You’re driving down the road when a rock or other piece of debris suddenly flies up, hits your windshield, and causes a crack or a chip. Now you must decide how to take care of the damage. Whether you have a small ding or a large crack, here’s what you need to know about dealing with a cracked windshield.
Why Repair or Replace Your Windshield
Your windshield does more than just block rain, wind, and snow while you’re driving. It’s also an important component of your vehicle. In addition to being unsightly, cracks or chips in your windshield are also dangerous. Potholes and freezing water can cause small cracks to spread across the windshield and interfere with your line of sight. Large cracks can also weaken the glass and become a safety issue – this is why many states have laws against driving with large cracks in the windshield.
When to Repair or Replace
Having a chip or crack in your windshield doesn’t automatically mean you must get the entire windshield replaced. If the chip is smaller than an inch and the crack is less than 6 to 12 inches in length, chances are good you can have them repaired. On the other hand, if the chip or crack is directly in your line of sight, at the edge of the windshield, or you have three or more chips or cracks in your windshield, it’s safer to have the windshield replaced.
Park Your Vehicle in a Garage
Whenever possible, attempt to park your vehicle in a garage until you have a chance to either repair or replace your chipped or cracked windshield. The heat from the sun, the force from rain or wind, and the weight of snow can all cause cracks to get bigger. Parking your vehicle away from the elements will help reduce the stress on the glass, cut down on the effects of temperature changes and the elements, and give you time to take care of the issue.
Consider a Temporary Fix
If you have a small chip or crack in your windshield and you want to keep it from spreading until you can have it repaired, you can use superglue or clear nail polish. First, clean your windshield using an auto glass cleaner. Next, apply the clear nail polish or superglue in the chip or crack. These everyday items are a temporary solution that can hold the two sides of the crack together and prevent dirt from getting inside the crack until you can have it repaired.
Use a Windshield Repair Kit
If you’re comfortable with a do-it-yourself repair, you can purchase a windshield repair kit from an auto parts store. These kits typically come with an injectable resin that replicates the repair technique used by professionals. Since these kits may not perfectly recreate a professional repair, you might want to use them on cracks or chips that are in an inconspicuous area.
If you suddenly find yourself with a crack or chip in your windshield, you now know the steps you need to follow to take care of the problem. Don’t delay repairs, as that may lead to an increase in cost. Fortunately, our friendly service technicians at Fox Toyota of El Paso are available to assist you – call to make an appointment with us today!
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