Driving with a cracked windshield isn’t just inconvenient, but fatal as well! The glass can shatter any time, and the results can be devastating. Driving a car with a major crack on the screen is not advised, but you can drive with minor cracks.
However, the minor cracks can also disseminate quickly to become major if you don’t do anything about them.
A crack on the windshield doesn’t mean you have to replace it, but the best you can do is stop the crack from spreading.
So, how to stop a windshield crack from spreading? Well, this post covers some sure-shot ways to do it at home.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
Why Do Windshield Cracks Spread?
It was a 2-inch crack a few days before, and now it’s 6-inch in size, what’s the reason? The crack on glass can quickly spread if you don’t treat it on time.
Here are a handful of reasons why the crack spreads:
Dirt
Like moisture, dirt also plays a crucial role in expanding the crack. The tiny dust particles enter the crack’s cavity, widening it quickly. However, you can temporarily fix it by taping the glass, but check out the entire article to know more about some proven ways of stopping the crack from spreading.
Sunlight
If you park your car in direct sunlight for longer, the crack will certainly spread. The sunlight raises the temperature of the windscreen, and the glass expands, so it results in spreading the crack.
Parking your car under shade will help stop the crack from spreading up to some extent.
Driving on Bumpy Roads
If your way to the office has a lot of bumps, the crack will spread much quicker. Driving on bumps creates stress on the windshield, and it can be dangerous for the existing cracks. Even if you drive slowly, the crack may expand gradually.
Moisture
A windshield is made using a layer of glass sheets, so moisture can also result in spreading the crack. The moisture seeps into the crack, widening it every day. The crack will spread much quickly if the temperature falls below freezing point, as the water inside the crack will turn into ice resulting in new cracks.
Even if you don’t drive the car and park it under shade, the crack may spread, and that is due to the change in temperature and atmospheric pressure. So, it is indispensable to treat the crack before it becomes irreparable, and the only option you will be left with is replacing the entire windshield.
How Fast Does a Windshield Crack Spread?
Well, it depends on a plethora of factors, including how you drive the car, where you park it, and the size and type of the crack. If the windshield gets heated and then cooled quickly, the crack will spread considerably in a short period of time.
Furthermore, if you drive the car fast on bumpy roads, it can even lead to expanding the crack quickly. However, the crack will still spread gradually if you park the car under shade and drive it carefully.
In a nutshell, it entirely depends on how you treat the vehicle.
Why It’s Important to Stop Windshield Cracks from Spreading?
Stopping the windshield crack from spreading is of paramount importance because a cracked glass invites accidents. Furthermore, it creates visibility issues, and you will find it daunting to steer the vehicle, especially during the night.
Check out these few reasons why you should stop the crack from spreading:
It Creates the Risk of Ejection
The reason why drivers and passengers wear a seatbelt is to prevent getting ejected from the car during a collision or an impact. However, a cracked windscreen enhances the chances of ejection because the glass is not structurally strong.
It Creates Blind Spots
Blind spots can be really dangerous while driving, especially if you live in areas like Savannah Historic District with hilly areas. A small crack won’t be a problem while driving, but once it spreads and gets big, it will certainly make it difficult to see through the glass, which creates blind spots.
The Glass Becomes Irreparable
Yes, you can fix a windshield crack at home, but the crack should be of a certain size. If the crack is big, you have no option other than to get the windshield replaced. So, it is essential to stop the crack from spreading.
How To Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading?
I’ve used most of these methods, so you can be sure that they are really helpful in stopping the crack from spreading. Furthermore, these methods are really easy, and following them doesn’t require you to visit a local mechanic.
Let’s get started:
Park Your Car Properly
This is the easiest and inexpensive way to stop the crack from spreading. If you park your car under direct sunlight, you’ll see the crack spreading significantly as each day passes.
So, the best way to prevent it from happening is by parking the car under the shade. Either park it in your garage or look for some other location with a big tree to park your car under the shade.
Parking the vehicle under a tree helps you avert windshield cracks, but you’ll see the stains of tree sap everywhere in spring and early summer. Here’s how to remove tree sap from your car.
