For any vehicle owner, a cracked windscreen can be annoying and, at times, costly. Once a crack emerges, it has a proclivity to expand over time, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the glass and reducing visibility.
There are, however, things you can take to keep a windscreen crack from widening and maybe avoid the need for a pricey repair.
This post will go through effective strategies and practical tips for preventing a windscreen crack from widening.
Understanding the causes of crack development and applying preventive actions can help you extend the life of your windscreen and make driving safer.
Why Is A Cracked Windshield Dangerous?
A cracked windscreen is more than simply a cosmetic concern; it carries serious risks and dangers that should not be ignored.
Understanding the possible dangers of a cracked windscreen is critical for prioritizing immediate repairs or implementing preventive actions. Here are some of the most important reasons why a broken windscreen is dangerous:
- Impaired Visibility: A fracture in the windscreen can restrict the driver’s view, resulting in poor road visibility. Even a minor crack can cause glare or distortions, making other vehicles, pedestrians, or possible hazards harder to notice. This reduced visibility increases the likelihood of accidents and crashes.
- Reduced Structural Integrity: A windscreen is crucial to a vehicle’s structural integrity. It supports the roof and adds to the overall stability of the vehicle’s frame. A crack compromises the structural integrity of the windscreen, rendering it less effective in the event of a collision or accident. It can enhance the likelihood of the roof collapsing during a rollover accident, putting occupants at risk of harm.
- Reduced Support: A cracked windscreen may not offer the necessary support to keep occupants inside the car during a severe collision or rollover. The weaker glass is more likely to break, increasing the risk of ejection from the car, which can result in serious injury or death.
- Vehicle Inspection Difficulties: A cracked windscreen can cause problems during vehicle inspections, potentially leading to legal concerns or fines. Many nations have laws governing windscreen conditions and its impact on driver sight. A cracked windscreen that obstructs the driver’s vision results in failed inspections and the need for emergency repairs.
7 Ways To Stop A Windshield Crack From Spreading
Use A Windshield Repair Kit
Windscreen repair kits, which are available at automotive supply stores, are a low-cost alternative for preventing cracks from expanding.
These kits usually include a resin that can be applied to the crack with the help of specialized instruments. You can patch the crack and keep it from expanding further by carefully following the directions.
Repair kits are most useful for tiny cracks and may not be appropriate for larger or more severe damage.
Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
A windscreen crack might widen due to rapid temperature changes. Avoid exposing your vehicle to extreme temperature differentials to avoid this.
For example, avoid using hot water or defrosting chemicals on a frozen windscreen because the unexpected heat can aggravate the crack.
Additionally, park your car in shady regions during hot weather to avoid direct sunshine, which can heat the glass and increase the danger of fracture development.
Seal The Crack With Superglue
Superglue can be used as a temporary fix to keep a crack from expanding. Directly apply a tiny amount of clear, high-quality superglue to the crack.
The glue will help to seal the crack, preventing dirt and moisture from entering and worsening the damage.
However, remember that this is only a temporary cure, and expert repair or replacement is still required for a long-term solution.
Spread Nail Polish On The Crack
Clear nail polish, in particular, can be a temporary barrier to keep a windscreen crack from developing further.
After completely cleaning the crack, apply a thin layer of nail polish over the damaged area. This will assist in stabilizing the crack and preventing it from further expanding.
This approach, like superglue, should be regarded as a temporary remedy until expert repair or replacement is undertaken.
Tape The Crack
Taping over the fracture can be a temporary remedy to keep it from spreading further. Cover the crack with clear adhesive tape or windscreen repair tape. This will assist in keeping the glass together and providing some stability.
However, remember that this is not a permanent solution and should only be used as a stopgap until expert repair or replacement is performed.
Contact A Mobile Auto Glass Repair Specialist
Mobile auto glass repair specialists are professionals that come to your home or business and inspect the fracture in your windscreen.
They have the tools and knowledge necessary to offer on-site repairs or replacements, depending on the severity of the damage.
By removing the need to go to a repair shop, contacting a mobile vehicle glass repair specialist provides convenience and saves you time.
Visit Windshield Repair Or Replacement
If the fracture in your windscreen is large or growing quickly, you should take it to a windscreen repair or replacement center. These facilities are staffed with trained technicians who can examine the damage and recommend the best course of action.
How Long Does It Take For A Windshield Crack To Spread?
The time it takes for a windscreen crack to spread depends on a number of things. Here are some crucial items to remember:
- Size And Location: Smaller fractures, such as chips or star breaks, might take weeks or months to grow over the windscreen.
Larger cracks, on the other hand, especially those that run from one end of the windscreen to the other, have the potential to spread more quickly.
- Environmental Factors: Temperature fluctuations also contribute to crack propagation. Rapid temperature changes, such as exposure to hot sunlight followed by cold water or frost, might cause the fracture to spread more quickly.
- Road Conditions: Driving vibrations and jolts can put stress on the windscreen, potentially accelerating the spread of a crack.
The initial state of the windscreen can determine how quickly a crack spreads. If the glass has been compromised by past injury or wear, the crack can spread more quickly.
While the exact time frame varies, fixing windscreen cracks as soon as possible is critical. Because of the force and pressure on the glass, even minor cracks can develop larger over time.
Conclusion
Let us heed the call of responsibility and embrace the chance to protect our windscreens from the whims of fate. We embrace the symphony of prevention by ensuring that the spreading crack stays a mere intermission while the steadfast windscreen takes center stage, covering us with unflinching tenacity.
May our windscreens become canvases of safety, with cracks but ephemeral whispers in the symphony of our travels.
