Driving a car with a crack in the windshield can be fatal, irrespective of the size of the crack. As a matter of fact, a cracked windshield is an extremely prevalent driving hazard that almost every car owner encounters at some point in his/her life. Things like flying rock, gravel road, or debris from the massive vehicle in front of you on a highway can cause chips or cracks in your windshield.
Of course, a windshield crack is the last thing anyone wants to happen. Moreover, getting it fixed takes both time and money (sometimes more money). And if you continue to drive your car with a crack in the windshield, you run the danger of making the crack worse. With a small crack, you’ll only need to get it repaired, and if it grows bigger in size, you’ll be left with no option but to replace it, which will just add to your cost.
So, what shall you do to stop a windshield crack from spreading?
Here are some of the top ways to stop a windshield crack from spreading:
1. Caulk the Crack
First things first, the moment you see a chip or crack in your windshield, just caulk it. It will prevent the crack in your windshield from widening.
Your windshield glass is a solid piece of glass that maintains its integrity by uniformly distributing the force applied to it. So, when there is a crack on your windshield, that area becomes weak. The moment there is some force applied to it, it causes the crack to spread even further and become more severe.
Sealing a small crack makes the glass more stable and less likely to put a strain on the rest of your windshield. Also, it will prevent dust and grime from falling into cracks, which can aggravate the crack and make it more difficult to repair.
You can caulk the crack using super glue, tape, and so on. But remember that this is not a permanent solution. It is always better to take your vehicle to a professional and get it fixed immediately.
2. Keep your vehicle out of the direct sunshine as much as possible
Your car should never be parked in direct sunlight, and you should avoid doing so whenever possible. And it is specifically important if your car windshield has a crack. It can cause the glass to bend or expand, causing the crack to become even more visible and noticeable.
Keep in mind that glass tints are susceptible to damage from UV rays emitted by the sun. Long-term exposure to the sun damages the car’s glass and causes it to crack. Because of this, it is critical that you park your vehicle in your basement or garage. This will also help to keep your vehicle protected from the weather.
3. Do not expose your vehicle to harsh weather conditions
This is no brainer that a car protects the occupants from external elements, such as rock, debris, and severe weather conditions, such as a hailstorm. But driving in extremely bad weather is not a wise practice, especially when your car windshield has a crack.
Extreme weather conditions can cause severe damage to your windscreen, including widening of already existing crack and getting worse. As a result, it is wise to keep your vehicle in a secure location in such circumstances, such as a garage or auto parking lot.
4. Don’t panic
Consider the following scenario: you were driving to work in the morning, and there was no crack in your windshield. However, when you turned on your car in the evening, you saw a little crack in your windshield. Understandably, the unexpected crack can be terrifying, but you shouldn’t freak out. People who are angry or panicked tend to drive very hastily, which is not a good practice at all.
As a result, it is essential to be patient and calm. Drive with extra caution on the road and attempt to avoid potholes, speed bumps, slamming your brakes, and gravel or uneven terrain. The vibrations and shaking can cause a crack in your windshield to worsen or, in complex situations, cause it to shatter completely. The best is to take your vehicle to your mechanic or call a mobile mechanic to fix your car’s windshield.
5. Park your car in a safe place
We can’t stress this enough; it is vital to park your car indoors or in the shade. If you do not have a garage, park your car under a carport if at all possible. This will ensure that your windshield is not damaged by anything falling from the sky, such as hail, fallen branches, or the basketball of the next-door neighbor’s son.
Suppose you don’t have access to covered parking; attempt to find a parking spot in a safe location instead. It will protect your vehicle from extreme weather conditions and the temperature variations that can cause glass warping that come with it.
6. Get your windshield crack repaired immediately
Lastly, get the crack on your car’s windshield fixed as soon as you see it. Having your car chip repaired is always a smart idea, regardless of how small the damage is.
An object that strikes the windshield of an automobile, such as a rock, is likely to leave a chip or crack in the glass. Pay attention to any dings or splits that could suggest an issue in the future.
If you notice a crack in your vehicle’s windshield, have it repaired as soon as possible. If you don’t get it fixed right away, you’ll have to replace the windshield, which will increase the cost of your vehicle.
Furthermore, postponing the repair or replacement may make the crack much more apparent and noticeable as time passes.
Read More: Process of Windshield Installation
Conclusion
So these are the ways you can utilize to stop a windshield crack from spreading, minimize windshield damage and maintain the integrity of your vehicle’s windshield. Following these tips can assist you in avoiding chips and cracks, which might result in shattered auto glass.
Also, it is crucial to take your vehicle to an expert technician for windshield repair. Experts will always make sure you get long-lasting results.