DIY vs Professional Windshield Repair in Brandon
A cracked windshield is frustrating — and the first question many Brandon drivers ask is:
“Can I fix this windshield crack myself, or do I need a professional?”
The short answer:
Yes, DIY windshield repair is possible for very minor damage — but in most cases, professional repair is safer, faster, and often free with MPI coverage.
Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide what’s right for your situation.
DIY Windshield Repair: Is It Really an Option?
If you’re handy and the damage is extremely small, DIY repair can work — but it’s not as simple as it looks online.
To fix a windshield crack yourself, you’ll need:
- A windshield repair kit (resin, injector, curing strips)
- Proper surface cleaning materials
- UV or direct sunlight for curing
- Precision, patience, and experience
DIY repairs are best suited only for:
- Very small stone chips
- Damage not in the driver’s line of sight
- Chips away from the windshield edges
Even then, results vary.
The Better Option for Manitoba Drivers: MPI Glass Repair
Here’s what many drivers don’t realize:
👉 If you have MPI’s $200 Plus deductible, stone chip repairs are completely free.
That means:
- No out-of-pocket cost
- No DIY kits
- No guesswork
- No risk of making the damage worse
At Redcoat Auto Glass, we handle the entire MPI glass claim process — you don’t need to contact MPI at all.
When Is DIY Windshield Repair an Option?
DIY may be considered only if:
- The damage is a tiny chip (smaller than a loonie)
- The crack is less than 1 inch
- The chip is not near the edge of the glass
- You do not have MPI $200 Plus coverage
- You understand this is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution
Once cracks grow or moisture enters, DIY repair is no longer effective.
How DIY Windshield Repair Works (For Very Minor Chips Only)
If you attempt a DIY repair, proceed with caution:
- Clean the area using rubbing alcohol (not standard glass cleaner)
- Use a windshield repair kit to inject resin
- Remove air bubbles carefully
- Cure the resin under UV light or sunlight
- Scrape and polish excess resin
Important tip:
Apply clear tape over a fresh chip immediately after it happens to prevent dirt and moisture contamination.
DIY vs Professional Windshield Repair: Side-by-Side Comparison
| DIY Repair | Redcoat Auto Glass (With MPI $200 Plus) |
| Buy kits, resin, tools | Everything included |
| Risk of poor seal or trapped debris | Certified technicians |
| No warranty | Lifetime workmanship warranty |
| Time-consuming | Repairs in ~30 minutes |
| Must contact MPI yourself | We handle MPI claims |
| Temporary fix | Long-term structural integrity |
When Professional Repair Is the Smart Choice
Choose professional windshield repair when:
- The crack is longer than 6 inches
- Damage is near the edge or heating elements
- The crack affects your visibility
- Your vehicle has ADAS systems (lane assist, cameras)
- You have MPI $200 Plus coverage
- You want a permanent, insured solution
DIY fixes cannot restore full structural integrity — professionals can.
Why Drivers Choose Redcoat Auto Glass?
At Redcoat Auto Glass, we make windshield repair simple and stress-free.
We offer:
- MPI-accredited auto glass repair
- Direct MPI billing (no upfront payment)
- Same-day and mobile service across Winnipeg
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- OEM & high-quality aftermarket glass
- Free pickup & drop-off options
Whether it’s a stone chip, crack, or full windshield replacement — we handle it properly.
Bottom Line: DIY or Professional?
- DIY: Temporary solution for very minor chips only
- Professional repair: Safer, faster, longer-lasting — and often free with MPI $200 Plus
Why risk your safety or insurance coverage when a professional repair costs nothing?
How to Get Your Windshield Fixed the Right Way
1️⃣ Check your MPI coverage (look for $200 Plus)
2️⃣ Visit Redcoat Auto Glass Website
3️⃣ We file your MPI claim
4️⃣ Repair completed in under 30 minutes (most chips)
5️⃣ Drive away with clear, safe glass and a lifetime warranty
Ready for a Stress-Free Windshield Repair in Brandon?
Skip the DIY risks and get it done right.
If you’re dealing with a windshield crack in Brandon, contact Redcoat Auto Glass today.
We’ll handle the claim, the repair, and the details — so you don’t have to.
Redcoat Auto Glass — Brandon’s trusted choice for MPI-approved windshield repair.