Have you got a small crack in your windshield, and now you are wondering; how to stop a windshield crack from spreading and cracking, how fast does a windshield crack spread, or what is the best windshield crack repair kit?
If “Yes,” then this cracked windshield repair guide is going to answer all your questions regarding how to stop a windshield crack from getting bigger.
A small car windshield crack might not bother you that much, but a car windshield crack spreading further and covering the entire glass might be bothering you enough to run for a replacement! Most car owners might have experienced a chip or crack in their car’s windshield that they have overlooked for the time being.
But when the crack remains intact for the time being, it can spread drastically, causing the entire windshield screen to become cracked. You must be wondering what makes a windshield crack spread and how fast do windshield cracks spread?
There are multiple reasons behind the windshield cracks spreading (that we will discuss next) but what you must do is focus on its repair as soon as you find it out so that it does not spread or crack more.
Because who likes to drive with a shattered windshield that might eventually break down into pieces and fall inside the vehicle or in the hood of the car! But if you cannot stop a windshield crack from spreading, you always have the option of windshield crack repair or replacement depending upon the intensity of the crack.
In this article, we are going to discuss some of the most effective and best ways to stop a cracked windshield from spreading, top-rated and best windshield crack repair kit available in the market, and discuss other information related to windshield crack spreading.
So, in case if you have just experienced a chip or crack in your car’s windshield and are looking for solutions for stopping a windshield crack, then spare some time and read this article thoroughly.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices and Best Windshield Crack Repair Kit on the Market Right Now:
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And as we all know, knowing the causes of the problems before treating them is pretty necessary for any circumstances. So, before learning how to stop a windshield crack from spreading and how to fix a cracked windshield with household items or windshield crack repair kits, let’s find out what causes windshield cracks to spread.
Why Do Windshield Cracks Spread?
The cracks in your car windshield might look smaller than usual, but with time it can expand to much bigger cracks that can eventually break down the glass into pieces. The reason behind windshield crack spreading quickly can be multiple; it ranges from bad weather conditions to bumpy roads!
Let us have a look at all the possible reasons behind the spreading of the car windshield crack. Here we go:
Cause #1: Presence of Moisture in the Air
You might have the question in your mind as to why does a windshield crack spread? One of the foremost reasons behind the windshield crack spreading quickly is the moisture content in the air.
The car windshield is generally made with two layers of glass with a middle layer of vinyl. So, when there is moisture content in the air, it can get inside the glass even when there is a small crack and make it spread.
Cause #2: Bumpy Roads
It might not be easy stopping a windshield crack from getting bigger if you are driving on bumpy roads! The stress that the bumpy roads create on the windshield glass paves the way to spreading the cracks quickly, so try to prevent it if possible.
Cause #3: Extreme Temperature Shifting
When you move the car from extreme hot to extreme cold and vice versa, it affects the windshield drastically. Like shifting from cold AC temperature to scorching heat outside or switching on the heater and driving in a frozen land.
Your car windshield cannot take it well, and thus the smallest of cracks keep spreading. So, to stop windshield crack from spreading, do not drive in extreme temperature conditions.
Cause #4: Dirt Accumulation
Still, wondering how to stop windshield crack from spreading? Well, try to keep the windshield free from dust particles which are valid reasons why the cracks in it keep spreading.
It is advised that you stick a tape in the crack until you repair it so when you drive, the dust particles cannot enter the crack and thereby prevent it from spreading further.
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How Fast Does a Windshield Crack Spread?
As an automotive enthusiast, I know that most car owners either do not know or acknowledge how fast does a crack on a car windshield spread! And thus, it makes a tiny crack bigger with time. So, how fast is too fast for the windshield crack to spread more?
Well, there is, of course, no predetermined time frame for its spread, but certainly, there are some factors that can contribute to the spreading of the small cracks on your car windshield.
If you notice that the crack in the windshield is growing fast, then know that your car might be going through any of the reasons mentioned above. And eventually, the damage can spread within a few days also if necessary precautions are not taken by you initially.
So, it is advised that soon after you notice a chip or crack in your car’s windshield, tape it immediately and take it to a service station for the windshield crack repair so that the crack does not spread further. If you cannot take it to a professional immediately, try applying windshield crack repair kits that are good at preventing the spread.
Thus, it is evident that if you keep driving your car with a cracked windshield, it will eventually spread faster, and if you want to stop a windshield crack from spreading, then do not drive along till the crack is repaired!
