Cracks in your windshield can be a pain, especially when you cannot get your windshield repaired or replaced right away. Luckily, you can follow a few methods and tips to prevent windshield cracks from spreading. Stopping a crack from spreading is imperative to prevent further damage to your vehicle, help maximize your safety, and save money on repairing the crack. Let’s examine some key strategies for stopping a windshield crack from spreading.
Examine the Crack
Before you do anything to fix the crack temporarily, you should evaluate the type and extent of the damage. Smaller cracks can often be repaired, while larger cracks require windshield replacements. Additionally, cracks near the border of the windshield typically spread more easily and quickly than cracks in the middle area of the windshield.
If the crack is impeding your visibility while driving, we suggest calling a professional auto glass specialist before driving to ensure your safety. Similarly, if the crack is more than six inches long, it may be best to wait until you can call an expert before attempting to fix your windshield yourself or drive.
Temporary Fix for Windshield Crack
When you notice a crack and can call an auto glass specialist, you can use a few methods to seal the crack temporarily. Remember, these solutions are temporary and are meant to last only briefly, especially if you need to drive long distances.
- Clear Nail Polish: You can apply clear nail polish to keep debris and moisture from outside from getting into the crack, causing it to spread. Ensure you clean the crack before applying the polish and wait for it to dry completely before driving.
- Super Glue: Will super glue stop a windshield crack from spreading? In the long term, no. However, super glue works well for temporarily sealing cracks you can repair or replace your windshield. Clean the crack beforehand and wait for the glue to dry before you drive.
- Clear Packing Tape: One of the quickest ways to help keep a crack from spreading short-term is by using clear packing tape. Make sure the area around the crack is clean and dry before applying the tape so that it sticks when you drive. This will help keep dirt and moisture out of the crack, but is not guaranteed to prevent the crack from spreading. Tape should only be used in a dilemma.
- DIY Repair Kit: Many auto glass stores sell DIY windshield repair kits as a non-permanent way to fill a crack. These kits can come in handy when you are in a pinch, but they can be difficult to use correctly and cannot replace the work of a professional.
How to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading: DIY Repair Kit
If you choose to use a DIY repair kit, here are the basic steps you should follow to ensure that you use the kit effectively. Your DIY kit will outline these instructions in greater detail, specific to the type of kit.
- Clean the impacted area using an auto glass cleaner and wait for it to dry completely. Make sure no dirt or debris is in the crack before attempting to seal it.
- Apply the seal to the crack, following the kit’s instructions.
- Pour the resin into the crack. The resin will act as a temporary replacement for the glass. Following the kit’s instructions, wait for the resin to harden thoroughly.
- Remove the seal and clean off any excess resin.
Tips for Driving with a Cracked Windshield
While you should avoid driving as much as possible before getting a windshield crack fixed, it is important to follow these guidelines if you must drive with a cracked windshield.
- Avoid Severe Weather/Temperatures: Extreme heat or cold temperatures can cause the cracks to expand and contract. Park in the shade on hot days and defrost frozen windshield slowly to avoid sudden temperature changes. Also, try to keep your car under a covered area when it rains.
- Don’t Drive on Bumpy or Dirt Roads: Windshield cracks weaken the structure of the glass, so driving over bumps can cause the cracks to spread. Roads made up of lots of debris or dirt can cause dirt particles to get stuck in the crack.
Call an Auto Glass Specialist
Despite the temporary solutions available, you must call a professional to handle your cracked windshield. Knowing how to stop a windshield crack from spreading yourself can be difficult and will not permanently fix the crack. Experienced auto glass specialists can determine if your windshield needs to be repaired or replaced and ensure it is strong and secure.
Having a dependable service provider makes all the difference when it comes to auto glass care. Auto Glass Specialists in San Diego delivers exceptional solutions, including ADAS Windshield Calibration. Our experienced team handles every job with precision and efficiency, ensuring you have peace of mind.
Need windshield crack repair in San Diego? Call us today for quality service you can trust.