How To Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading

A small crack that seems harmless at first could grow to cover the whole window if you don’t fix it. Since replacing a windshield is both expensive and a pain, you should find methods for How To Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading. There are things you can do to keep a crack in your window from getting bigger. Some tips to stop a windshield crack from spreading will be shared to you in this blog.

Important Steps About How To Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading

Here’s some cruical ways when it comes to how to stop a windshield crack from spreading

• Park your car in covered areas or use sun shades to maintain even windshield temperatures and avoid extreme temperature shifts that can cause cracking.
• Drive slowly and carefully over rough roads, potholes, and speed bumps to minimize windshield vibration and impact damage.
• Clean windshield and wiper blades regularly to remove debris that could scratch glass when swept by wipers.
• Fill small chips and surface cracks right away with resin repair kits to prevent worsening.
• Seek professional repairs for long cracks over 3 inches or ones spreading tendrils—don’t try DIY fixes.
• Have a reputable auto glass repair shop install protective windshield film or glass treatment to boost structural reinforcement.
• Avoid using old or damaged wiper blades that can wear down the windshield over time.
• Make sure the hood latch works properly so the hood doesn’t fly up on the road and crack the windshield.
• Replace windshield when major cracks or damage across over 40% of glass occur.
• Get windshield crack repairs done in spring/fall—extreme cold and heat can cause cracks to spread faster when fixing.

Easy Way to Prevent a Windshield Crack from Spreading

1. Assess the Crack:

When you see a crack, the first thing you should do is figure out how bad the damage is. Look closely at how long and how deep the crack is. Small cracks and chips on the surface usually don’t need to be fixed. But if the crack has grown deeper into the glass, it needs to be fixed right away. Cracks that are longer than 3 inches or that branch out are likely to get worse over time. The faster you fix these bigger cracks, the more likely it is that your windshield will still work.

2. Clean the Area:

Before attempting any DIY crack repairs, thoroughly clean the area around the crack. Make sure to remove any dirt, debris, and residue by gently wiping down the windshield. It’s important not to pick or disturb fragments of glass while cleaning. Any foreign particles left behind could hinder effective repairs.

Using a mild soap and water should sufficiently clean hairline cracks and chips. For longer cracks that reach deeper through the windshield glass, an ammonia-based cleaner specifically designed for auto glass provides deeper cleaning action.

3. Apply Windshield Repair Resin:

After the area has been cleaned, the crack in the windshield will be filled with a replacement resin made just for fixing car glass. This clear glue is put right into the damaged area and goes all the way through the crack.

The resin forms a strong link that joins the crack’s edges back together. The resin and application equipment for windshield repair kits are available at most car parts stores. In three to five minutes, the adhesive resin sets completely, stopping a crack from getting worse over time.

4. Cure with UV Light:

Exposure to UV light activates and cures the repair resin to ensure cracks are fully sealed. Windshield repair kits come equipped with a mini UV LED tool that shines the necessary rays directly onto the resin-filled crack.

Typically, only 30-90 seconds under the UV light is needed to cure standard resins. The light causes the adhesive to harden completely and fuse the crack edges into a lasting bond. The resin will also form a smooth, clear patch that is virtually invisible from outside the glass.

5. Check for Leaks:

After the resin has been put on and hardened, carefully look over the crack in the glass and the area around it. If you see any wet spots or light coming through the crack from inside the car, that means there is a leak. Clean the glass with a dry cloth and look for water beads.

These would show that the crack isn’t completely sealed. If the leaks don’t go away, clean the repair area again and put on a new layer of resin. This time, let the resin cure for a little longer under UV light. Do it again and again until there is no more wetness.

6. Consult a Professional When Necessary:

Larger cracks can finally break completely because of the pressure that wind, bumps, and vehicle vibrations put on them. In this case, you should get a qualified car glass technician to look at your windshield and fix any cracks more effectively, or if necessary, replace the whole windshield.

Conclusion About how to stop a windshield crack from spreading

Small windshield cracks can be prevented from becoming serious, permanent damage by catching and repairing them immediately. Check how bad the crack is, clean the area well, fill it with repair resin that has been sealed under UV light, look for leaks, and get professional windshield crack repair help if needed.

Putting your car in the shade, moving slowly, and using protective treatments are also good ways to keep it from cracking and chipping over time. If you use these helpful tips to stop a windshield crack from spreading, you can save future expensive treatments.