What to Do When There's a Crack in the Windshield?
2 Answers
Here are the ways to deal with a cracked windshield: First, check the location of the damage. Repairs are only possible if the damage is in the whitish area of the glass; if it's in the black dotted or adhesive areas, repair is unnecessary. Second, assess the extent of the damage. If there are spreading cracks within the main line of sight, it's recommended to replace the glass directly. If there are no spreading cracks and the damage is minimal, repair is possible. If there are spreading cracks but they are outside the main line of sight and extend less than 10 centimeters, drilling and injecting adhesive to stop the crack is an option. Additional Information: Generally, star-shaped and linear cracks in the windshield can be repaired, provided they are small in area. This can help conceal the damage to some extent, but perfection is unattainable, and some flaws will remain. Moreover, cracks reduce the glass's performance and cannot be fully restored. This is important to note. If possible, replacing the glass is the best option.
The windshield cracked, so I immediately pulled over and turned on the hazard lights. Even though the crack seemed small, it could burst open instantly on highways or bumpy roads, with flying debris posing serious danger. I had a similar experience before—while driving on a national highway, a pebble impact caused a crack to appear, scaring me into stopping. Safety comes first; never attempt to continue driving. Contact a professional windshield repair shop, take photos of the crack, and send them for evaluation—if it’s shorter than 40cm, resin filling can fix it for a few hundred bucks. If longer, the entire windshield needs replacement, costing thousands but ensuring safety. Insurance often covers such incidents, so reporting it in advance saves hassle. From personal experience, temporarily sealing the crack with tape after parking helps keep out dust, but avoid DIY fixes to prevent worsening. Avoid blasting the AC directly at the windshield in hot weather, as temperature differences can expand the crack. In short, prioritize professional service to ensure safe driving.
