\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Simply apply a small amount of nail polish or glue to the affected area and allow it to dry. Step 1: Test The Depth Of The Cracks. 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. One is to make a relief hole. Learn how your comment data is processed. STE E10 CHANDLER, AZ 85225, MONDAY - FRIDAY | 7:30AM - 5:30PM While there are different kits, they usually contain a specialized resin and an adaptor. For a more permanent fix, you will need to have the windshield replaced or use a professional repair kit. Use a clear nail polish for the purpose as you dont want it to obstruct your view, when driving later on. WEST VALLEY | 623-878-5566. This method requires some practice and patience, and it can often cost some money as a good repair kit may cost a bit. 1. Use superglue or clear nail polish (1 day fix) 3. Once dried, it will help keep both sides of the crack together, and reduces additional spreading. Dry the crack with a hair dryer and apply a piece of clear tape over the crack. To use Super Glue (Loctite) to stop a windshield crack from spreading, first gently clean the area of glass that needs repair. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Remember that this is not a long-term solution, and we do not recommend driving your car in this manner for more than a few days. 3245 N. ARIZONA AVE. It is common for drivers to consider a cracked windshield as a simple annoyance, and the problem does not get the deserved attention it needs. A windshield crack can only be protected for so long; eventually, you have to get it repaired or replaced to solve the problem. Within a few days, you will see marked differences in the crack with the naked eye. A complex crack or imperfection over 6-inches can impact visibility, and lower the windshields overall strength. You can prevent a lot of minor damages to your windshield by simply being careful when you drive and knowing the dangers that exist. Parking your car in shade will ensure that your cracked windshield remains protected against these elements of nature. Not only does a clean windshield provide a clear view of the road, but it also helps to ensure the structural integrity of the car. According to Texas law, damaged windshields must be corrected as safety hazards. Impact cracks typically have sharp edges and can spread quickly, so its essential to have them repaired as soon as possible. When the car is in a place to do so, drill a shallow dimple (with the smallest diameter hole possible) into the windshield at the end of a crack line to create an endpoint for the crack and to control spreading. This will help to protect the top layer of glass from further damage. 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. The windshield pro will take an instrument that looks like a scribe. Discover an entire network of professionals to assist with any home service need atGetNeighborly.com. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. If the crack is in your windshield or a car window, it's best to use clear shipping tape. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Cover the Damage With Clear Tape. 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. When possible, parking inside a garage will help by lowering the stress on the cracked windshield. Keeping your car cool when possible can prevent the problem from becoming too substantial for a home repair. 10 Effective Ways on How to Prevent Windshield Cracks 1. Because of this we encourage our customers to get a new windshield any time theres a crack. When a small rock from the vehicle in front of you is thrown up, it can create a star break at the impact location. Getting a crack in your windshield can sour just about any day. Dont spray the glass cleaner directly onto the damaged area, as this can interfere with the repair process. I dont know if you know this but windshields are important parts of the body structure. If you are not confident in your ability to follow the instructions, it is best to leave the repair to a professional. Youre glad to be safe, but now you must act fast to prevent that chip from growing. When windshield cracks are repaired there is some slight distortion in the glass that may interfere with visibility. Cracks that run along the windshields edge can weaken the glasss structural integrity and make it more likely to break. Many people experience the frustration of a cracked windshield, and it can be difficult to know how to prevent it. There are easy ways to stop the crack from spreading and getting worse. Chips in auto glass can lead to large and long cracks if not stopped or treated. Apply a small quantity of superglue to the cracked area. They are caused by temperature fluctuations, typically from hot and cold weather exposure. Use a windshield repair kit or visit an auto body shop to fully repair or replace the windshield. After all, standard cyanoacrylate glue is designed to bond things together, so it should work perfectly for a windshield, right? Visit an auto glass shop to have the crack professionally sealed or the windshield replaced, if necessary. Applying superglue to your cracked windshield isnt ideal, but itll work to seal a crack in a pinch. I believe it went into spread mode as soon as. When you have a chip or crack in your windshield trust the pros at T&S Auto Glass. What You Need to Know About Auto Glass Repairs, 3 Types of Auto Glass Damage That Require Windshield Replacement. Heres a look at the hazards of cracked windshields and how to stop windshield cracks from spreading until you seek professionalwindshield repair. But it could work as a temporary solution. By using our site, you agree to our. Clean the glass surface with acetone (nail polish remover) and carefully apply superglue to help prevent the crack from spreading. Will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading? 4 Myths About Windshield Repair, Debunked! Have you ever been driving down the highway, minding your own business, when suddenly a flying rock smashes into your windshield? 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. Serving the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Weve compiled some tips, crack hacks as we call them, to help you out. Once the resin has been injected, it must be cured with ultraviolet light. 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. Remember that using nail polish and Super Glue are only temporary fixes. Once the hole has been made, it should be sealed with a clear adhesive. We fix small problems professionally to avoid safety hazards. Use a windscreen repair kit. Glass Doctor, All Rights Reserved. Wipe the dust and grime out of the crack. Whether your cracked windshield can be repaired depends on the severity, size, and location of the crack. Dirt and moisture are the two biggest threats to the structural integrity of a cracked windshield. To use this, you must be comfortable boring a small hole into the top layer of glass with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Windshield cracks happen all the timeall it takes is a stray pebble to cause some major problems. Use care, since the edges of a crack can be . Yes, sometimes small chips and cracks can be repaired - depending on the size, location, and complexity of the damage, either by a professional auto glass technician, or with one of the products from our best windshield repair kits guide. CENTRAL PHOENIX | 602-667-3030 Seal the Crack With Superglue. This article has been viewed 5,646 times. T&S AUTO GLASS Along with providing protection from the elements and road debris as you drive, the windshield plays a crucial safety role during an accident. Seal It Up. Can You Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading? 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. Doing so will protect the affected area from being invaded by moisture and dirt, and will keep it clean. A stone fell off from a moving truck carrying stones and mistakenly cracked my windshield. Your email address will not be published. The kit contains an adapter and a specialized resin that will be forced into the crack. Make sure to use only clear tape, as it . This individual will have the knowledge and experience as well as the tools and materials to temporarily repair the crack. Stay safe and drive safely! Many drivers think that a cracked windshield is just a small annoyance, but the issue does not receive the attention that it deserves. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. After he held his ASE CMAT for 10 years, Ben decided he needed a change. Here is a thought, as long as the crack in your windshield has not started starring significantly it can be repaired. Dry the area off and cover the chip with a piece of scotch tape to keep it dry and clean. In addition, the diamond drill bit included in the kit helps to create a clean, precise hole for the resin to fill. Super glue. This reduces stressors on the glass while preventing additional spreading. This will help hold the glass in place and prevent debris from getting caught in the crack or chip and causing further damage. Superglue the Crack A cheap way to stop a windshield crack from spreading without drilling a hole in the glass is to fill the chip with cyanoacrylate glue, often marketed as Superglue. Another method is to use a windshield repair kit and seal the crack with resin. 1. Proactive Maintenance Smart Tips You Should Know, Signs That Indicate You Need Windshield Replacement. Keep in mind that this is a short-term solution. Its always best to repair your windshield if you can. Golden Valley, MN 55422, 1133 Cliff Road East Burnsville, MN 55337, ONLY 1 AUTO GLASS. If youre using nail polish, be sure to use clear nail polish so that the fix is transparent and not too distracting. The metal pedestal provides a sturdy base for the repair, ensuring the glass will not crack under pressure. One is to make a relief hole. It is for information purposes only. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.