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When your windscreen gets damaged, it’s essential to address the issue quickly and properly. While DIY windscreen repair kits are readily available and can be somewhat effective for very minor windscreen damage, they come with their own set of challenges and limitations. In this article, the 1st Call Windscreen team will look at five key problems associated with attempting DIY windscreen repair.
DIY windscreen repair kits are specifically designed for addressing small chips and cracks, typically those smaller than a 2p coin. The resin provided with these kits might not be sufficient to repair larger areas of damage, such as complex cracks or damage that extends to the edges of the windscreen. Attempting to repair this kind of damage with a DIY kit will probably result in an incomplete or ineffective repair, leaving you with no choice but to seek proper professional assistance, which should have been the initial course of action!
Even when a DIY repair seems to be structurally successful, it still might not achieve the same level of clarity and transparency as a professional repair or replacement. Distortions and imperfections may still be visible on the repaired area, which can be distracting and compromise the overall look of your windscreen.
It’s no secret that windscreen repair requires a certain level of skill and experience given the precise and complex nature of the task. If you’re not familiar with the process, it’s very easy to make mistakes that can worsen the damage. One wrong move or calculation during the repair process can lead to a more extensive crack or chip, making the problem worse. On top of this, if the repair isn’t carried out correctly, you could well be compromising the safety of your vehicle, putting yourself and your passengers in danger.
The success of DIY windscreen repair is very much influenced by environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity and the cleanliness of the repair space. While DIY kits often come with instructions and guidelines on what the ideal conditions for repair are, it can still be challenging to replicate these kinds of conditions at home. For example, if the repair is attempted in extremely cold weather, the resin may not set properly, leading to structural issues.
Here at 1st Call Windscreens, given the mobile nature of our service, our team of professionals is used to carrying out repairs in suboptimal conditions. However, thanks to our years of experience, we understand what adjustments we need to make to ensure a perfect repair every time. If you are at all unsure, we suggest you give us a call!
While DIY kits are generally safe to use when following the instructions, there are some safety concerns to be aware of. Windscreen repair resin can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes, so you need to make sure you are taking proper protective measures when using these kits. As well as this, if the damage is located near the driver’s line of sight, a poorly executed repair can affect visibility when out on the road, which could result in a collision. For the safety of your passengers and other road users, make sure that you completely consider all of the factors that could affect the outcome of the repair.
1st Call Windscreens is Kent’s leading windscreen repair and replacement company. With decades of experience in the industry, you can count on our team to carry out the perfect repair every time. Don’t take a chance on a DIY repair, do it right the first time and give our team a call!
I spoke to David today, he couldn’t be more helpful! He was VERY honest, HELPFUL & KNOWLEDGEABLE! What an amazing service, if anyone is looking to use 1st Call, I couldn’t recommend them more! ...
- 1 day ago
we are very happy with the repairs carried out and the speed of the response. Great job, would recommend !st Call Windscreens any time....
- 1 week ago
Excellent service. A niggling leak on the windscreen was fixed quickly and efficiently. The screen was removed without fuss or damage and resealed. It's a job that insurers won't touch,they only de...
- 3 weeks ago
Discovered my Volvo V50 was not sealing at the top. Autoglass wanted to replace it for £700, called 1st Call and they removed and resealed it for £100+vat and said that if it had broken it would only ...
- 1 month ago
Absolutely the best. From the first phone call to collecting my car with new side window that had been vandalised being replaced. next day service so my car was back on the road promptly. Extremely ...
- 1 month ago
Excellent Workmanship Good Value and Top Quality Customer Service: I recently had my Ford Fiesta ST heated windscreen replaced by 1st Call Windscreens, I couldn't be happier with the whole experienc...
- 2 months ago
Brilliant service. Would recommend 1st call windscreens to anyone looking for an efficient service. Friendly and helpful above and beyond ! 0...
- 2 months ago
Asked for a quote online which came through quickly. Just £48 inc vat for windscreen stone chip. Phoned to book a repair. I could either take the car to them or they would come out to me the next day....
- 3 months ago
Tom turned up on time, he was professional but friendly, he kept me informed on what he was doing and progress, and did a great job! Thanks Tom. Would highly recommend...
- 3 months ago
I needed my windscreen replaced due to a large crack; I was booked in straight away and I couldn’t be happier. They came to my house to fit the replacement, only took them about 20 minutes and they ev...
- 4 months ago
Couldn't be happier, had my Evoque windscreen re sealed as was leaking. Highly recommend 1st Call Windscreens. The guys were extremely helpful & friendly both on phone and doing the work. The work was...
- 4 months ago
Fantastic service, booked for a site visit to alleviate any disruption to the engineers day and it all went seamlessly. I would definitely recommend 1st Call Windscreens and will use them in the futu...
- 4 months ago
Customer service were great responded to my call out vey quickly and the guy that came out was very nice and helpful Thank you...
- 5 months ago
Had my chip fixed at my home this afternoon - cannot praise the service enough!!!! Lovely man who took 10-15 minutes - perfect job and no issues - very good price and highly recommend them Jo Seveno...
- 6 months ago
Very helpful and carried out a repair at very short notice on our way to catch a ferry. Very polite and stabilised the chip in our windscreen so that we could continue abroad for our holiday uninterru...
- 7 months ago
Made a call to 1st call windscreens as I was worried about a chip in my screen. The guys were very helpful, turned up on time and carried out a fantastic repair and was cheaperthan my insurance acce...
- 7 months ago
We had an emergency windscreen repair needed when travelling down from Oxfordshire to Kent. The Sittingbourne team went out of their way to help us at very short notice and allowing us to resume our j...
- 7 months ago
Jake was friendly, polite and helpful. He left no mess inside or outside the car and took away the boxes the seals came in even though they were supplied direct by the BMW dealer....
- 8 months ago
Arrived on time at my home address. Was very professional, polite and efficient. No hassle and no mess. Screen was replaced on my mini in no time at all and looks perfect. Thank you will highly recom...
- 8 months ago
So happy with Byron and Jake today very friendly and professional from 1st Call Windscreens Ltd. They come extremely well prepared with attention to detail. A great job was done on replacing my wind...
- 8 months ago
1st Call windscreens are absolutely 1st class. Spoke with David on the phone and he was so helpful and knowledgeable. Took our car up to them to advise on the correct windscreens which embarrassingl...
- 8 months ago
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