If you don’t have a parking spot, get a windshield cover, and protect the glass from direct sunlight.
Seal the Crack
How to make a windshield crack disappear? Well, I’d recommend sealing the cracks as it stops the spread while filling the entire crack.
Sealing helps avoid moisture and dust from entering the crack’s cavity, and it won’t spread further. I’ve used two ways to seal the crack, and they are as follows:
1. Use Clear Nail Paint
Just a stroke of clear nail paint, and you can seal the crack. Applying nail paint is easy, and it dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait for too long to drive the car to your office.
However, it’s a temporary windshield crack repair method and requires frequent refilling.
2. Use Super Glue
Another method to stop the crack from spreading is using Super glue. I recommend this method for cracks bigger than 4 inches. Apply the windshield crack repair glue carefully, and let it dry for some time. Now scratch it with your fingernail to ensure it is dry.
Repair the Crack
Repairing the crack is the best and most preferred way to prevent it from spreading. There are several great ways to fix a cracked windshield at home. Let me help you with one of the best windshield crack hacks that I’ve tried, and it works like a charm.
Get a good DIY windshield repair kit, and you can even fix some big and serious cracks. Follow the instructions mentioned on the kit’s label, and apply it carefully to fix the cracks.
Don’t Pour Hot Water on the Glass
I’ve seen a lot of drivers pouring hot water on the windshield to get rid of ice. But this is not the best practice and may lead to cracking the glass. If there is an existing crack, pouring hot water will expand its size.
Check out this guide to defrost a windshield and get rid of the ice and frost without spreading the crack.
Drive the Car Carefully
I would not recommend driving the car at high speeds with a cracked windshield. When you drive the car at higher speeds, the glass experiences more pressure caused due to the drag of air, and it can lead to spreading the crack.
Furthermore, the combination of high speed and bumpy roads is fatal for the windshield. Drive slowly, and try to avoid bumpy roads so as to stop the spread of crack.
Apply Glass Tape
If the crack is not too big, you can use glass cloth tape to keep it under control. The main purpose of the tape is to prevent the dust from entering the crack’s cavity, and that’s helpful in stopping the crack from spreading.
I would recommend applying the tape on the inner cracks because the tape can quickly wear out if you apply it on the outside. Clean the crack with rubbing alcohol, and then apply the tape carefully in small pieces.
A Pro Tip: Buy clear tape that sticks to the glass properly and doesn’t affect the visibility. Don’t go for opaque tapes, as they make driving dangerous and can even attract a penalty.
See an Expert
Image Credit: Glass Doctor
If the crack is too big to be repaired at home, it would be good to see a glass expert. Get the crack evaluated and know if it is fixable or not.
In case the glass expert recommends replacing the windshield, don’t hesitate and contact your insurance provider to get it replaced.
How to Prevent Chips and Cracks in My Windshield: 3 Essential Tips
As a windshield is an essential component of your four-wheeler, so it’s important to prevent chips and cracks. Here are a few proven tips to help you keep the windshield in good shape.
Use Windshield Protection Film
A windshield protection film is a great product to prevent the windshield from cracking and chipping. It acts as a protective layer on the glass, so the windshield gets sandwiched between the film.
Get the film installed by an expert, so it serves the purpose well.
Don’t Wash the Windshield Often
Washing the windshield frequently can cause the crack to spread, and it will chip quickly also. Some drivers pour water on a hot windshield which causes the glass to expand and contract, and it is another cause of cracking. Cover the windshield to protect it from dust.
Park Your Car Away from Gravels
The gravels on the road can fly off and hit the windshield, causing cracking and chipping. So, park your car at a place far away from the gravel. Or you can use a good-quality windshield cover for added protection.
Final Thoughts
These methods will surely help you stop the windshield crack from spreading. Examine the crack properly, and then use the right method to deal with it. For small cracks, I prefer using nail paint, whereas big cracks need a windshield repair kit.
Always park your car in the garage or under shade to keep the crack from spreading. Lastly, don’t forget to see a mechanic if the crack is still disseminating and creating issues while driving.
Last update on 2024-04-18 at 23:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API