# Windshield repair **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 11, 2011, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-repair/567276 "2011-01-11T23:12:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2011, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-repair/567276/1 "2011-01-11T23:12:43Z")
I recently had a stone put a small scratch on my windshield. I’m looking for some fine grit polishing compound to buff the scratch out. I know how windshield repair companies like Safelite > **[Windshield Repair & Replacement | Safelite](https://www.safelite.com/)** > > If you have a broken windshield you need a repair or replacement. Trust America's auto glass experts at Safelite®. Book an appointment with our technicians. use a resin patch > **[Car Maintenance, Repairs, & How-Tos](https://www.liveabout.com/car-how-tos-4688153)** > > It's both useful and empowering to know how to fix your own car. Whether you need to test the condition of your car battery, fix your AC, or simply change your tires, learn how with these step-by-step tutorials. but that just turned the damaged area into a lens. I need this buffed out. any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-repair/567276/2 "2011-01-12T00:20:27Z")
Did you DIY it or did Safelite do it? If safelite did it, you need to have them fix it. ---
**Author:** ![Al\_Bundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@Al\_Bundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al_Bundy)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-repair/567276/3 "2011-01-12T00:48:19Z")
A scratch or a stone chip means material has been removed. Small scratches might be buffed, but filling is better. When I was a kid I would go to the druggist and buy some cerium oxide and buff the windshield scratches out by hand. It took lots of rubbing. The thing to remember with a windshield is not to get near it with any tools. The least bump can cause a crack ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-repair/567276/4 "2011-01-12T01:24:47Z")
> [@Al\_Bundy](#): > > A scratch or a stone chip means material has been removed. Small scratches might be buffed, but filling is better. When I was a kid I would go to the druggist and buy some cerium oxide and buff the windshield scratches out by hand. It took lots of rubbing. > > The thing to remember with a windshield is not to get near it with any tools. The least bump can cause a crack I was hoping to use a compound with a buffing pad, like this" [http://image.vetteweb.com/f/24771152/vemp\_0910\_09\_z+1971\_chevy\_corvette\_stingray\_project\_car+buffing\_pad.jpg](http://image.vetteweb.com/f/24771152/vemp_0910_09_z+1971_chevy_corvette_stingray_project_car+buffing_pad.jpg) Upon further searching, I found this thread on an auto detailing board: > **[Glass Polishing and Scratch Removal: Review and...](https://www.detailingworld.co.uk/threads/glass-polishing-and-scratch-removal-review-and-instructions-using-lake-country-kit.95965/)** > > One of my biggest fears has always been scratching(wiper-tracks or hazing) my windshield by using the wipers on a dirty surface. Quite frankly, up until two days ago I have never been able to effectively eliminate the tracking from glass. That is... THIS is what I’m looking for! ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-repair/567276/5 "2011-01-12T01:33:03Z")
Have you checked with your car insurance? It’s not at all uncommon to be able to replace even the most slightly damaged windshield at little or no out-of-pocket cost. ---
**Author:** ![janeslogin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-repair/567276/6 "2011-01-12T22:19:06Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > Have you checked with your car insurance? It’s not at all uncommon to be able to replace even the most slightly damaged windshield at little or no out-of-pocket cost. One of the drive in places, Jiffy Lube I think, had some arrangement with insurance companies such that they fixed mine for free. ---
**Author:** ![barbitu8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-repair/567276/7 "2011-01-12T22:23:39Z")
Some states, such as the one I live in (SC) have laws requiring insurance companies to pay 100% for windshield damage, including replacement. Some people take advantage of it, getting a new windshield when their old one has gotten scratched through the years.