Can I Fix a Crack in My Windshield Myself?
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 Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg 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 Contact Redcoat Auto Glass
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.