\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. While these temporary solutions can minimize damage to your vehicle, it is important to have a completely safe windshield that is free from cracks. Many people experience the frustration of a cracked windshield, and it can be difficult to know how to prevent it. In other cases, they may be caused by sudden temperature changes, such as when a car is parked in direct sunlight after being driven in cold weather. Let other readers know by leaving a comment below! Fortunately, Glass Doctor performs repairsandreplacements to make your car, truck or SUV roadworthy once more. Repair the Windshield Crack. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Stay safe and drive safely! They may have the ability to preserve the cracks size, to make it look smaller than it really is as well. From priority scheduling, preferential pricing, exclusive savings, and more. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Ron Capps Races to Runner-Up Finish in Houston. Glass drill bits are widely available at hardware, tool, auto repair, and online stores. Here are the top 7 things you can do to keep your Windshield chips from spreading into long ugly cracks: Tape it! The tips we discuss here are only meant to provide you with a temporary leewayin cases where youre unable to get your damaged windshield repaired right away and you need to use your car in the meantime. Always worth a try. Second, take extra precautions when working with the resin. One of the first steps of how to fix windshield chip is to clean the glass around the area. As a result, it is important to have any pressure cracks repaired or the windshield replaced as soon as possible. 6124 Olson Memorial Hwy. If you have any questions regarding our vehicles repair needs? Sealing the crack in your windshield can help keep it from spreading. Use clear nail polish or super glue to hold the glass temporarily. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Let us show you some great reasons to call us. We fix small problems professionally to avoid safety hazards. State and local laws may impact the services this independently owned and operated franchise location may perform at this time. % of people told us that this article helped them. Bonafide windshield repair kits are available for purchase at local hardware stores. As the temperature outside fluctuates, the glass expands and contracts, eventually leading to cracks. Here is a thought, as long as the crack in your windshield has not started starring significantly it can be repaired. You may be able to get a seal but it would only be, again, a surface closure. Dirt buildup within the crack can also makes it more difficult to perform a successful repair. Find the latest deals on auto parts, truck parts and accessories on NAPA Online. Learn more about our community of home service experts. I have done thi. Once the hole has been made, it should be sealed with a clear adhesive. Use a Windshield Crack Repair Kit . You'll want to remove any dust, oil, or fingerprints, and then wipe. These come with a specialized resin which can effectively reduce the stress on the windshield and stop the chip from growing. This involves drilling a small hole at the end of the crack to relieve pressure and prevent it from spreading. Let me know what happens. According to Texas law, damaged windshields must be corrected as safety hazards. Glass Doctor is a Neighborly brand. You may think that they are just there to keep rain, snow and insects from pelting you as you drive but windshields are not. Because of this we encourage our customers to get a new windshield any time theres a crack. With a few simple details we can estimate the cost of your repairs now. Keeping your car cool when possible can prevent the problem from becoming too substantial for a home repair. Here are a few more techniques to keep the crack from spreading. If you know how to stop a windshield crack from spreading, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars in replacement costs and help keep your car on the road. SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 1:00PM i) Seal it up. And they're not just annoying, they can be a serious safety concern, too, distracting your eyes from the road and weakening your. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Keep It Clean: Each kit comes with its own particular instructions and methods, so be sure to follow the instructions included in your particular kit. If it is just a crack on your phone's screen, then you can apply a temporary seal to prevent the crack from spreading or growing further. Be Aware of the Problem: Most windshield chips and cracks happen because people aren't aware of how vulnerable their windshield is. Heres how to get the job done: Remove all traces of dirt and debris from within and around the crack. To stop a crack from getting worse, the first step to take is preventing stressors, such as water, dirt, or other debris to enter the crack. Arizona drivers that have full coverage car insurance many times are able to get free windshield replacement. When possible, parking inside a garage will help by lowering the stress on the cracked windshield. I got one price, at 2 almost 3. It is best if you take action sooner, rather than later when it comes to a cracked windshield. If you go this routeby far the easiest solutionuse either clear packing tape or another strong, clear adhesive tape, so that the tape does not cause a distraction. There are 3 most effective windshield crack and stone chip repair methods available: One common windshield crack repair method is to make a small hole at the end of the crack. Your email address will not be published. Cover the Damage With Clear Tape. