\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Clean the dirt and dust out of the crack. Stress cracks typically start at the edge of the windshield and spread inward. The windshield pro will take an instrument that looks like a scribe. If the glass is not installed correctly, it is more likely to crack or break under pressure. Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. Who knew you could temporarily fix a windshield with these everyday items? Measure the size and depth of the imperfection. It is recommended by both safety experts and traffic officials to take corrective action right away. By handling correctly, I mean letting a professional take car of it. Let us know in the comments below! 2. The Gas Light Goes On: How Many Miles Until Empty? I have done thi. Let us show you some great reasons to call us. The key to keeping a windshield crack from spreading is to prevent anything from getting into the crack that will stress the glass even more, particularly dust and water. Glass Doctor is a registered trademark of Synergistic International LLC, Copyright 2023. Another temporary way to keep your windshield intact is covering the cracked area with a piece of clear tape. Apply Nail Polish as a DIY Solution Few car owners have even told about the success by applying transparent acrylic nail polish. The resin gets forced in the crack and seals it from outside debris and elements. 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 . If you find yourself with a cracked windshield and a tight budget, you may be tempted to try a quick fix with super glue. To prevent dust from entering the chipped area, apply a layer of clear scotch tape over it. They may have the ability to preserve the cracks size, to make it look smaller than it really is as well. Identify one of 3 types of crack on the windshield, Why its important to keep windshield in good condition, Urgent things to do if you spotted a tiny crack or stone chip, Types of windshield crack repair kits available, How location and length of crack affect your safety. Park your vehicle inside whenever possible to reduce stress on the glass. Glass Doctor provides only the highest-quality service. Small damages may be called a stress crack, chip, bulls-eye or star break, which depends on the shape and size of the imperfection. If it is too large to be fixed by a kit, you should take it to a shop for repairs or replacement in situations it is beyond repair. The smaller the crack, the easier it will be to fix. Use as little pressure as possible to avoid worsening the crack. If youre using nail polish, be sure to use clear nail polish so that the fix is transparent and not too distracting. Afterward, as a low-fidelity fix, apply either super glue or nail polish on the chip. Sealing the crack effectively stops it from spreading. Super Glue is a home-based product and is used to stop a windshield crack from spreading. Your email address will not be published. Then read on to learn what you need to do to prevent windshield cracks from getting worse. 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. Although, a small crack does not require the windshield to be replaced. You'll need a repair or even full replacement in order to completely fix any chips or cracks. No matter what shape or size, eventually cracks will spread outward. One of the best ways to repair a windshield crack is to seal it with resin using a windshield repair kit. Small particles of dirt can also find their way into the beginnings of a crack, which can eventually make it worse. Stay safe and drive safely! Careful not to get any window cleaner inside the crack itself. Take It Easy. Once youve taped up the area, you can take your car to a nearby auto shop to have the problem repaired. Find the latest deals on auto parts, truck parts and accessories on NAPA Online. Furthermore, it creates visibility issues, and you will find it daunting to steer the vehicle, especially during the night. This will help hold the glass together while you schedule a visit to a repair shop. 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. Although it will not withstand the pressure of a car wash or severe weather, a piece of clear tape can help keep the crack clean under normal driving conditions. Is Your 4WD Light Flashing? Will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading? Once the area has been cleaned, fill the chip and the area around it with a nail polish. A windshield repair kit is the best way to fix small nicks and cracks. Will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading? You will eventually need to repair your windshield, but this . Does nail polish fix cracked screens? If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. If the crack is in your windshield or a car window, it's best to use clear shipping tape. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. Your email address will not be published. Gently force the glue into the crack or scratch and spread it out evenly. Put a small amount along the crack and very gently wipe any excess away. This design minimizes the effects of the impact on the interior and protects passengers traveling in the vehicle. The adhesive will retain the two factions of the break collectively stop a windshield crack from spreading. Did you know? In general, cracks that are shorter and closer to the center of the windshield are less likely to cause problems than those that are longer and located near the edge of the windshield. All rights reserved. The first step involves testing the depth of the cracks in your windshield. Be sure to use minimal pressure to prevent the crack from worsening. It will prevent the crack in your windshield from widening. Be Aware of the Problem: Most windshield chips and cracks happen because people aren't aware of how vulnerable their windshield is. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Stopping the windshield crack from spreading is of paramount importance because a cracked glass invites accidents. 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. 1. Having a rock chip filled is a quick, easy, and affordable service. You'll want to remove any dust, oil, or fingerprints, and then wipe. Step 1: Test The Depth Of The Cracks. Weve compiled some tips, crack hacks as we call them, to help you out. Once it has dried, you have to put clear tape on the cracked area to prevent any dirt or debris from invading the area. However, small chips and isolated cracks can often be repaired. Auto Glass in San Antonio services automotive dealers, commercial fleets, body shops, insurance companies, and retail customers in San Antonio and nearby communities including, Alamo Heights, Balcones Heights, Boerne, Camp Bullis, Castle Hills, Cibolo, Converse, Elemendorf, Fort Sam Houston, Hollywood Park, Helotes, Kirby, La Vernia, Leon Valley, Live Oak, Lackland Air Force Base, New Braunfels, Randolph Brooks Air Force Base, Schertz, Selma, Shavano Park, Seguin, Southside, Stone Oak, Universal City, Von Ormy, and Windcrest. As part of the forward crumple zone, the windshield directs the force of a front-end collision down into the chassis. While this crack may initially be small, it can impair your visibility as it spreads. Chips in auto glass can lead to large and long cracks if not stopped or treated. Tape will only cover the crack and can help prevent further damage, but dont stop there. Instead, let the temperature adjust gradually. Heres a look at the hazards of cracked windshields and how to stop windshield cracks from spreading until you seek professionalwindshield repair. We Recommend Apply liberal amounts of nail polish on the inside and outside of the crack as well as over the areas where the crack will spread. Answer (1 of 10): Unless the crack is a "star" crack it can't be repaired.