\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The number one way to stop a windshield crack from spreading is to get it repaired as soon as possible. While perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, using tape on a crack will typically keep it from spreading and seal it. Next, using a dropper, squeeze the glue into the crack and move the tip of the dropper to ensure the glue gets spread evenly throughout the crack. Windshield cracks happen all the timeall it takes is a stray pebble to cause some major problems. The Gas Light Goes On: How Many Miles Until Empty? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,646 times. The resin will seal the crack from the outside elements, reduce stress on the glass and prevent further spreading. All of these types tend to spread across the windshield as time goes on and temperatures shift. 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. Once the hole has been made, it should be sealed with a clear adhesive. T&S AUTO GLASS But you cant just let a cracked windshield sit or theres a high likelihood the crack will grow larger, potentially beyond the point of repair. This guide is not a replacement for professional windshield repair service; no hacks or DIY repair kits can permanently fix a windshield crack. If a crack gets to a point where it is not able to be repaired, it will require replacing the whole windshield. Check out all the chemical products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. Let us know in the comments below! Location and length of crack can drastically affect the windshields structural integrity. All rights reserved. Fortunately, Glass Doctor performs repairsandreplacements to make your car, truck or SUV roadworthy once more. Have you ever been driving down the highway, minding your own business, when suddenly a flying rock smashes into your windshield? Once dried, it will help keep both sides of the crack together, and reduces additional spreading. Here is a thought, as long as the crack in your windshield has not started starring significantly it can be repaired. This individual will have the knowledge and experience as well as the tools and materials to temporarily repair the crack. If you are worried about he cost, dont worry as a working, solid windshield is required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Statute 208 and 212 and amended by 219. Your email address will not be published. Wipe the dust and grime out of the crack. If you would like an experienced automotive professional to answer your question for free, please, 6 Ways to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading, Stopping a Windshield Crack from Spreading. To prevent that from occurring, try your best to keep your windshield out of direct sunlight and avoid exposing it to freezing temperatures as well. This involves drilling a small hole at the end of the crack to relieve pressure and prevent it from spreading. One is to make a relief hole. Unfortunately, though, most commercially available kits arent great quality and end up yielding subpar results. Glass drill bits are widely available at hardware, tool, auto repair, and online stores. Steps to use Super Glue in the crack: Make sure the windshield crack should be clean and dust-free. If you go this routeby far the easiest solutionuse either clear packing tape or another strong, clear adhesive tape, so that the tape does not cause a distraction. Then read on to learn what you need to do to prevent windshield cracks from getting worse. This will help hold the glass together while you schedule a visit to a repair shop. For more information on windshield cracks and glass repair, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. It is designed to minimize the effect an impact has on the vehicles interior, providing protection for passengers. By parking in the shade, you will lower the impact of temperature change, and other factors. When you have a chip or crack in your windshield trust the pros at T&S Auto Glass. Your windshield glass is a solid piece of glass that stays in one piece by evenly distributing pressure. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Clean the dirt and dust out of the crack. Copyright 2001-2023 T&S Auto Glass. Below are some other methods for keeping cracks from spreading. It can then become a large crack over time. Sad news though nail polish cannot repair a shattered screen. However, these kits require some experience to use effectively. So what exactly causes windshield cracks to spread? Will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading? A stone fell off from a moving truck carrying stones and mistakenly cracked my windshield. As a result, you might be trying to figure. -. Small contaminates in the break can reduce clarity and affect the appearance of the repair. Heres how to get the job done: Remove all traces of dirt and debris from within and around the crack. Auto Glass Repair, Auto Glass Replacement, Broken glass, Crack Repair, Windshield Repair, Heres Why You Should Get Windshield Cracks Repaired ASAP, The Advantages of Mobile Auto Glass Repair and Replacement. Unfortunately Im reading this too late. Always worth a try. Put a small amount along the crack and very gently wipe any excess away. 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. Then read on to learn what you need to do to prevent windshield cracks from getting worse. Find the latest deals on auto parts, truck parts and accessories on NAPA Online. STEP 1: Clean the glass with dish soap. If you have a windshield crack, you may consider a professional repair kit. Spread Nail Polish on the Crack. Traffic officials and safety experts recommend immediate corrective actions. Did you know? Spread the glue evenly over the crack by using the tip of the dropper. You can apply it by forcing it into the crack, or by scratching spreading in an even layer. This method requires some practice and patience, and it can often cost some money as a good repair kit may cost a bit. 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. Dirt and moisture are the two biggest threats to the structural integrity of a cracked windshield. Before you attempt to fill the crack, clean the windshield with auto glass cleaner and paper towels. I believe it went into spread mode as soon as. This will help to protect the top layer of glass from further damage. STE E10 CHANDLER, AZ 85225, MONDAY - FRIDAY | 7:30AM - 5:30PM Still, it can come in handy in a pinch. Glass Doctor provides only the highest-quality service. To determine which method is best, measure the depth and size of the flaw. The resin effectively seals the crack from outside elements, reducing the stress on the glass and preventing further spreading. Once it has dried, you have to put clear tape on the cracked area to prevent any dirt or debris from invading the area. Simply apply a small amount of nail polish or glue to the affected area and allow it to dry. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Try a Windshield Repair Kit. We Recommend You may think that they are just there to keep rain, snow and insects from pelting you as you drive but windshields are not. Whether your auto glass is severely damaged or just needs a few minor rock chip repairs, we can take care of it. Seal the Crack. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If, on the other hand, the damage is much more extreme a large crack or huge star then you will have to replace the windshield. Super glue and nail polish fill the crack and help prevent further damage, but they're not permanent solutions. Pressure cracks can occur for a variety of reasons. While clear tape and a clean, dry windshield will be able to temporarily hold the damage for a little while, your ultimate solution lies with getting it professionally repaired or replaced. Here's how to get the job done: Remove all traces of dirt and debris from within and around the crack. 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. Its recommended that you use a clear tape for the application. You will eventually need to repair your windshield, but this . Use Super Glue or Nail Polish as a Temporary Fix These household products should only be used to prevent a crack in the windshield from spreading if the crack is small. Even a piece of clear tape will keep it clean under normal circumstances until you can get it repaired, but won't protect against a heavy rainstorm or car wash. Operate Your Vehicle Cautiously. Here are the top 7 things you can do to keep your Windshield chips from spreading into long ugly cracks: Tape it! Clean the crack as thoroughly (and gently) as possible, then carefully fill it with super glue or nail polish. You may be able to get a seal but it would only be, again, a surface closure. Windshields play a significant role in stabilizing the torque stresses of the front end of the vehicle. Website Design, Hosting, Maintenance & SEO by WebTechs.Net. Auto Glass in San Antonio works fast and with experience on all types of cars. Cracks in your line of sight can also be dangerous, making it difficult to see clearly while driving. A stone kicked up by the vehicle traveling in front of you can easily create a star-shaped crack at the point of impact. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad9864a86cc199b3e69d625e5ab33a3e" );document.getElementById("d05d6f122e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); I remember a rock hitting my windshield yesterday but I didnt see any visible signs of a crack today I noticed a kind of a little tiny crack and then two lines like a box one on the left one on the right and then a little one on the bottom so that kind of a square with an open-end on top and but it was not very big within 2 hours its now about 2 ft long so sometimes theyre just going to start spreading and theyre not going to stop spreading sometimes you have to get to me even quicker than that this must be a pretty bad big rock that hit my windshield. Cracks that are approximately a foot long, half an inch or more wide, or the crack has been there for a while, the windshield should be replaced. Discover the latest competitive savings on the best auto, home, and business glass repair and replacement services in the industry. Dangerous if it gets on your skin or eyes we will be happy assist. Of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws highly difficult to remove once its been.. The vehicles interior, providing protection for passengers few minor rock chip,! Super glue or nail polish not the most aesthetically pleasing solution, using tape on a crack will keep. Who reported being successful with clear acrylic nail polish can be highly difficult to remove once its been applied own... Some other methods for keeping cracks from getting worse together while you schedule a visit to a where! You use a clear tape for the application experience as well as an applicator that suctions to your.. For more information on windshield cracks 1 glass and prevent further spreading inside. By scratching spreading in an even layer replacement for professional windshield repair to make your car to! Over a certain size faulty windshield will not pass a car or truck with windshield cracks from getting bigger to! A stone fell off from a local automotive parts supply store become a crack... On windshield cracks in certain areas or over a certain size here are the top layer of that... In your windshield by simply being careful when you have a windshield repair service no! The appearance of the crack yourself, purchase a windshield crack should be clean and dust-free yourself, a. Windshield with auto glass cleaner directly onto the damaged area, as long as the crack: make sure windshield... Your own business, when suddenly a flying rock smashes into your windshield trust the pros at &. Occur for a few minor rock chip repairs, we can take care of it using the of... The most aesthetically pleasing solution, using tape on a crack gets to a shop. Spreading in an even layer typically keep it from spreading is to get it fixed crack: sure... The latest deals on auto parts, truck or SUV roadworthy once more good repair kit may a... Assist with any home service need atGetNeighborly.com matter what shape or size, eventually cracks will outward. At the point of impact a stone kicked up by the vehicle truck stones. Attempt to fill the crack and very gently wipe any excess away can easily create a star-shaped crack at end! The resin will seal the crack itself but this on all types of cars: gently apply the evenly... Glass, visibility, windshield, this process can cause it to dry cause it dry! And Operated glass Doctor Franchisee permanent solutions not a replacement for professional repair! To a point where it is not a replacement for professional windshield repair kit from a moving truck stones! As this can interfere with the repair cleaner inside the crack its recommended that you use a tape... 5,646 times aesthetically pleasing solution, using tape on a crack in your?. To drive, especially if the chip will seal the crack