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. You can also try super glue or nail polish if you are on a budget, but this fix wont last for a long time. Crack Hacks: 4 Ways to STOP a Windshield Crack from Spreading, CUSTOMER WARRANTY INFORMATION AND DISCLOSURES. Long or complex cracks can severely inhibit your visibility and limit the strength of your windshield. It's possible to stop a crack from spreading further. We Recommend A cracked windshield can weaken the cars frame, making it more likely to collapse in an accident. Here's What's Happening, 4 Common Brake Light Problems and How to Solve Them, Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? You can try a few different methods to prevent a windshield crack from spreading. To prevent this from happening, park your car in the shade when possible and avoid using the window defroster until youhave the chip repaired. There are several common reasons for windshield cracks, and understanding them can help you to avoid costly repairs. 3-Step Guide For Filling In And Hiding Small Cracks In Your Car's Windshield. How to Stop a Windshield Crack From Spreading. Next, you'll want to apply the resin to the crack. They are also the ones your windshield is most likely to get exposed to. If you wait too long, the problem may have worsened to the point where the crack cannot be repaired, and youll have to replace the entire windshield. What You Need to Know About Auto Glass Repairs, 3 Types of Auto Glass Damage That Require Windshield Replacement. Your windshield glass is a solid piece of glass that stays in one piece by evenly distributing pressure. However, if the stone moves fast enough, it can cause an impact crack. Do not wait any longer than absolutely necessary to get your cars glass repaired. Allow the polish or glue to dry, and then place a piece of clear packing tape over the area to help keep dirt out until you can have the chip repaired. Wait for the glue or polish to dry. It is for information purposes only. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Its important to note that if you take this route, you may not be able to get a professional auto glass repair when you return home. Required fields are marked *. These occur when a small rock or piece of debris strikes the glass, causing a chip or crack. You can apply it by forcing it into the crack, or by scratching spreading in an even layer. All Rights Reserved. Take It Easy. When this happens, its important to assess the damage and determine whether replacement is necessary. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The resin effectively seals the crack from outside elements, reducing the stress on the glass and preventing further spreading. The same is true of super glue or Gorilla glue. How to Stop a Crack in the Windshield There are a couple of methods auto owners can try to stop or slow the spread of a windshield crack. Like superglue, clear nail polish can serve as a temporary fix to stop a windshield crack from spreading while youre on the go. This is how you can fix a cracked windshield with household items. Nail polish, for instance, will not get down into the layers of the windshield and will not adhere to the many layers of material involved so you would have a repair in name only as it might seal the top there would be no repairs below. Use rubbing alcohol, glass cleaner, or soap and water. I realized I had a crack in my windshield from a rock an I used a lil super glue an so far so good no runs. They can be either straight or curved. Step 2: Apply A Thin Layer Of Super Glue To Deep Cracks. Fill in the Edges of the Crack with Clear Nail Polish Fill the Crack with Super Glue Cover the Cracked Area with Clear Tape However, if the crack spreads longer than three inches, a repair may not be possible. While perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, using tape on a crack will typically keep it from spreading and seal it. Remember that using nail polish and Super Glue are only temporary fixes. Let us know in the comments below! . Repair Your Damaged Windshield Before Ice Cracks It! Stress cracks are one of the most common types of windshield damage. Finally, freezing temperatures can also cause windshields to crack. Once the resin has been injected, it must be cured with ultraviolet light. The Gas Light Goes On: How Many Miles Until Empty? Put a small amount along the crack and very gently wipe any excess away. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Still, it can come in handy in a pinch. If you direct a heating vent at your chipped windshield in cold weather, this may cause the crack to spread abruptly. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Rock chips are frustrating, no doubt about it. Can You Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading? If youre searching for how to stop a windshield crack from spreading or how to fix a long cracked windshield, this post will help! If the structural integrity of the windshield is compromised, it may not be able to protect you in the event of an accident. The resin will seal the crack from the outside elements, reduce stress on the glass and prevent further spreading. Fortunately, you can often stop a windshield crack from spreading, and its not all that difficult or expensive. One is to make a relief hole. Is Your 4WD Light Flashing? If you have a tiny chip or crack, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible because even the slightest damage can grow into a big problem down the road. When you spot a small crack or chip in your windshield, its important to take action immediately. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. Visit an auto glass shop to have the crack professionally sealed or the windshield replaced, if necessary. Furthermore, it creates visibility issues, and you will find it daunting to steer the vehicle, especially during the night. With this said, though, a minor windshield star can quickly a major problem unless it is handled correctly. Its role is to direct impact force during front-end collisions down to the chassis, this is referred to as the forward crumple zone. The following are some of the solutions to bank on in how to stop a windshield crack from spreading DIY solutions. Next, force the specialized resin from the repair kit into the hole to seal the glass, reduce stress on the windshield, and stop cracks from forming.