How to Stop a Windscreen Crack from Spreading

It’s easy to ignore a small crack or chip on your windscreen. However, even minor damage can quickly turn into a serious problem if it’s not immediately fixed.

A fully intact windscreen can help to improve the rigidity of the vehicle cabin and plays a major role in your car’s safety restraint system. However, even small cracks and chips can weaken a windscreen and in the case of an accident can compromise your vehicle’s structural integrity.

Minor windscreen cracks or chips can also impede your line of sight while driving and refract the light to create distractions. A damaged windscreen can even lead to a police defect and potential fines or prevent your car from receiving a roadworthy certificate.

If you notice a small chip or crack, it is highly recommended that you visit a professional as soon as possible. Getting it repaired immediately will help to keep you and other road users safe and could save you money on a replacement windscreen.

However, we understand that not everyone will rush out to their local windscreen repair pro the second they see a crack or chip. And that’s fine. But you do want to keep the damage from getting worse and there are a few options open to you.

Nail Polish and Super Glue Method

This is a common DIY fix to stop a crack or chip from spreading or getting any worse. Before attempting this fix, you should check the location of the chip/crack in relation to the driver’s seat. If the damage is in the driver’s direct line of sight, DIY repairs, even temporary repairs, are not recommended.

After you’ve assessed the damage, it’s important to clean the windscreen with paper towels, auto glass cleaners or mild soap water. Moisture and dirt pose a threat to the integrity of the windscreen and so it’s best to keep the surface as clean as possible.

Fill the crack with clear nail polishor super glue and allow it to dry completely. Once that’s done, apply a clear tape over the area. This will protect the cracked area from dirt and moisture. The use of clear filling and clear packing tape will ensure that your vision is not affected when driving.

This method should provide some temporary strength to the windscreen to prevent the damage from getting any worse. However, you don’t want to drive around with this temporary fix in place for long. It’s important that you get your car in to see a windscreen repair professional as soon as possible.

Windscreen Repair Kits

Windscreen repair kits are available at most automotive stores. These kits are fast and easy to use and tend to work best with smaller cracks and chips, so it’s important to assess the damage before attempting any repairs.

Results can vary depending on the brand and quality of the kit. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some of these repair kits may only provide cosmetic solutions and not actually return the windscreen to its original strength and integrity.

Again, we recommend using these kits as a temporary repair solution to prevent further damage.

Avoid Major Temperature Changes

Hot and cold weather will cause the windscreen to expand and contract. These stresses can cause a crack or chip to spread across the windscreen.

To prevent further damage to your windscreen, try to keep your car away from extreme temperatures. Avoid parking spots that are exposed to direct sunlight. During the cold seasons, keep your vehicle in the garage.

Also, refrain from using window defrosters and parking your car near heating vents. Quick changes in temperature can cause the crack to worsen and compromise the structural integrity of your car.

See a Professional

The best way to get a damaged windscreen fixed is to see a professional. The methods outlined above are only temporary repairs.

To ensure your safety on the road, visit your local windscreen repair shop when confronted with windscreen cracks. Getting help from a professional can also save you from spending more money than is necessary. Additionally, a professional will be able to tell you whether the windscreen can be repaired or if it has to be replaced.

A small crack on your windscreen might not seem like a huge issue at first. However, if left untreated, even the smallest chip can lead to much bigger damage and heftier repair bills. Getting the damage repaired promptly and professionally is the best way to ensure a safe driving experience.