\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Super glue and nail polish fill the crack and help prevent further damage, but they're not permanent solutions. Professionals offer windshield chip and crack repair, but a do-it-yourselfer can easily tackle this task with a little bit of patience. 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. Would you like a free estimate? Do not wait any longer than absolutely necessary to get your cars glass repaired. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. This article was co-authored by Ed Beery and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. 1. If not, submit the slip through your agent and you will be reimbursed. Any dirt or other debris in the chip or crack can compromise the patch and create imperfections in the glass. 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. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Repair Your Damaged Windshield Before Ice Cracks It! [1] The resin gets forced in the crack and seals it from outside debris and elements. Please dont hesitate to call us today at 651.789.1111 or Email Us and we will be happy to assist you. Home / Crack Repair / Crack Hacks: 4 Ways to STOP a Windshield Crack from Spreading. Unfortunately again, my work keeps me in the street. They are also the ones your windshield is most likely to get exposed to. . Generally speaking, you should address any windshield cracks as soon as they appear and only if they are smaller than six inches in length. 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. Can You Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading? If there is a significant star, then its pretty obvious that you have to replace the windshield. One way to prevent the spread of damage is to cover the area with clear tape. Step 3: Apply The Epoxy Resin. After assessing the crack, if it was determined a DIY repair kit would not be enough to repair the crack and keep it from spreading, you should give us a call and T&S Autoglass! Auto glass expands and contracts when exposed to temperature fluctuations, and when that happens, an existing windshield crack can easily spread. Use the tip of the dropper to spread the glue evenly over the crack. Its easy to schedule a time to come to our shop for repair or we offermobile windshield repairin Chandler or anywhere in the Phoenix Valley. Check out these few reasons why you should stop the crack from spreading: It Creates the Risk of Ejection And, like superglue, nail polish can be highly difficult to remove once its been applied. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Please contact the franchise location for additional information. Stay safe and drive safely! 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. It's recommended that you use a clear tape for the application. If the imperfection is tiny, you can use standard cyanoacrylate glue, more commonly known as Super Glue. . The best way to stop a crack from getting bigger is to get it fixed. You can usually resolve the issue with quick action without too much hassle or expense. Here are the top 7 things you can do to keep your Windshield chips from spreading into long ugly cracks: Tape it! SATURDAY | 8:00AM - 1:00PM Once the area has been cleaned, fill the chip and the area around it with a nail polish. 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. It is best if you take action sooner, rather than later when it comes to a cracked windshield. Methods to Prevent Windshield Crack From Spreading. Placing a piece of clear packing tape - the kind you would use to seal up moving boxes - over the chip from the outside of the window can protect the damaged area and keep moisture and dirt out.. With a lint-free cloth or alcohol wipe, gently wipe off any excess glue from the glass. One of the best methods to stop a windshield crack from spreading is to: Gently clear the world with glass cleaner and a microfibre fabric Apply tremendous glue or clear nail polish on the crack As soon as dry, stick a small piece of clear tape on the crack to stop dust from getting into Not keen on paying for a complete windshield replacement? Rub off the toothpaste from the cracked part. If you direct a heating vent at your chipped windshield in cold weather, this may cause the crack to spread abruptly. Caulk the Crack First things first, the moment you see a chip or crack in your windshield, just caulk it. If youre just dealing with a minor crack, a windshield repair technician should be able to fix it in a matter of minutes and get you and your vehicle back on the road safely. 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. You may think that they are just there to keep rain, snow and insects from pelting you as you drive but windshields are not. Having a rock chip filled is a quick, easy, and affordable service. Sometimes, they result from improper installation, such as when the windshield is not properly secured to the cars frame (pinch-weld). Safety inspection facilities in many states will not pass a car or truck with windshield cracks in certain areas or over a certain size. Do you have any questions about windshield cracks? All rights reserved. This helps to release the pressure that has built up behind the crack and can prevent the crack from spreading. Covering the crack as such with the help of tape can add a protective barrier and ensure that moisture or dirt does not cause the crack to spread further. This design minimizes the effects of the impact on the interior and protects passengers traveling in the vehicle. There are a few things you need to know before you start. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The number one way to stop a windshield crack from spreading is to get it repaired as soon as possible. Apply your toothpaste to the cracked part of the screen after cleaning. It can then become a large crack over time. 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. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. But it could work as a temporary solution. After he held his ASE CMAT for 10 years, Ben decided he needed a change. This trick is the most simple one yet, but also the least effective. The summer heat can quickly increase the temperature within your car, which increases the pressure on your windshield. If you allow a rock chip to grow into a full-fledged crack, its too late to repair it, but you should still have your windshield replaced as soon as possible. This is how you can fix a cracked windshield with household items. Another common cause of windshield damage is temperature changes. Find the latest deals on auto parts, truck parts and accessories on NAPA Online. Be Aware of the Problem: Most windshield chips and cracks happen because people aren't aware of how vulnerable their windshield is. Let us show you some great reasons to call us. This will help you avoid making any mistakes. How To Fix And Stop A Long Windshield Crack From Spreading. Fill in the Edges of the Crack with Clear Nail Polish Fill the Crack with Super Glue Cover the Cracked Area with Clear Tape Another method is to use a windshield repair kit and seal the crack with resin. If your windshield is cracked, putting a small piece of tape over it can be a temporary solution to prevent it from spreading. Sealing the crack in your windshield can help keep it from spreading. Dirt and moisture are the two biggest threats to the structural integrity of a cracked windshield. Seal the Crack With Superglue. Applying clear tape over a crack will prevent more debris from entering the crack and making the problem worse. If it is a tiny crack, you may be able to repair it with a kit. Once it has dried, you have to put clear tape on the cracked area to prevent any dirt or debris from invading the area. Your email address will not be published. Small contaminates in the break can reduce clarity and affect the appearance of the repair. 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. Anything under five to seven centimetres in length can usually be repaired unless the crack affects the driver's line of sight or the very edges of the screen. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.