Many O’Fallon, MO, motorists have experienced windshield cracks at one time or another. From road debris to accidents, these pesky damages can be caused in a number of different ways. One thing that’s consistent for all cracks, however, is the steps you should take to ensure the damage doesn’t spread. Even with the assistance of a professional windshield repair service, preventing more serious issues will help minimize the amount of work that needs to be done.

Because most people’s lives are busy, getting your car into a shop for windshield repairs sometimes just isn’t in the cards immediately after the damage occurs. However, you should be aware dirt can worsen the issue. As such, you need to do all you can to prevent the chip or crack from spreading in the period between the initial crack and the repair.

Here’s how dirt affects your windshield:

• Damage to Structural Integrity: Once dirt forces its way into a crack, it weakens the structural strength of the entire pane of glass. This means additional cracks can spread, or, worse, cracks and chips in other sections of the windshield can occur with less force.
• Impedes Proper Windshield Repairs: Because chips and cracks on a windshield impair a driver’s vision, they should be repaired as soon as possible. When dirt is introduced to the damaged areas, however, it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove them without replacing the entire piece of glass. Keeping the crack as clean as possible can help you avoid this.

If you’re unable to bring your car into a professional windshield repair shop soon after damage occurs, it’s possible to take small steps to keep dirt out of the equation. Depending on the size of the crack, placing transparent tape will protect the area from bits of dirt and debris from working their way into the crevices. Avoiding the use of your windshield wipers helps reduce the spread of dirt, too.

Dirt or not, any crack or chip should be repaired as soon as possible. Not only do they cause distractions that can lead to accidents, but even small damage can also jeopardize the strength of the glass.

With a talented team of glass technicians and more than 30 years of industry experience, Consumer Glass is the most trusted name for windshield repair in the O’Fallon, MO, area. With professional, same-day service, the company has its clients back on the road in no time at all. For more information, call (636) 397-6800, or visit the website today.