When should I be worried about a cracked windshield?

Though not an immediate danger, if the crack is large, near or touching the edge of the windshield, the glass may have to be replaced and driving the car is not recommended. Driving with a broken windshield should also be avoided whenever the damaged glass impairs the vision of the driver.

Is a small windshield crack bad?

Never ignore a damaged windshield. A small crack can signify that the structural integrity of the glass has been compromised and that it can get worse. Though this may not seem like an immediate danger, if the break appears to become larger and is near the edge of the windshield this could lead to major consequences.

How long can a windshield crack be?

The rule of thumb: If you have chips larger than a quarter or cracks longer than 3.5 inches, plan to get a new windshield. Take note that even smaller cracks and chips that are extremely deep may not be fixable!

Can a windshield randomly crack?

While it’s understandable that a windshield might crack when struck by a rock, flying debris, or some other impact, some cracks, known as stress cracks, suddenly appear for no apparent reason.

What can I do about a small crack in my windshield?

Some small windshield chips and cracks can even be repaired at home with a repair kit.

1. Buy a windshield repair kit.
2. Clean the glass around chip or crack.
3. Apply the adhesive patch and plastic pedestal that comes with the kit.
4. Inject the kit’s epoxy resin with the syringe.
5. Allow it to cure and remove the pedestal.

Can you drive with a windscreen crack?

You should avoid driving your vehicle if it has a cracked windscreen, as it could increase the chances of a car accident.

Do cracks on windshield get worse?

A small windshield crack may seem harmless at first, but the cracks can quickly spread and become worse. Not only can the cracks become worse on their own, but drivers may accidentally make the crack expand and create more problems for a windshield.

What makes a cracked windshield worse?

Cold temperatures cause contraction—even in glass—and if it’s cracked or chipped the added pressure can cause further damage. The sun can also make the crack or chip worse, as it can increase the temperature of the windshield, causing the crack or chip to expand.

Can a small windshield crack be repaired?

A chip smaller than a quarter and a crack shorter than 3 inches can be easily patched with an epoxy repair kit, but a larger crack or chip may need a professional product or a complete replacement windshield. Be sure your kit fully covers the size of crack of chip on your vehicle before starting the repair process.

Can you tell how long a windshield has been cracked?

And unfortunately, there is no way to determine just how much time you have until a crack or chip grows and spread. Repairing the damage quickly helps prevent further damage that may cause you to need to replace your windshield, rather than simply repair it. Only 1 Auto Glass in St.

Why do cracks in windshields spread?

Extreme Temperatures Going from sitting in the scorching sun to getting blasted with AC or sitting in freezing temperatures and then getting hit with a powerful heater takes a toll on your windshield. This jump from hot to cold and cold to hot weakens your windshield, resulting in a crack that spreads.

Should you repair or replace a cracked windshield?

You can achieve this by using crack prevention products. Many insurance companies will repair cracks for free in place of replacing the entire windshield. For cracks that are smaller than 6 inches, repair is recommended. But there are companies that offer products to repair cracks up to 24 inches long.

What are the most common types of windshield cracks?

The most common type of crack, the edge crack is the cause of 60 to 80 percent of windshield replacements. Because of how they are manufactured and installed, the outer 2 to 3 inches of a windshield (the “Crack Zone”) have stress defects, which cause this area to fracture much more easily than the rest of the windshield.

What causes small pieces of glass to break off windshield?

Damage by a rock that causes a small piece of glass to break off the windshield. Floater crack. Less common than an edge crack is the floater crack, which is caused by severe temperature changes (especially cold temperatures) to stone breaks.

How big of a chip can you patch a windshield?

A chip smaller than a quarter and a crack shorter than 3 inches can be easily patched with an epoxy repair kit, but a larger crack or chip may need a professional product or a complete replacement windshield. Be sure your kit fully covers the size of crack of chip on your vehicle before starting the repair process.