\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Avoid extreme temperature changes. This article was co-authored by Ed Beery and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Luckily, there are many straightforward and affordable methods to stop a windshield crack from spreading. Another common cause of windshield damage is temperature changes. Website Design, Hosting, Maintenance & SEO by WebTechs.Net. Seal the Crack. Depending on several factors like your needs, budget, damage type and location, there are 2 types of repair kit you can buy: Most DIY kits come with a plastic pedestal, razor blades for removing debris and excessive resin from the crack, and a push pin for injecting resin into the crack. When water gets into the cracks and freezes, it expands and puts additional stress on the glass, leading to further damage. -. Below are some temporary fixes that car owners can follow to repair cracks in windshields. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, call us today at 651-789-1111. If you direct a heating vent at your chipped windshield in cold weather, this may cause the crack to spread abruptly. 3-Step Guide For Filling In And Hiding Small Cracks In Your Car's Windshield. Save with Advantage Plan. A cracked windshield can weaken the cars frame, making it more likely to collapse in an accident. This post will show you how to stop a windshield crack from spreading, and what to do next. CLEAN THE AREA. 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. DIY methods can yield poor results and have a good chance of rendering a professional, quality repair impossible. Superglue: Gently apply the glue in an even layer over the crack. Dirt and moisture are the two biggest threats to the structural integrity of a cracked windshield. 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. 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. Clean the glass surface with acetone (nail polish remover) and carefully apply superglue to help prevent the crack from spreading. Enjoy! These cracks usually spread over timeif not tended to. Remember that using nail polish and Super Glue are only temporary fixes. While the star crack may start out about the size of a quarter, it can easily spread if the windshield is stressed by temperature changes or pressure. Im at the point of new. A faulty windshield will not provide the ideal protection in the event of a collision. If youre really in a pinch and cant get a mobile windshield repair, you can try this tip, but it really should be a last resort. Sometimes, they result from improper installation, such as when the windshield is not properly secured to the cars frame (pinch-weld). Use superglue or clear nail polish (1 day fix) 3. Windshield repair kits when used properly can fix minor windshield cracks. 1. Improper installation is also a common cause of windshield damage. If youre confident in your auto glass repair skills, you can take this route, but if you want a long-lasting repair, its always best to let the pros handle the job theyve been trained to do. Until you can get your windshield professionally repaired, be as gentle as possible with your vehicle to prevent existing glass damage from getting worse. They can be either straight or curved. Its always best to repair your windshield if you can. Sunlight, snow and rain can cause the crack on your windshield to grow bigger. Small damages may be called a stress crack, chip, bulls-eye or star break, which depends on the shape and size of the imperfection. Is Your 4WD Light Flashing? If you have a chip or crack in your windshield, you need Houston windshield repairas soon as possible. It's recommended that you use a clear tape for the application. Windshield cracks happen all the timeall it takes is a stray pebble to cause some major problems. A Bonus read: Should you get your windshield repaired or replaced? If the crack is small, you might be able to get away with a cheap and fast repair solution. Some of the ideas suggested for DIY wont work well, if they work at all. 1. Then, as a low-fidelity solution, apply clear nail polish or superglue to the chip. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 3 Kinds of Brake Noise You Should Never Ignore, 3 Common Car Interior Light Problems and How to Fix Them, Sudden Soft Brakes: Don't Panic With These 3 Tips. It's possible to stop a crack from spreading further. Using a Windshield Repair Kit Nowadays, you can easily find purpose-made windshield repair kit at just about any hardware store. These kits can be expensive, but they are reusable and high-quality. Each kit comes with its own particular instructions and methods, so be sure to follow the instructions included in your particular kit. All of these types tend to spread across the windshield as time goes on and temperatures shift. After dabbling in DIY repairs at home and on the farm, he found his calling in the CGCC Automobile Repair program. . Wait for the glue or polish to dry. 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 . Let other readers know by leaving a comment below! Serving the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In addition to heat, the weight of snow and the force of wind and rain will cause the crack to get bigger. Be sure not to spray any cleaner directly on the area, as this can get inside the crack and interfere with the repair process. In addition, the diamond drill bit included in the kit helps to create a clean, precise hole for the resin to fill. You'll want to remove any dust, oil, or fingerprints, and then wipe. There have been some who reported being successful with clear acrylic nail polish as a temporary fix. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This guide is not a replacement for professional windshield repair service; no hacks or DIY repair kits can permanently fix a windshield crack. By using our site, you agree to our. That said, it isnt necessary to replace your windshield when you see a small crack. As a driver, theres nothing more annoying than getting a chip or crack in your windshield. And the weather was at its hottest for a few days. Cracks up to about three inches in length can be repaired most times, as long as its not in the drivers line of sight. Learn how your comment data is processed. Dont spray the glass cleaner directly onto the damaged area, as this can interfere with the repair process.