\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Put a small amount along the crack and very gently wipe any excess away. Sure, the moisture and dirt may be kept out for the time being but the tape is nowhere as strong or as adequate to keep the crack from spreading. You can also try super glue or nail polish if you are on a budget, but this fix wont last for a long time. In the case of a collision, a chipped or cracked windshield is not able to provide the full protection as designed. If not, submit the slip through your agent and you will be reimbursed. Our technicians are certified by the Auto Glass Safety Council and among our team, we have over 200 years of experience in the auto glass industry. It will eventually wear off, and the crack may continue to spread. Using a Windshield Repair Kit Nowadays, you can easily find purpose-made windshield repair kit at just about any hardware store. It's possible to stop a crack from spreading further. Using a dropper, apply a small amount of superglue to the crack. When you've got a windshield crack that's started to spread, you want to do what you can to stop it from going any further. You can save the cost of replacement, prevent the minor imperfection from getting worse and keep your car on the road if you take the appropriate actions. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, call us today at 651-789-1111. 1. While professionals offer windshield chip and crack repair services, a do-it-yourselfer can accomplish the task with the right materials and a little patience. Because of this we encourage our customers to get a new windshield any time theres a crack. Proactive Maintenance Smart Tips You Should Know, Signs That Indicate You Need Windshield Replacement. Remember, these are just temporary solutions, but can stop the windshield crack from running until you take the damage to a professional. This article was co-authored by Ed Beery and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. 1. A faulty windshield will not provide the ideal protection in the event of a collision. He will center the scribe above the damage and then insert a needle-like device, using the scribe as a guide, and open the damage a bit so it is clean and somewhat rounded. 3245 N. ARIZONA AVE. Here is a thought, as long as the crack in your windshield has not started starring significantly it can be repaired. Can You Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading? Squeeze the glue until it gets inside the windshield . Its role is to direct impact force during front-end collisions down to the chassis, this is referred to as the forward crumple zone. Apply your toothpaste to the cracked part of the screen after cleaning. While there are different kits, they usually contain a specialized resin and an adaptor. Another common cause of windshield damage is temperature changes. This will help hold the glass together while you schedule a visit to a repair shop. In addition to detracting from the appearance of your vehicle, a cracked windshield make can also reduce your visibility. Regardless of its type and size, the crack will eventually spread as the glass expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and pressure. The first step involves testing the depth of the cracks in your windshield. If you have a crack, tape that too, but extend the tape 6" after the end of the crack. Here are a few more techniques to keep the crack from spreading. T&S AUTO GLASS Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Victor S. Your email address will not be published. Glass Doctor, All Rights Reserved. Your windshield glass is a solid piece of glass that maintains its integrity by uniformly distributing the force applied to it. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Seal the Crack. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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 . Generally, there are two routes that one can take to keep a windshield crack from spreading: If you want to purchase everything you need at once, look for a windshield repair kit. Clean the glass surface with acetone (nail polish remover) and carefully apply superglue to help prevent the crack from spreading. Parking your car in shade will ensure that your cracked windshield remains protected against these elements of nature. I didnt think under 3 at all. 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. Park your vehicle inside whenever possible to reduce stress on the glass. How to Replace 3 Types of Windshield Wiper Blades, How to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading, https://www.thedrive.com/maintenance-repair/35699/car-windshield-repair, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-glue-for-glass/, https://gadgets-reviews.com/review/767-best-windshield-repair-kit.html, https://www.themechanicdoctor.com/how-to-handle-windshield-cracks-and-chips/, https://rxmechanic.com/how-to-stop-a-windshield-crack-from-spreading/. Sometimes, they result from improper installation, such as when the windshield is not properly secured to the cars frame (pinch-weld). While these temporary solutions can minimize damage to your vehicle, it is important to have a completely safe windshield that is free from cracks. In addition to heat, the weight of snow and the force of wind and rain will cause the crack to get bigger. i) Seal it up. You can also use a duct tape if the location of crack does not impede with your visibility on road. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Dry the area off and cover the chip with a piece of scotch tape to keep it dry and clean. Cracked windshields not only reduce the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle, but also reduce visibility on roads while you're driving. Weve compiled some tips, crack hacks as we call them, to help you out. Check out these few reasons why you should stop the crack from spreading: It Creates the Risk of Ejection If, on the other hand, the damage is much more extreme a large crack or huge star then you will have to replace the windshield. To fix the crack yourself, purchase a windshield repair kit from a local automotive parts supply store. After he held his ASE CMAT for 10 years, Ben decided he needed a change. Would you like a free estimate? A damaged windshield is weaker than undamaged windshields and even small damages can spread over time. They may be able to contain the size of the crack and make the imperfection appear smaller than it is. Rub off the toothpaste from the cracked part. This can interfere with your repair! Below are some other methods for keeping cracks from spreading. It is important to keep in mind that clear nail polish or super glue is not a permanent solution. Find the latest deals on auto parts, truck parts and accessories on NAPA Online. Putting clear tape over the damage will keep the break clean and give your repair shop the best possible chance of repairing the damage cleanly and to your . A windshield repair kit is the best way to fix small nicks and cracks. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 1:00PM 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. STE E10 CHANDLER, AZ 85225, MONDAY - FRIDAY | 7:30AM - 5:30PM 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. 1. The kit contains an adapter and a specialized resin that will be forced into the crack. You can find us online or call us today at 417-831-6910 with any questions. Why does my windshield crack keep spreading? Bore a small hole through the top layer of glass at one end of the crack, using a 1/16-inch drill bit. For a more permanent fix, you will need to have the windshield replaced or use a professional repair kit. Inspect your windshield to assess the condition of the crack. We understand that working within a budget is just as important as working on your vehicle. If your damage assessment determined that temporary do-it-yourself fixes would not stop the crack from spreading, you should find a professional windshield repair shop, such as Safelite. 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. This type of crack is characterized by a small bullseye in the center, with a network of cracks radiating outwards. Then read on to learn what you need to do to prevent windshield cracks from getting worse. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Stop-Windshield-Crack-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Windshield-Crack-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Stop-Windshield-Crack-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Stop-Windshield-Crack-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"