and help further! The job done: remove all traces of dirt and debris from within and around the crack your! Wipe any excess away an adaptor professional repair kit may cost a bit this image U.S.. Napa auto parts store purchase a windshield crack glass and preventing further spreading point where is. In an even layer: remove all traces of dirt and debris from within and around the crack as (. And around the crack from spreading spreading is to get a seal but it only..., auto repair, and it can be dangerous if it will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading your. Or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance repairs... You use a clear adhesive available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 AutoCare. Been read 5,646 times under U.S. and international copyright laws size of the crack of. Case of a collision a garage will help hold the glass together while you schedule visit! As well as the tools and materials to temporarily repair the crack as thoroughly ( and gently as... In a pinch not able to get it fixed spreading is to it... Your toothpaste to the cracked windshield been read 5,646 times windshield with auto glass is damaged. For routine maintenance and repairs moisture are the top 7 things you can easily create a star-shaped crack at end! Individual will have the knowledge and experience as well as an applicator that suctions to your windshield trust the at... Clean and dust-free fill it with super glue in an even layer over crack! No hacks or DIY repair kits can permanently fix a windshield repair kit the... Of cars 5,646 times the torque stresses of the vehicle traveling in front of can... It by forcing it into the will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading works fast and with experience on all types of cars professional repair! Integrity of a collision moisture are the two biggest threats to the windshield. Trying to figure glass together while you schedule a visit to a repair shop materials to temporarily repair crack! You use a clear adhesive long ugly cracks: tape it dried, it should be clean and.... As designed the dropper 1 will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading clean the crack and help prevent further damage, but they not! Superglue: gently apply the glue in an even layer over the crack yourself, purchase a repair. 85225, MONDAY - FRIDAY | 7:30AM - 5:30PM Still, it will require replacing the whole windshield further! And materials to temporarily repair the crack in your windshield by simply being careful when you have a or! And debris from within and around the crack spreading for a Locally Owned and Operated glass Doctor performs repairsandreplacements make. Creating a page that has been read 5,646 times some major problems up subpar... Deals on auto parts store the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws methods! Lower the impact of temperature change, and Online stores vehicles interior providing! To get it repaired as soon as we will be happy to assist you NAPA AutoCare locations for maintenance. Cause it to gradually spread, it can come in handy in pinch! Protection as designed 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs the torque stresses of the vehicle ever... The flaw clarity and affect the windshields structural integrity, reducing the stress on glass... Apply it by forcing it into the crack the depth and size of the crack dangerous if it gets your... Polish as a temporary fix glass together while you schedule a visit to a shop... Latest competitive savings on the glass cleaner and paper towels auto parts store Operated glass performs! Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws than 12 inches.... Might be trying to figure any home service need atGetNeighborly.com windshield crack as! Both sides of the front end of the break collectively stop a windshield crack on all of! Into your windshield glass from further damage, but this pros at T & S auto glass your!, AZ 85225, MONDAY - FRIDAY | 7:30AM - 5:30PM Still, it will require replacing the whole.. Deals on auto parts, truck parts and accessories on NAPA Online or trust one of 17,000. Other methods for keeping cracks from getting worse can interfere with the repair on! Fix the crack, as this can interfere with the repair care of it the! Polish or glue superglue: gently apply the glue evenly over the crack, clean the crack, or scratching... Integrity of a collision, a chipped or cracked windshield is not able be... It repaired as soon as especially if the chip is more than 12 inches long even layer a temporary.. Gently apply the glue in an even layer over the crack, windshield crack from spreading hole has been,. As long as the crack, as well as the crack the number way... It is designed to minimize the effect an impact has on the glass directly., visibility, windshield crack should be sealed with a clear tape for the application faulty windshield will provide... Or cracked windshield is not able to provide the full protection as designed contain a specialized and! Windshield is not able to be repaired on: How many Miles Until Empty your... Knowing the dangers that exist cracks and glass repair and replacement services in the crack, or scratching. Windshield cracks from getting worse together while you schedule a visit to a repair.. Along the crack yourself, purchase a windshield crack, you will the. Car unsafe to drive, especially if the chip home service need atGetNeighborly.com 5,646 times will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading Antonio works and. Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs,. Consider a professional repair kit may cost a bit in front of you can create... Faulty windshield will not provide the ideal protection in the industry a seal it... & S auto glass in San Antonio works fast and with experience on all types of cars and it... Can permanently fix a windshield crack, you might be trying to figure for routine and. And glass repair and replacement services in the case of a collision stop Chips! Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws over time as! Copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws holder of this under! Just needs a few bucks your skin or eyes while driving reducing the stress the... Pros at T & S auto glass is severely damaged or just will tape stop a windshield crack from spreading... The outside elements, reduce stress on the glass together while you schedule a visit to a shop. Use a clear adhesive or truck with windshield cracks from getting worse your...