Do you know? How to Fix a Cracked Windshield with Household Items
How to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading (6 Best Ways)
After knowing these two essential pieces of information (what causes a windshield crack to spread, or how fast does a crack on a windshield spread) regarding windshield crack, now it’s time to learn about the effective solutions to stop cracked windshield from spreading or cracking more.
Most car owners do not acknowledge the fact that stopping windshield crack from spreading is as essential as repairing or replacing it. And indeed, most of them do not take it seriously until it extends way too much beyond their imagination and they finally have to take it to a car service station for a replacement.
But why let it spread when you can easily prevent it without spending a lot of money? Yes, we are talking about some of the most affordable DIY windshield crack repair kits and effective home remedies to repair cracked windshields!
Here we have listed some essential measures you can take to prevent windshield crack from spreading further and repair cracked windshield as quickly as possible. So, let’s find out how to stop a cracked windshield from spreading and getting bigger:
Use a Windshield Crack Repair Kit
If a rock suddenly hits your windshield on the highway and now you are left with the thought of what to do if windshield crack spreading fast or how to stop a windshield crack from spreading while driving long distance, then consider this as one of the safest and inexpensive ways to do so.
When the windshield cracks are small and have just been formed, seal it with a windshield glass repair kit so that it doesn’t spread further, and you can repair it as and when required. The windshield crack repair kits are generally inexpensive and can be found in local hardware shops and online stores.
To use a DIY windshield crack repair kit, you have to bore a hole in the top layer of the windshield glass and apply the raisin in the kit through it towards the chip or cracked area of the windshield.
And if you cannot do this on your own, it is suggested you take it to a professional auto glass repair service center as when this work is done correctly, you may not require any further repairing of the crack and prevent it from spreading as well.
As there are many windshield repair kit options available in the market, you may become confused about which repair kit is best suited for the purpose. We recommend you go for Permatex Windshield Repair Kit or Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit for repairing small cracks or chips in your car’s windshield.
These windshield crack repair kits are inexpensive, effective, and quite suitable for long cracks and small cracks as well. In my opinion, using a windshield glass repair kit is the quickest and easiest solution if you are searching for the best way on how to stop cracks in the windshield from growing.
Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
If you want to prevent windshield crack from spreading, you must know what stops a windshield crack from spreading so that you can avoid those things and thereby prevent the spread easily. And One of the most prominent reasons behind the spread of the cracks is sudden temperature changes, as we have already mentioned above.
So, if you want to stop the crack from spreading more, you must also avoid driving your vehicle through sudden temperature changes (from hot to cold temperature or from cold to hot temperature). This is the most crucial preventive measure if you want to prevent windshield crack from getting bigger and looking for the best ways on how to stop a windshield crack from spreading during a road trip.
In most cases, sudden temperature changes occur when you run the car on a warm sunny day and you turn on the AC inside. While the inside of the windshield gets cooled down, the outside remains under the scorching heat of the sun.
In contrast, if you are driving through a cold and breezy day and the heater is on inside the car, then again, the temperature conditions inside and outside are deflecting. This sudden temperature change is what the windshield crack cannot withstand, and thereby they start spreading further.
So it is well recommended that you either switch off the heater or AC if there is a crack or at least try to run them at a balanced temperature so that the windshield cracks do not face extreme temperature change conditions and thus do not spread further!
Use Super Glue or Clear Nail Polish
This one is a simple trick of windshield crack repair, and there is no hustle associated with it. An added advantage of this method is that it is inexpensive because super glue or clear nail polish is present in most households, and thus, you do not have to buy them externally.
When you notice a chip or crack in the car windshield, please do not delay finding a solution to stop it from spreading. And if you have super glue or clear nail polish nearby, you can use them immediately to cover the crack and prevent the spread.
It is a simple procedure to apply these in the cracked portion of the windshield. So at first, you need to clean the windshield with either paper towels or glass cleaners. Then you need to apply the super glue or the clear nail polish directly to the cracked area as these are low-fidelity solutions.
After applying any of these two cracked windshield home remedies, leave it for some time until it dries properly, and then place tape on the cracked portion so that no dirt can enter through it, and you are done!
Yes, it is that simple, and now you know exactly how to fix a cracked windshield with household items such as clear nail polish and super glue. Isn’t it? By applying these everyday household items, you can at least prevent the crack from spreading further until it is taken for repair.
Use a Silicone Sealant to Fill the Crack
The silicone fillers can be considered amongst the best DIY windshield crack repair kit alternatives available in the market. These automotive silicone sealants are not only cheap solutions to such cracks, but they work wonderfully well in dealing with the chips or cracks in your car’s windshield and prevent them from spreading further.
