\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If the glass is not installed correctly, it is more likely to crack or break under pressure. If you have a crack, tape that too, but extend the tape 6" after the end of the crack. Last Updated: November 2, 2022 To affect a real solution, you need to obtain the service of a professional. In addition, the smaller the crack is, the easier and cheaper it will be to correct. The same is true of super glue or Gorilla glue. 480-345-8990 Receive An Estimate 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. The resin gets forced in the crack and seals it from outside debris and elements. Is there a way to stop a windshield crack from spreading? Not only does a clean windshield provide a clear view of the road, but it also helps to ensure the structural integrity of the car. Once it has dried, you have to put clear tape on the cracked area to prevent any dirt or debris from invading the area. Thats why its important to regularly clean and inspect your windshield and to repair any cracks or chips as soon as possible. This guide is not a replacement for professional windshield repair service; no hacks or DIY repair kits can permanently fix a windshield crack. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Website Design, Hosting, Maintenance & SEO by WebTechs.Net. Remember that this is not a long-term solution, and we do not recommend driving your car in this manner for more than a few days. This involves drilling a small hole at the end of the crack to relieve pressure and prevent it from spreading. Impact cracks typically have sharp edges and can spread quickly, so its essential to have them repaired as soon as possible. Click here to read about how to use a typical windshield repair kit. Repair the Windshield Crack. Long or complex cracks can severely inhibit your visibility and limit the strength of your windshield. Stopping the windshield crack from spreading is of paramount importance because a cracked glass invites accidents. Your windshield glass is a solid piece of glass that maintains its integrity by uniformly distributing the force applied to it. Tape the Crack. Or worse - a new crack! Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. *A chipped or cracked windshield left in the elements on a day with large temperature changes may lead to significant additional cracking. Home Window Upkeep Tips by Ryan Nielsen | Nov 30, 2022 | Windows If the crack is small, you might be able to get away with a cheap and fast repair solution. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you are not confident in your ability to follow the instructions, it is best to leave the repair to a professional. Measure the size and depth of the imperfection. Along with providing protection from the elements and road debris as you drive, the windshield plays a crucial safety role during an accident. You can also use a duct tape if the location of crack does not impede with your visibility on road. 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. Tilt the phone back and forth for covering the entire crack properly. Put Super Glue in the Crack Although super glue isn't the ideal repair tool for a windshield crack, it can work as a temporary solution if the crack isn't too large. Required fields are marked *. Glass expands in hot weather and contracts when it gets cold. Windshield cracks happen all the timeall it takes is a stray pebble to cause some major problems. While these temporary solutions can minimize damage to your vehicle, it is important to have a completely safe windshield that is free from cracks. There are a few things you need to know before you start. So what exactly causes windshield cracks to spread? Heres a look at the hazards of cracked windshields and how to stop windshield cracks from spreading until you seek professionalwindshield repair. Another common cause of windshield damage is temperature changes. Weve compiled some tips, crack hacks as we call them, to help you out. When a small rock from the vehicle in front of you is thrown up, it can create a star break at the impact location. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Have you ever been driving down the highway, minding your own business, when suddenly a flying rock smashes into your windshield? If your windshield suffers a crack or rock chip while youre traveling, you may not have time to get auto glass repairs right away. Now, he writes on automotive topics across the web and around the world, including new automotive technology, transportation legislation, emissions, fuel economy and auto repair. Car windshields can be easily damaged by flying debris or severe weather. But what if the crack is bigger? Then, as a low-fidelity solution, apply clear nail polish or superglue to the chip. While there are different kits, they usually contain a specialized resin and an adaptor. Were interested to know what type of crack does your windshield have and what method did you use to keep it from getting bigger? You can go to places like Safelite auto glass and they can assess the crack and maybe reapir it if it is just a "star". As such, covering the crack with tape can create a protective barrier and ensure that moisture or dirt does not spread the crack further. Dont spray the glass cleaner directly onto the damaged area, as this can interfere with the repair process. The first step is to prevent stressors like dirt, water and other debris from entering the crack. 5 Tips to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading. Ultimately, you may end up needing a total windshield replacement if the damage spreads too far. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. When water gets into the cracks and freezes, it expands and puts additional stress on the glass, leading to further damage. Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. Filling the crack - a weakness that disturbs the weight distribution - makes the glass more stable and less likely to put pressure on the rest of your . . I got one price, at 2 almost 3. Small particles of dirt can also find their way into the beginnings of a crack, which can eventually make it worse. Stress cracks are one of the most common types of windshield damage. In addition to giving protection against road debris and other elements as you drive, the windshield has a major safety role in accidents. By using clear tape, you can help keep the crack lean in normal driving conditions, but it wont hold up under severe weather or a car wash. Use a clear nail polish for the purpose as you dont want it to obstruct your view, when driving later on. CLEAN THE AREA. I have done thi. Keep in mind that this is a short-term solution. The adhesive will retain the two factions of the break collectively stop a windshield crack from spreading. What will I do to avoid it spreading wider, Your email address will not be published. So, your cars comprehensive coverage should take care of the cost on the spot. It's possible to stop a crack from spreading further. Afterward, as a low-fidelity fix, apply either super glue or nail polish on the chip. You may even have cracks in your windshield or window that look like a spider web. If it is a small half-moon or raindrop, then what will be done is fairly straightforward. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Learn how your comment data is processed. Let me know what happens. [1] Discover the latest competitive savings on the best auto, home, and business glass repair and replacement services in the industry. Ben has been taking things apart since he was 5, and putting them back together again since he was 8. Here's why: A cracked windshield makes accidents more dangerous. Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Victor S. Your email address will not be published. However, small chips and isolated cracks can often be repaired. Once dried, it will help keep both sides of the crack together, and reduces additional spreading. However, if the chip is growing, there's not much you can do to . Like superglue, clear nail polish can serve as a temporary fix to stop a windshield crack from spreading while youre on the go. Just like you started off with the nail polish hack, youll first need to clean the damaged area to make sure that dirt, debris or dust particles do not end up inside the crack; they can cause it to spread. Then read on to learn what you need to do to prevent windshield cracks from getting worse. You should not wait until the crack is larger. To fix the crack yourself, purchase a windshield repair kit from a local automotive parts supply store. The best way to do this is using a squeegee. Cover the Damage With Clear Tape. There have been some who reported being successful with clear acrylic nail polish as a temporary fix. Thankfully, there are several ways to do this. Copyright 2001-2023 T&S Auto Glass. While clear tape and a clean, dry windshield will be able to temporarily hold the damage for a little while, your ultimate solution lies with getting it professionally repaired or replaced. What You Need to Know About Auto Glass Repairs, 3 Types of Auto Glass Damage That Require Windshield Replacement. by Victor S. | Last updated Jul 24, 2022 | Windshields. There are several common reasons for windshield cracks, and understanding them can help you to avoid costly repairs. Youre glad to be safe, but now you must act fast to prevent that chip from growing. Contact the professionals at A1 Windshield today and schedule a time for your windshield repair or replacement. If the crack is approximately a foot long, half an inch wide or has been there for an extended period, you should replace the windshield. How To Fix And Stop A Long Windshield Crack From Spreading. Acetone (nail polish remover) can be used to wipe any excess glue away. When driving into the wind, your speed plus the wind speed can mean pressure equal to 100 mph plus winds, which is a lot of pressure on a windshield. SUNDAY | CLOSED. There are 3 common types of glass crack: impact crack, stress crack, and pressure crack. No matter what shape or size, eventually cracks will spread outward. If youre searching for how to stop a windshield crack from spreading or how to fix a long cracked windshield, this post will help! This will also reduce the risk from temperature changes from your defroster/heater blowing on a cold windshield or cold AC air hitting a hot windshield. If your windshield crack is longer than 3 inches you will likely need to have a new windshield installed. It's possible to use clear tape, super glue, or even clean nail paint. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. .I hope this information helps. Auto Glass Repair | Windshield Repair St Paul MN | Only 1 Auto Glass, Windshield Chip Repair | Chipped Auto Glass | St Paul MN, Rear Window Chip Repair | Broken Auto Glass | St Paul MN, Windshield Repair Cost | Auto Glass Replacement | St Paul MN, Auto Glass Replacement | Only 1 Auto Glass | St Paul MN, Windshield Replacement | Auto Glass Services St Paul MN, Side Window Replacement | Only 1 Auto Glass | St Paul MN, Rear Window Replacement | Only 1 Auto Glass | St Paul MN, Windshield Replacement Cost | Only 1 Auto Glass | St Paul MN, Agent Referral | Only 1 Auto Glass | St Paul & Minneapolis MN, Camera & Windshield ADAS Recalibration | Only 1 Auto Glass - St Paul MN, Customer Testimonials - Only 1 Auto Glass, most commercially available kits arent great quality. 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. 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