Your windshield not only keeps the elements out of the passenger cabin, but it also provides protection in a crash. If it becomes damaged, your visibility, safety, and comfort can be compromised. Unfortunately, cracked windshields are a common occurrence and they can happen any time due to circumstances beyond your control. When they do, steer clear of the following mistakes, which may worsen the situation.

What to Avoid if You Have a Cracked Windshield

1. Continuing to Drive

A damaged windshield should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. If you continue to drive, the bumps and vibrations from the road can cause the crack to spread. Even a minor chip can become a major problem if you wait too long to address it. Furthermore, should you get into an accident while the glass is fragile, there’s a greater likelihood of the car’s roof collapsing. You might also be held more culpable for the collision if it was obscuring your sightlines.

2. Adjusting the Temperature Settings Too Much

Like many materials, glass has a tendency to contract when it is cooler and expand as the air warms. Therefore, if your car experiences too abrupt of a temperature shift, it could affect the area around the crack, causing it to spread. To avoid this, try to keep the interior environment of your car as consistent as possible and make temperature adjustments gradually.

3. Not Getting a Professional Repair 

While the internet is full of suggestions for how to repair a cracked windshield—ranging from using nail polish to crazy glue—these materials don’t have the adhesive properties to put a broken windshield back together.

More legitimate are the DIY kits found at hardware stores, but it’s still best to take your car to a professional technician. They have the knowledge and tools necessary to make sure a broken windshield is properly repaired with high-quality materials. Attempting to fix it yourself can result in additional damage to the glass. 

If you have a cracked windshield, turn to Capital Auto Glass in Lincoln, NE, for prompt and affordable service. They specialize in windshield repairs and replacement and will help determine the most effective solution for restoring your vehicle to its original condition. With nearly 55 years of combined industry experience, they’re proud to offer superior workmanship and unmatched customer relations. Call (402) 421-6653 to request a job estimate or visit them online to learn more about the services they provide.