And if you are looking for some of the best silicone sealants for cars in the market right now for reporting your car windshield crack, consider buying the Permatex Flowable Silicone Windshield and Glass Sealer or 3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive from either the online stores or the hardware shops near you.
These top-rated silicone fillers have exceptional qualities that ensure the crack or chip in the windshield is well taken care of. With properties like medium viscosity, extreme weather, vibration/shock resistance, waterproof and durable, these silicone sealants are good enough to fix the cracks and stop them from spreading further.
Most of these silicone sealants for cracked windshield repair come within a price range of $10 to $30, so these are pretty affordable in comparison as well. Once you apply the silicone fillers, you can be assured of a long-term resistance against the spread, but in case you notice a spread, take it immediately to a professional.
Use Clear Tape as a Temporary Solution
In case if you don’t know precisely how to stop a cracked windshield from spreading quickly, you should try a quick and short-term solution at least before going for a permanent windshield crack repair. And using clear tape can be considered as the best temporary fix for cracked windshield in most cases.
If you notice a crack in your car’s windshield, driving along with it can lead to its further spreading, which in turn can be both expensive and fatal for the car owner or driver. So, trying some immediate solution to stop the crack from spreading further is always recommended.
But what are the immediate solutions that you can consider applying if you find a crack or chip in your car windshield?
Apart from applying super glue or clear nail polish, you can also use clear tape as a temporary solution, given the fact that dirt and moisture act as prominent causes behind the spread of the cracks, when you tape the cracked portion, it does not allow dust particles or moisture to get accumulated in the crack and contribute to its spreading.
But remember, this is just a temporary solution; you have to take the car to a professional for further repair so that the crack does not spread when the tape comes off. You can also use duct tape if the crack is positioned in a while that does not instruct in your driving.
So, if you were thinking, can tape stop a windshield crack from spreading? Then the answer is Yes, and now you know precisely how to stop a windshield crack from spreading with clear tape.
Take Your Car to an Auto Glass Specialist
If you have tried all the above-explained solutions and none of them have given desired results, then lastly, the best way to stop a windshield crack from spreading is to take it to a professional. Yes, you read that right!
An auto glass specialist can take care of the crack (and it’s spreading) without you having to indulge in DIY methods for preventing the spread of the crack. The auto glass specialists are well trained to take care of such cracks on a regular basis, and they can fix the issue in no time.
They might well ask you to leave your car in the repair station for a few days or so, but it is well recommended that you ask them to fix the issue while you are present on the spot so that you get to know what methods they are applying and how long is it going to last!
Also, if you have an insurance policy covering the windshield cracks, you can get the repair done free of cost! So, it is always advantageous over hunting for repair kits with silicone fillers if you have got your car windshield covered under the insurance policy.
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What is the Best Windshield Crack Repair Kit?
In the above section, you have read that the windshield crack repair kits are very effective in providing immediate relief from windshield crack spreading. But you might be wondering, what is the best professional windshield repair kit for your car?
There might be ample windshield glass repair kit options available in the market, but you need to choose the right one for your car windshield if you want a better result. Thus, some of the best DIY windshield crack repair kits are mentioned below.
Check them out to learn how to stop a windshield crack from spreading using a windshield crack repair kit and find out whether they are suitable for you. Here we go:
Permatex Windshield Repair Kit
If you are searching for the best windshield crack repair kit, then you can surely go by this one. The Permatex Windshield Repair Kit comes with intensive care to repair damages of all types of windshield glasses. By using this repair kit, you are entitled to receive permanent solutions to the cracked windshield surface.
It has air-tight repairing capabilities that ensure the crack remains repaired till an external stimulus cracks it again. And when the crack is sealed with air-tight lamination, there is no fear of it being spread as well.
The kit comes with an easy-to-follow instruction booklet that also has photographs of the entire DIY steps, which can help you use it by yourself without having to go to a professional. This is a complete windshield repair kit that provides everything needed for stopping a cracked windshield from spreading. The Permatex windshield crack repair kit contents:
- Permatex Windshield Repair Syringe and Plunger.
- Repair Compound: NET 0.025 FL OZ.
- 1 Adhesive Disc.
- 1 Pedestal.
- 1 Curing Strip.
- 1 Push Pin.
- 1 Razor Blade.
- 1 Alcohol Towelette.
- 1 Instruction Sheet.
