Windshield Crack Repair Dos and Don'ts
Almost every driver on the road today will get a windshield chip or crack during the lifetime of their vehicle. Depending on its location and severity, this damage may require a simple windshield chip repair or a more comprehensive windshield replacement. While getting the repairs done as soon as possible is always the best idea, you may find that you need to use your car for a few days with the damage present.
Before you get your vehicle to the auto glass specialist or call your mobile windshield crack repair provider, here are a few tips for ensuring your safety and your vehicle's functionality.
Do:
Protect against dirt. Dirt that gets into a crack or chip can make it more difficult or even impossible to repair. If you will be on the road or parked on a street, it might be best to place a small piece of clear tape over the point of impact. However, if this tape gets in the way of your line of vision, be sure not to drive with it on.
Stay away from the sun. Park inside a garage when you can and use a protective windshield covering when you can't. If you let heat build up inside the car while you park, you might weaken the windshield and cause the crack to grow.
Talk with a certified windshield professional. Your technician should be able to provide you with the easiest and safest solution.
Don't:
Use your defroster on high. Extremes in temperature are never a good thing for a cracked or damaged windshield. If you live in an area where you are required to use your defroster regularly, gently warm up the car over a period of time. It's also best to find a mobile windshield repair company that can do your repairs as soon as possible.
Jolt your car or windows. Try to avoid slamming doors or shutting doors with the windows all the way up. Creating extra pressure inside the vehicle in this way can cause the crack to spread.
Wash your vehicle. As with dirt or other debris, water in the damaged area can cause your windshield to crack further or even make it impossible to fix using traditional windshield crack repair techniques.
Ignore the damage. While small chips or cracks might not seem like a big deal at first, they can spread or otherwise sacrifice your vehicle's structural integrity. For maximum safety and compliance with the rules of the road, get your windshield repairs done right away.