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MAINTENANCE

Temporary Repair Steps and Tips for Windshields

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Who knew that one tiny pebble could cause so much damage? A small chip can soon expand, with a web-like crack slowly crawling across your windshield. Put off this repair long enough and your windshield may suddenly break, showering your interior with glass. You may be able to handle a temporary repair yourself, provided you take the following steps.

If you don’t take care of a small crack immediately, your entire windshield can break,
requiring immediate replacement.

1. Measure the Damage

If the damage to your windshield measures one inch or less, then proceed to the next step. If it is larger than one inch, then do not read on as you will need to have your windshield repair handled by a professional.

2. Shop for a Windshield Repair Kit

Several manufacturers offer windshield repair kits, providing temporary solutions for your minor windshield repair. Blue-Star, Permatex, 3M Auto, Loctite and Pitstop offer kits, each retailing for less than $20. We’ll use the 3M Auto kit as an example for making this particular repair.

3. Consider Temperature and Conditions

Plan your windshield repair for a warm, moisture-free day when temperatures are at least 60 degrees and no more than 90 degrees. Ideally, you will accomplish this repair in a climate-controlled garage where outside temperature and direct sunlight are not factors.

4. Review and Prepare

Read the instructions that come with your safety kit carefully before going through each step. Avoid contact with chemicals by wearing gloves and put on safety goggles when handling this repair project.

5. Assemble the Injection Tool

Your windshield repair kit will come with a bridge assembly, a resin chamber assembly and an injector assembly, in addition to an alcohol wipe, a stick pin, one eye dropper, a scraping blade and a tiny sheet of clear plastic film. Assemble the injection tool with the parts provided to make this tool.

6. Clean and Repair

Spray the windshield area surrounding the damage with glass cleaner. Wipe clean with a paper towel. Take the stick pin and clean out the affected area, removing loose pieces of glass. Wipe the damaged area with the included alcohol wipe.

7. Center the Injector Tool

Place the injector tool over the damaged area, screwing in the injection nozzle directly over the chip. If you have difficulty centering the tool, tape a mirror to the inside of the windshield for improved visibility. Press down on the assembly to allow the suction cups to adhere to the glass.

8. Fill the Resin Chamber

Take the eyedropper and fill it halfway with the provided glass repair resin. Screw the upper portion of the injector tool into the resin chamber. The resin will begin to fill the damaged area as you screw it in place.

9. Observe and Repeat, if Necessary

From the underside of the windshield (inside of your car) ensure that the affected area has been filled with resin. If not, adjust the assembly and repeat the previous step. Once you are satisfied that the job has been accomplished, then add a drop of resin and place the clear plastic film over the treated area.

10. Remove and Cure

Remove the bridge assembly from the windshield and place your car outside in direct sunlight. Allow the resin to cure for 30 minutes before cleaning up.

11. Clean and Observe

Once cured, scrape around the edge of the treated area with the scraping blade to remove excess resin. Remove the plastic film. Wipe down your entire windshield with glass cleaner and a towel. Observe that the damage has been repaired.

Temporary Repair Ahead of a Permanent Solution

A temporary windshield repair is just that: a chance for you to put off a more expensive car repair until you have the money to pay for one. If you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage, your windshield repair may be covered. However, a deductible may still apply. Contact your auto insurer to learn what your share of repair costs will be.

See Also — The Average Salary of Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

How to Lease a Demo Car

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Buick LaCrosse
Make sure that the demo model you want is free of scratches.

Savvy car shoppers know that if you want to save big bucks on a newer car, then buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is a wise strategy. Certainly, the first year of car ownership brings with it the most significant drop in depreciation. Suddenly, that new car bought for $33,000 new, may be worth less than $25,000.

You may not have to wait a model year to enjoy the perks of a used vehicle and the depreciation cost absorbed by someone else. Indeed, cars with just a few thousand miles on the odometer are routinely sold by new car dealers, vehicles that served as demo models for a few months and are now ready for sale.

Buying a demo (demonstration) car is easy, but can you lease one? Yes, you can. In fact, just as most any new or late-model vehicle can be leased, so can a demo car. But before you sign on the dotted line you must perform due diligence. So, then do the following:

Inspect With Care

Just as you would do with any used vehicle, examine the demo car very carefully. Likely, it is as shiny and appealing as any new car on the lot, but it could possess a few flaws that might be revealed through careful inspection. Keep this in mind: scores, if not hundreds of potential buyers may have tested the vehicle.

Look for nicks or scratches that may have been touched up. Look closely at the seats, the dashboard, and the carpeting for signs of wear and tear or discoloration. Lift the hood and verify that the oil, transmission fluid and coolant is clean, the connections are secure and that the battery is in top condition. Examine the trunk for signs of water intrusion by lifting the floor cover. Having your own mechanic examine the vehicle can be a wise decision too.

2015 Volvo S60

Obtain a Vehicle Report

The dealer’s maintenance records may be detailed, but you should also be supplied with a vehicle history report even if the car was only used for two or three months. This report should be automatically supplied by the car dealer and at no cost to you.

Most dealers will supply a CARFAX report outlining information about the vehicle’s title, ownership and mileage history. It should also include service information and if there was an accident that was reported, that detail will be included. A minor fender bender may not be much, but anything greater could be a deal breaker.

Warranty and Related Information

What sort of warranty coverage is the dealer offering with the demo model? It should come with the balance of the new car warranty as well as powertrain and rust protection. For manufacturers offering new car maintenance for the first two or three years of ownership, the demo vehicle should assume same. (Here is an excellent article that details the limits and sometimes the pitfalls with vehicle history reports — Limitations and Problems with Carfax or any Vehicle History Report).

If you’re interested in purchasing an extended warranty, your demo vehicle should be eligible for a plan. You can purchase a plan through the dealer our buy one independently. Shop around and compare offers and prices.

Chrysler 300

Find a Demo

New car dealers may have demos in use, but that doesn’t mean that one is available for sale. Here, you will want to call several local dealers and ask if they have demos available. Those cars may be included in the dealer’s online inventory too.

Take your time shopping for a demo and you may come up with a like-new car at a bargain price. Once you find a car that meets your criteria, then discuss your leasing options with the dealer. You should bargain the best price for the car and ensure that the warranties run as long as the lease.

See Also — Where Can I Find My Car Paint Code?