What to Do About a Cracked Car Windshield?
4 Answers
After the car glass is damaged, do not touch the damaged area with your hands to avoid being cut by the broken glass. If the damage is not directly in the driver's line of sight, you can first use transparent tape to cover the damaged area to prevent moisture and dust from entering. Before repairing the damage, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight in summer, and in winter, make sure that moisture does not enter the damaged area and freeze.
When I discovered a crack in my car's windshield, my first thought was safety first. A crack is no small matter—it can spread and enlarge at any time, especially during high-speed driving or significant temperature changes, such as intense summer heat or winter cold. This could lead to the entire glass shattering, obstructing visibility and causing accidents. My advice is not to rush into driving immediately. Instead, find a safe place to park and inspect the damage: if the crack is as small as a fingernail, you can temporarily use professional glass adhesive to prevent further spreading. However, in most cases, it's best to drive to a certified repair shop or dealership as soon as possible for evaluation and repair. Professionals will either fill the crack with resin or recommend a replacement. Don’t delay, as larger cracks are not only more expensive to repair but also pose greater risks. Remember to maintain a steady speed while driving and avoid bumpy roads to prevent the crack from worsening.
From a maintenance perspective, windshield crack treatment varies by situation. For small star-shaped cracks, I've personally tried temporary fixes using automotive glass repair kits: clean the crack surface, inject glass adhesive to fill the gap, and after curing, it effectively prevents spreading. However, if the crack exceeds coin size, don't attempt DIY - seek professional help immediately. Repair technicians will use UV lights and resin for thorough repairs or complete glass replacement. Don't overlook surrounding factors: check if window frame deformation caused the crack, improve driving habits like maintaining safe following distances to avoid stone impacts, and avoid washing the car immediately after rain which may worsen cracks. After repair, monitor regularly for recurrence to ensure safety.
My car's windshield once had a crack, which is actually quite common. It happened when a stone flew up and hit it on the highway. I immediately slowed down and pulled over, only to find a thin line. I went to a repair shop recommended by a friend, where the owner said small cracks could be fixed. It took about half an hour to treat with resin on the spot, costing a few hundred bucks with good results. My experience tells me: don't panic or ignore cracks when they happen. Check the location promptly—if it's near the dashboard and affects visibility, it must be repaired immediately. Normally, drive with windows closed on highways to prevent debris. After repair, avoid severe vibrations for a month to extend the windshield's lifespan.