This top-rated and easy-to-use repair kit for cracked windshield has the capability of repairing cracks of all kinds that include bull’s eye crack, chips, and star-shaped crack of up to 2.75 inches depth, that too quite quickly!
Pros:
- It has a state-of-the-art delivery system that is newly redesigned.
- This windshield long crack repair kit provides an advanced spring-lock feature.
Cons:
- The kit is a bit expensive, so if you are searching for a cheaper alternative, this one might not be an apt choice for you.
Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit
This is another affordable yet effective cracked windshield repair kit that you may be interested in buying if you have noticed a chip or crack in the car windshield of late. The Rain-X Windshield Repair Kit is easy to use and comes with all the instructions to help you know how to stop a windshield crack from spreading using a windshield crack repair kit using step by step process.
The repair kit has the efficiency of repairing all kinds of laminated windshields, so you don’t have to worry about crack repair, no matter which car you own! After applying this repair kit, you can be assured that most of the cracks or chips won’t be visible and would not spread further.
This is so because it has an advanced resin formula that protects the windshield glass from further spreading of cracks or chips. Keep in mind, the Rain X Windshield Repair Kit works best on round damage not more than one inch in diameter and cracks not longer than 12 inches.
Pros:
- Available in a pack of 1 and pack of 6 sizes that helps in multiple repairing formulas.
- It has an affordable price range.
- It provides long-lasting relief from crack spreading.
Cons:
- Not too effective on cracks of all types.
3M Windshield Repair Kit
The 3M Windshield repair kit is also a powerful chipped or cracked windshield repair kit that is available in the market to take care of the cracks or chips in your car’s glass windshield. The glass resin and the repair kit in the package ensure that the crack is repaired and prevented from spreading further.
It is not always that you get hold of repair kits that help stop a windshield crack from spreading further, so this one is considered special. The package contains glass resins that help in dealing with chips and bull’s eye crack of the windshield.
If you want to prevent windshield cracks from spreading and save an entire windshield replacement cost, this is the most suitable crack repair kit. Are you curious to know what’s in the kit? The 3M Windshield Crack Repair Kit includes:
- Alcohol wipe
- bridge assembly
- suction cups
- Phillips head screws
- resin chamber
- resin chamber tip
- injector and injector o-ring
- bottle glass repair resin
- dropper and stick pin
- clear plastic film
- scraping blade
The repair kit minimizes the cracks, stains, and marks in a way that your windshield glass becomes new all over again. It also has preventive damage control properties that prevent the crack from spreading too much. So, all in all, you can go with this one without a doubt!
Pros:
- It has easy to use glass repair formula, which lets you handle the crack without much hassle of using special tools or mixing and heating formula.
- The package contains step by step guide which helps in the DIY handling of the repair kit.
- Quite an affordable alternative.
Cons:
- It takes a bit too long to dry.
Blue Star Windshield Repair Kit
You can consider this one as the best windshield repair kit for its potential to repair the crack and stop it from spreading at the same time. The Blue Star windshield repair kit is affordable, quick to show effect, and has a long-lasting crack repair formula that is not found in most local windshield crack repair kits these days.
It has a simple and easy-to-use formula that doesn’t require any express or professional to be handled. Anyone and everyone can apply the resin and the repair kit into the cracked or chipped windshield so that it can be repaired on time, and the replacement of the entire windshield glass can be saved as well.
Not only does this cracked windshield repair system prevent the crack from spreading further, but it also ensures that the crack is filled in a way that it becomes new-like again! So. If you have noticed any kind of chip or crack in your car windshield, try using the Blue Star windshield repair kit for ultimate accuracy.
Pros:
- This windshield crack repair kit has an affordable price range.
- It’s made in the USA and has a brand name that proves its worth.
- No need for professional interference; it can be done by normal individuals easily.
Cons:
- Not too effective on cracks of all types like star-shaped ones or bull’s eye.
Clearshield Windshield Repair Kit
Are you still looking for the best windshield glass repair kit to repair your car’s windshield crack or chip? Well, last but not least, you can go with the Clearshield Windshield Repair Kit for serving the purpose well. This can be declared as one of the best windshield repair kits available in the market today.
This repair kit is not like other repair kits containing enough tools and equipment to carry on with the repair work. Instead, you get tools, equipment, resins, and other important stuff along with the kit to better repair the windshield crack.
With more than 5 pack sizes, you get all kinds of packages of the repair kit and buy the one that best suits your purpose. Though this is mainly for professionals, you can still buy it if you face windshield cracks often while driving frequently. With 20+ repairing tools, you can be assured you are investing your money in the correct repair kit.
