If your windshield has mild to moderate damage in a non-crucial area (one that won't affect the driver's line of sight if the repair leaves a small discoloration), you could be a great candidate for repair. And if it's just one tiny chip, you may wonder if you could just do the repair yourself with a DIY kit. The answer is that technically you could, but in most situations it's a better bet to have the repair done professionally. Here are four differences between professional repair and DIY repair for windshield chips.

1. Warranty

DIY kits don't come with guaranteed results. The manufacturers have no way to know if you have any auto glass repair experience, if you have a steady hand, or if you read the directions before starting. And since the resin used for the repair is basically permanent once it's cured, you only have one chance to get it right. (An auto glass repair shop may or may not be able to patch up a botched repair job, depending on the individual situation, and even the professionals can't remove all the resin once it's cured.) A reputable auto glass shop, on the other hand, will guarantee all its work.

2. Insurance 

Insurance companies don't look kindly on funding DIY fixes because the less experience you have with the task at hand, the more likely it is that you won't be able to get it right on the first try. A professional repair, on the other hand, is more likely to be covered under a comprehensive insurance plan. Make sure you double-check your insurance coverage before getting the repair, though, if you're planning to submit an insurance claim.

3. Speed

Your DIY job may take anywhere from about an hour to two or more hours, whereas a professional chip repair may require under half an hour of work. Of course, you have to factor in the time spent driving to and from the auto place as well, but you may still experience considerable time savings with a professional repair.

4. Precision

The wide array of tools available to auto glass repair professionals and the much broader selection of resins they have to choose from takes professional repairs several steps up. A DIY kit has a limited number of resin types, whereas at a repair shop, the resin used can be adapted based on the temperature, the type of damage, and other relevant considerations.

These are just four of the ways in which a DIY kit and a professional windshield repair differ. It's true that the DIY kit offers the convenience of not having to drive to and from an auto repair shop and isn't restricted to business hours, so if you have plenty of auto glass repair experience and the damage is minor, it may be an acceptable option in a pinch. For more information and tips on auto glass repair, contact a business like Becky's Glass Works.