A crack or chip in your windshield can happen in an instant, and then it leaves you with numerous questions. Is my vehicle safe to drive? Can I fix it myself? Do I have to replace my entire windshield? If you suddenly find yourself with a damaged windshield, here are the best tips to keep in mind for dealing with it.
Dangers of Driving With a Cracked Windshield
Not only does a cracked windshield look unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. A crack directly in your line of vision can make it hard to see out of your windshield. A cracked windshield is also structurally weakened. In a collision, it could shatter, fall in on you and your front passenger, make it more likely for your vehicle’s roof to collapse, or crumple when the air bags deploy and cause them not to work properly.
Should I Repair or Replace?
While you shouldn’t drive around with a damaged windshield, the good news is that you don’t always have to replace your entire windshield when it’s chipped or cracked. If the crack is less than 6 inches long, you might be able to have it repaired. However, if the crack interferes with your line of sight or is long and spread out, you should have your windshield replaced. Also, keep in mind that a small crack can become longer when you drive your vehicle, so you want to get any damage taken care of as soon as possible.
Protecting the Glass Until It’s Fixed
If you end up with a crack in your windshield when you’re on the road, you should follow a few steps to protect it until you can have it repaired. Park inside a garage or covered carport whenever possible to protect your windshield from direct sunlight, the weight of snow, and the force of wind or rain, which can all cause a crack to get bigger.
Temporary Fixes
In addition to protecting your glass, you can also try a temporary fix to keep the crack from spreading before you have a chance to repair it. First, clean the part of the windshield that has the crack. Once the area is completely dry, you can apply clear nail polish or super glue into the crack. It will hold the crack together and prevent water or dirt from getting inside and causing more damage.
Windshield Repair Kit
Most auto parts stores sell windshield repair kits that you can use to fix small chips or cracks. The kits typically come with either a pre-mixed adhesive or a two-part adhesive that you mix yourself. No matter which option you decide to use, the most important part is to start with a completely dry windshield that’s close to room temperature. Keep in mind that do-it-yourself repair kits won’t entirely erase the blemish, so you might want to leave this option for cracks that aren’t in your line of sight.
If you suddenly find yourself with a damaged windshield, you now know the steps you should follow to take care of the crack or chip.
Image via Pixabay
Connect with us
