may not be pressing, you would have to do something about it as it can get bad enough to block your view when you are driving.
So, what should you do? Should you do the mobile windshield repair all by yourself or take it to the pros? Well, the call is yours at the end of the day. Therefore, in this article, we will be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this DIY project to help you decide.
Pros of Repairing the Windshield Chip Yourself
Below are some of the pros of doing this repair yourself:
1. Saves Money
If you choose to fix the windshield chip by yourself, then you would simply need a repair kit. This kit typically is much cheaper than if you took your vehicle to a car mechanic.
A mechanic won’t just charge you for the things used for the repair, but they would also charge a labor fee. Therefore, if you decide to DIY it, you will be saving money.
2. It Isn’t a Complicated Fix
When compared with other car maintenance and fixes, fixing your windshield is kind of easy and less complicated. Therefore, you may not have a hard time taking care of the problem.
The kit you would use for the repair would contain everything needed for the fix, from a scraping tool to resin and epoxy, plungers, and curing strips.
Also, since the kit is convenient, it shouldn’t take you more than a couple of hours to finish the fix. However, you have to ensure you follow all the instructions. This fix has a 90% success rate; although, when you visit the mechanic, the solution you would get would be a lot durable.
3. It Can Be Done ASAP
If you want a pro to handle the issue, then you may have to visit the mechanic shop. If you have a busy schedule, you may not have the time to do this ASAP.
But with a kit, you can take some time out of your busy schedule to get the problem fixed: Note that time is of the essence when you are dealing with this problem. This is because, the longer the issue stays unattended, the more the problem spreads and you may not even notice this on time.
You can watch this video to learn how to fix the chip yourself if you choose this option. However, as we have said, you have to be very careful and ensure you follow all the instructions so that you do not create a bigger problem.
Cons of Repairing the Windshield Chip Yourself
Below are some of the cons of doing this repair yourself:
1. You May Make Your Warranty Void
If your vehicle is still under warranty and you damage it further when trying to fix the problem yourself, then you may make your warranty void.
2. No Room for Trial and Error
If you fail at your first trial, you do not get a second chance. Your windshield will get damaged and you would need to have it replaced. In the end, while you may have been trying to save money by doing it yourself, you may end up spending even more money.
3. Only Minor Damages Can Be Fixed
If the damage is more than a chip (if it is a long or spider web crack), then you cannot DIY it as the repair kit can’t fix the issue. You would need to take it to the professionals who are better equipped to handle it.
Furthermore, if the chip is close to your wipers, then you may not be able to fix it with the kit. This is because the wipers would always put pressure on the spot. This alone would make the spot susceptible to re-cracking. Therefore, you would need professionals who would use a better and more durable solution.
4. You May Create an Insurance Issue
If you damage your car further during the repair, you may end up creating an issue with your insurance. Your insurance may need to be raised to a premium so it can cover the repair cost. You can save yourself this trouble and simply take the car to the pros from the get-go.
Conclusion
So, should you DIY or not? As we already said, the choice is solely yours. However, ensure you properly weigh the pros and cons before you make your decision.
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