Whenever drivers experience damage to their windshield, they react in one of two ways. Some may panic about it, thinking that a small windshield crack will lead to shattered glass and expensive repairs. Others might think that any windshield damage is ‘no big deal’ and just keep on driving without a worry in the world.
Both of them are wrong. The truth is that in many cases, windshield damage is totally fixable. Google the term ‘stop windshield crack’ and you’ll find plenty of solutions to your problem, ranging from professional services to DIY solutions you can use yourself.
In this article, you’re going to learn everything you need to know about dealing with a damaged windshield. First, we’ll look at what causes a windshield crack and how to fix that problem. Then, we’ll explain the conditions that would require you to replace the entire windshield immediately.
Let’s get started.
What Causes a Windshield Crack?
Debris
Firstly, let’s understand what causes this problem in the first place. Of the handful of reasons behind windshield cracks, the most common is probably debris from the road.
Remember: when you’re driving down a road, there’s a constant flow of air hitting your windscreen. Sadly, that whooshing air also helps propel little things like rocks, dust, and what-have-you from the road straight to your windshield.
A large enough stone hitting your windscreen at just the right angle and speed can cause small chips and cracks to appear. Of course, the larger the debris, the more extensive the damage you get.
Weather and Temperature Changes
Another less common but still possible reason for damage to your windshield is the climate. Strong winds can send debris like tree branches towards your windshield, even if the car is parked and not moving at all.
Besides that, dramatic temperature changes can also cause cracks to appear on the glass. Just like other materials, your windscreen will expand and contract depending on how hot the weather is.
So, if, for some reasons, the temperature changes way too fast, the windscreen will crack as it expands or contracts too rapidly. Here’s a typical example: Suppose you were to throw hot water on a frozen windscreen to defrost it. That sudden exposure to heat will cause cracks to form.
What Can Worsen Windshield Cracks?
As mentioned earlier, some people assume that a small crack on their windscreen is alright to be left alone. That’s not right because cracks can get worse.
Simply put, moisture and dirt will gradually fill up those cracks and cause more problems. As everything expands and contracts depending on the climate, they’ll slowly but surely enlarge those cracks with time.
That’s why it is crucial to fix any windshield cracks as soon as possible, either at a shop or DIY it with a windshield repair kit.
Is It Possible to Seal a Cracked Windshield?
Yes, indeed it is! You can seal a cracked windshield using a windshield repair kit or by taking it to a professional. DIY products typically come as injection kits with some resin or adhesive material.
Whether you do it at home or the shop, the process is somewhat similar. It starts with cleaning out any dust or dirt that might have collected in the crack and then filling it up (or 'injecting' it) with the transparent, see-through material that'll seal that crack right up.
If done correctly, you won’t see any traces of a crack ever forming on that glass.
How Are Cracked Windshields Repaired?
Now, let’s look at the common ways that cracked windshields are repaired. They’re usually fixed with a patch, injection, or with a total replacement.
Patch
The patch might be one of the most straightforward fixes for a damaged windscreen, though it’s probably the least effective. You probably won’t find this option at a professional repairer, though they come in DIY kits that you can use at home.
Basically, they work by applying a clear patch onto the cracked section of the windshield. That patch will harden, strengthening that section of the glass.
As you can tell, this method doesn’t actually fill the gap in the windshield surface caused by the crack. Instead, it patches over it and holds the section together.
Not the best solution in the long run but probably a good short- to medium-term fix.
Injection
This is the method we pointed out in the previous section. It’s probably the most common method, even though the same material that’s being injected may differ depending on who you go to.
The reason it’s so popular is that it’s effective and safe. Using the injection approach, the actual crack gets cleaned out and filled up so that there are no gaps in the windshield’s surface. It’s clean, it works for the long-term, and it’s safe.
Total replacement
Of course, severe damage to a windscreen will require a total replacement. This approach is pretty straightforward: they’ll remove the existing windscreen and all its bits and pieces, then stick on a brand new, factory-fresh windshield for you to use.
When Should You Replace a Damaged Windshield?
Given the price differences between fixing and replacing a windshield, you might be wondering when a total replacement becomes necessary.
You’ll need a total replacement if:
- There are several cracks all over your windshield.
- Any single one of those cracks is bigger than about 14 inches.
Why? Because when the damage is that severe, it means that the integrity of your windshield is compromised. It will not be able to stand up to further damage, even if you patch it up or inject it.
Are Windshield Crack Hacks Safe?
Non-automotive websites and Youtube channels are quick to share all sorts of windshield crack hacks that supposedly fix your problem and prevent expensive repairs. But are any of them safe?
Maybe they are, or perhaps they’re not. But when it comes to your windscreen, you do not want to rely on ‘maybes’.
Sure, they might work in the short term as very temporary solutions, but it might not be wise to fix something as critical as your windscreen with a ‘hack’ of any kind.
Doesn’t matter if it’s the nail polish hack or super glue hack; it’s not worth the gamble.
Remember: the windscreen doesn’t just prevent wind from hitting your face while you drive. It also prevents rocks, branches, and other potentially deadly debris from flying right at you and your passengers. It can’t do that effectively if it’s compromised.
So, take your car to a professional fixer to get the job done correctly and safely. Even if you insist on doing it yourself, at least invest in a proper DIY windshield repair kit. It’ll do a much better job than using your kid’s super glue.
Learn to Diagnose a Problem & Fix It!
To learn more about fixing a windshield crack or any other common car problems, check out the blog at Carpart.com.au. There, you’ll discover frequent updates with guides to help you become a better-informed and more capable car owner. Visit us now!
By Ray Hasbollah