3 Simple Ways To Prevent Your Windshield's Crack From Spreading

A clean and blemish free windshield plays an important role in driver safety. If your windshield has a small crack, you could have a big problem on your hands. Since smaller cracks often spread and become vision-obstructing monstrosities, it's important that you replace your windshield as soon as possible after it cracks to preserve the integrity of your car.

Here are three simple things you can do to help prevent a small crack from growing larger while you wait for your windshield replacement appointment.

1. Have the crack professionally repaired.

There are numerous companies offering temporary repairs for windshield cracks. If you don't want your crack to get worse while you are waiting to have your windshield replaced, it can be helpful to have one of these repair companies address the problem.

To determine if your crack is a candidate for repair, get out your measuring tape. If the crack is wider than one-eighth of an inch or greater than 12 inches in length, it probably cannot be repaired. Smaller cracks can be repaired to ensure your windshield maintains its structural integrity while you wait to have the entire windshield replaced.

2. Seal rock chips with clear nail polish.

Even small rock chips can begin spreading into larger cracks, so sealing these chips as soon as they appear can be beneficial in preventing additional damage while you wait to have your windshield replaced. An inexpensive option for sealing rock chips is clear nail polish. 

By cleaning out any dirt or debris that might be in the chipped area and applying enough clear polish to fill the chip (and any cracks that have started to branch out from the chip), you can effectively seal water and dirt from getting into the chip and causing the damage to spread. Be sure that you apply the polish in a shaded area to prevent the sun from drying it too quickly.

3. Apply superglue to the cracked area.

Although they look like a solid unit, auto windshields are made up of three layers of glass. If the crack in your windshield has damaged only the outer layer of glass, you may be able to use superglue to keep the crack from spreading. This temporary fix requires two people, one to apply the glue and one to apply pressure from the inside of the windshield in order to open up the edges of the crack so the glue can seep in.

Be sure that you use a tarp or other protective covering to prevent glue from getting onto the painted area of your car, since superglue can be almost impossible to remove without damaging your car's paint job.

Waiting to have a windshield replaced presents the opportunity for small chips and cracks to grow in size. Prevent cracks from spreading by investing in professional windshield repair, clear nail polish, or superglue as you wait to have the entire windshield of your car replaced.