How to Prevent Windshield Cracks from Spreading

Cracks in the windshield are all-too-common of a problem. You’re driving behind a big truck and suddenly rocks come flying. You’re caught in a hailstorm and the hard hits damage the glass. Are cracked windshields safe to drive with? We’ll explain that – and more – to you in this article. 

Cracked windshields are a danger to you as a driver, and a danger to those that you’re driving with on the road. They can be distracting and an eye-sore, but they can also make your car more susceptible to severe damage if in the event you’re involved in an accident. If you’re interested in why cracks happen and how to stop them, here’s what you need to know. 

Why Cracks in the Windshield Happen

Windshield cracks can happen for a number of reasons. For example, it can be caused by a rock or other debris, an accident, temperature changes or other stress. We all know glass is fragile, but we typically think our windindshields can stand the test of time. That is, until a crack shows up hindering our view out of the window. Carwindshields.info also explains that windshield cracks can happen due to pressure changes or structural defects. Pressure changes, like wind pressure, can cause a window to crack. If your car is also parked within a few miles of some kind of explosion, which can quickly change the atmospheric pressure across large amounts of land, cars can have windows cracked or completely blown out. Windshields can also, unfortunately, have defects. When the glass is heated and cooled in the manufacturing process, they explain, residual stresses can often be found along the perimeter of the windshield. This means that the edges are often prone to fractures.

What to Do if You Notice a Small Crack

If you inspect your windshield and notice a small crack, there are things you can do to prevent it from spreading, but you have to act fairly quickly. At home, there are a few things you can try according to Glass Doctor. Those include:

• Using clear nail polish or superglue: before you apply one of these, be sure your windshield is clean, then apply the nail polish or glue to the chip. Once it’s dry, place a piece of clear packing tape over the area to keep dirt and debris out until you can have it professionally repaired. 
• Use a repair kit: you can find a windshield repair kit at most local hardware stores. To be able to use this, you’ll need to be able to use a drill bit to place a small hole in the top layer of the glass. Next, you’ll use the resin from the kit to seal the glass and prevent the crack from spreading. If done right, you might not need any additional repairs. 
• Avoid sudden temperature changes: glass expands in hot weather and contracts in the cold. If you have heat blowing towards the crack in the winter, it could cause the crack to spread quickly. If it’s a hot summer day and you spray the glass with cold water to wash it, that could also cause the crack to spread quickly, too. 

Call Scott’s Auto

If there’s a crack you aren’t comfortable trying to repair on your own, call our team at Scott’s Auto. With two convenient locations in Fort Collins and Loveland, we’re here to serve you — even during these unprecedented times. Now offering the following FREE services during COVID-19:

• No contact drop off and pick up 
• Pick up and delivery in the Fort Collins and Loveland area
• Towing with repair (restrictions apply) 

Don’t put yourself in danger by driving with a cracked windshield, call us today to get started on your repair: Fort Collins – (970)-682-4202 or Loveland – (970)-541-4404.