Best Solution on A Chipped Windscreen without Breaking The Bank

transplanted on 11/03/2023 - 21:46
Last edited 12/03/2023 - 16:00 by 1 other user

Bought a cheap car for nephew, before I even had the time to insure, got a chip the size of a button of a polo shirt, so smaller than a dollar coin. Not planning to get comprehensive insurance, checked online for third party but they don't insure windshield repair unless comprehensively insured.

What's the cheaper alternative? Go for a $100 repair, but what if the damage resurfaces? I understand from other glass repairer that a second repair on same spot is no longer an option as the area is compromised, is this true? Will the first repair cover a warranty that would replace the whole windshield with a new one?

• 

  AustriaBargain on 11/03/2023 - 21:50

  -1

  https://www.amazon.com.au/Scotch-Transparent-Tape-7-62m-157S…

  • 

    transplanted on 11/03/2023 - 21:58

    +1

    Good suggestion, I have Elmer"s Glue stick, you think that would work, or just spit on it and air dry!?

• 

  SnoozeAndLose on 11/03/2023 - 21:59

  +1

  DIY windscreen repaired kits https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/125354936893?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mk…

  • 

    transplanted on 11/03/2023 - 22:20

    great, im looking at permatex bullseye, or similar, should do the trick

    • 

      lgacb08 on 11/03/2023 - 22:43

      those DIY kit is only good for small chip (peppercorn size or similar), I did one for my car using the kit from amazon and it's still noticeable if you have good eye. if yours' that big of a button I'd suggest replace the whole screen to avoid the eyesore. Unless the car is a rare type or relatively new with all fancy tech radar on it, a new screen probably cost only aroun $3-400 and just consider it bad luck if you live in metro areas, a chip on a sealed road is not worth to be insured for.

      • 

        transplanted on 11/03/2023 - 23:00

        i found one at supercheap , ufixit brand, with videos, good for 5 applications, gives me 5 chances, otherwise ill just bring it to novus. can only afford third party insurance so diy is my solution, cheers mate

• 

  bobbified on 11/03/2023 - 23:01

  +1

  What car is it? If it's a basic windscreen without cameras or sensors mounted on it, you can probably get away with replacing the whole thing for $300-500.

  (For comparison, the price to replace those with sensors, etc on it will easily cost over $1000 because they will also need to recalibrate the sensors)

• 

  bargaino on 11/03/2023 - 23:13

  For a cheap car, you can probably buy a new windscreen for not a lot more than $100. Add $30 for adhesive, and not too hard to install.
  The catch is the removing the old windscreen can be a B*&%$.

• 

  dcep on 12/03/2023 - 01:05

  Get a quote from O'Brien , last i remember it was under $500 to replace but that was many yonks ago.

  • 

    solidussnake on 12/03/2023 - 08:06

    O'Brien are the worst and most expensive, we use Novus in Brisbane usually $100 to glue a windscreen with multiple chips

• 

  doctordv8 on 12/03/2023 - 09:33

  +1

  From inside the vehicle looking out, there are not many more driving related satisfying things than a clean clear windscreen.

  If you want legal, safe, clean, neat, often guaranteed and to potentially maintain your Nephew's eyesight, get a professional repair.

  Remember, modern vehicle windscreens are part of the designed and built in structural integrity of the vehicle.
  Most DIY kits are like 8" steering wheels - often useless unless and or for off road applications.

  The risk is a non professional repair may leave the impact area weakened and will splinter much worse the next time the screen suffers a close to this one. That is if the damage is actually repairable in the first instance.

  Safety of driver and passengers MUST always more important than your/their wallet.

  Try getting a quoted price from all the Windscreen joints on a repair v replacement screen, then make a properly informed and safe decision.
  Do the homework, and then do the repair or replacement as required.

  If you and the nephew can not afford safe repairs, or FC Insurance…… it was once said if you can not afford fuel, tyres and insurance, you should not be buying that car? The last screen we had fitted was a 2018 BT50 for under 300 bills - so Shop Around.

  Can you/they afford to maintain all other maintenance, especially safety related Roadworthy issues in the future?