A cracked windshield can happen to anyone, whether it’s caused by gravel chunks stirred up by other vehicles on a busy highway or a piece of debris falling onto your parked car. While cracks and chips require professional windshield repair, there are some temporary steps you can take to keep your windshield intact if the glass is compromised. Check out some of the most important do’s and don’ts below.

Do:

Measure the damage.

The size of the crack or chip will determine what course of action you need to take immediately after the fact. If your windshield has a crack less than 12 inches long or a chip smaller than a quarter, you’ll likely only need windshield repair as opposed to replacement.

Protect against dirt.

When dirt gets into a crack or chip, it becomes more difficult to repair. Try putting a piece of clear tape on top of the damage to keep out any unwanted waste until you can get it to a glass repair technician.

Stay out of the sun.

When heat builds up in your car, it can weaken the windshield even more and cause the crack to expand. Park in shaded areas to keep your car and its windshield from getting too hot.

Don’t:

Wash your windshield.

If water penetrates the crack or chip, it can cause the damage to spread. This is especially true in the winter, when freezing water expands more dramatically. Exposing your damaged windshield to water could turn a simple repair job into a complete windshield replacement.

Blast your AC or defroster.

Avoid extreme changes in temperature that can be caused by intense air from the AC or defroster. This can cause the crack or chip to expand. Instead, adjust the temperature in your car gradually.

Ignore the Problem

Ultimately, cracks and chips should be properly repaired. Large cracks can hinder your visibility or result in a traffic violation. Even small cracks or chips can put you at risk depending on where they’re located. Have the damage fixed by an experienced windshield repair expert as opposed to a general mechanic to ensure proper repairs.

 

 

If your windshield is cracked or chipped, reach out to the repair experts at FB Glass. Located in Rochester, NY, these experienced auto glass repair technicians offer personalized service at competitive prices for car owners throughout the Greater Rochester area. In addition to commercial glass repair and custom projects, they help customers apply for insurance claims and appropriate financing opportunities to ensure your repair project doesn’t break the bank. Give them a call today at (585) 441-1209 or visit them online for more information.  

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