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Tips To Keep Your Windshield Chip From Becoming A Bigger Problem

19 August 2015

James Riley

Windshields are built to be durable, but sometimes a stray rock or a piece of hail can still manage to cause a problem. If you've recently noticed that your vehicle's windshield has picked up a chip or crack, chances are you're not a very happy camper right now. After all, having to replace your vehicle's vehicle's windshield can be a costly proposition. But the good news is, not every chip in your windshield has to lead to a full replacement. A skilled auto glass repair shop can sometimes fix a small crack in your windshield at a fraction of the cost of what you were expecting when you first noticed the problem. The key is getting your vehicle to the repair shop in a timely manner before that small chip grows larger and becomes harder to fix. Here are a few tips on what you can do to limit the damage until a full repair job can be completed.

Tape is a Quick Fix

Assuming the chip or crack is insignificant in size, one of the most inexpensive remedies you can use to help keep the problem under control is probably located on your office desk right now. A piece of clear tape is sometimes all you need to help stabilize a crack or chip on your windshield. The idea is that as you drive down the road, air is going to enter the chip or crack, and this air can eventually cause further wear and tear that could cause the crack to splinter. By simply taping over the crack, ideally on both sides, you will be providing a protective barrier that will keep air out so that it can't do any more damage. Just make sure you use invisible, clear tape so that your view of the road is not obstructed.

Cool It With the Heat

Any kind of air entering the crack can cause a problem, but the air that blows directly onto your windshield from the defroster can be a cause of real concern. Exposing your windshield to extreme temperatures can destabilize the crack even further. If you have ice on your windshield, purchase a de-icing liquid or simply turn on the regular heat in your car instead of the defroster. Adding a little more preparation time to your morning before you start your commute to work is preferable to having to shell out the cash for a brand new windshield.

Close Doors Gently

Any additional jolt to the windshield could cause the crack to become a much bigger problem. When getting in and out of the vehicle, gently close the doors, do not slam them, even if in a hurry. When closing the trunk, use the same approach.

If your vehicle's windshield has a chip or crack in it, get it to an auto glass repair center like Allstate Glass as soon as possible. In the meantime, protect the crack by putting a thin piece of clear tape over it. Avoid blasting your defroster directly onto the crack, and be careful when closing your vehicle doors or the rear trunk.

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