You can use this professional windshield repair kit for more than 200 repairs. This top-rated and best windshield repair kit for cracks includes:
- 1 Tool Box
- 1 Repair Bridge (Injector)
- 8 Inner O-Rings
- 4 External End Seals
- 30ml Thin Resin Bottle
- 15ml Pit Sealer Bottle
- 100 Curing Squares
- 1 UV Light
- 10 Razor Blades
- 1 Drill Set (Drill, Battery, and Charger)
- 1 Collet
- 20 Drill Bits
In simple words, if you were thinking what is the best professional windshield repair kit to stop a windshield crack from spreading, then the Clearshield windshield repair kit is the answer. This is a commercial-grade yet durable and easy-to-use windshield repair kit that can be used to fix cracked, chipped, and scratched automobile glass on all types of cars and trucks.
Pros:
- You get a drill set, carbide drill bits, collet, sealer bottle, UV light, repair bridge, resin bottle, and much more such stuff along with the package.
- It has almost 7 pack size that helps you choose the right one for your needs.
- It’s quite suitable for professionals.
Cons:
- As it has so many tools added to the package, the price is a bit high.
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How to Stop Windshield Crack from Spreading [FAQs]:
Now that you know the reasons behind windshield cracks spreading and what to do if you face a condition like that, there might still be some questions that must be running in your head. Like is it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield, or what is the cost to repair such windshield cracks, etc.? Right?
Thus, to clear all your doubts regarding the cracked windshield repair, this most frequently asked questions and answers section is formed. Have a good read and find out how to stop a windshield crack from spreading and cracking more. Here we go:
If you are driving with a cracked windshield and worried about being safe, then know that it is not always safe to drive with a cracked windshield. It is so because when you constantly keep moving, the crack may become more widespread, and it may hinder your vision.
But if the crack is not on the front glass, it is safe to drive but anyway not recommended because again, the crack may spread, and it may cause you more trouble than you expect. So, it may be safe to drive with a cracked windshield, but it is not at all recommended.
A windshield cracked from inside cannot always be understood from outside and vice versa unless the crack is very intense. When the crack or chip is small and cannot be easily noticed, it is hard to tell whether the crack is from inside or outside.
Sometimes the windshield cracks occur non-categorically, which results in different kinds of cracks like liner crack, bull’s eye crack, star-shaped crack, and other such types. Thus, you cannot always tell if the crack is from inside or outside.
So, it is better to take the car to a mechanic and let the experts handle the issue with professional treatments.
The windshield crack repair cost depends on various factors like the intensity of the crack, the type of car you own, and the type of repair you want! Thus, the exact cost cannot be determined as always, but you can know the average cost to repair a cracked car windshield.
In most cases, the windshield crack repairment cost range lies anywhere between $20 and $350, depending upon the given factors. It can even go up if you own a super special car or sports car.
If you have to replace the entire windshield, then the cost is a bit higher, but the cost is much lower if you need repair only.
Is a cracked windshield covered by insurance? This is a question that most car owners want to know! Some major reports suggest that the car windshield cracks that the insurance policies cover have varied options depending on the type of crack and the type of replacement or repair it needs.
And Most of the time, the insurance policies are provided additionally with the actual insurance cover that the car owner has to purchase.
If the crack is caused by falling off a tree branch, snow, debris, flying baseball, hail, etc., then the insurance company may cover the repair expenses, but you might not always get coverage if some other reasons cause it.
How to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading – Author’s View
If you have reached this part of the article, now you have a clear idea of how to stop a cracked windshield from spreading and getting bigger fast! So, if the crack is bothering you of late, you know what to do to fix it. But as the options available are varied, you might be confused as to which method is the best to control the windshield crack spread.
If I had to choose 2 or 3 methods among the best ways to stop a windshield crack from spreading explained above, then I would have picked the following methods:
- Use a windshield crack repair kit, as it is a proven method to deal with the cracks and to repair them on time so that they do not spread further. And if you want the best windshield crack repair kit for preventing windshield crack spreading, use a powerful windshield glass repair kit such as Permatex Windshield Repair Kit. It’s a complete kit that provides everything needed for the repair.
- Use a silicone sealant to fill the crack because if the crack is not filled on time, it won’t be worth taking it for repair because it will keep spreading with time. You can use the 3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive for immediate effect. It is the most reliable and best silicone sealant for cars in the market right now.
- Take your car to an auto glass specialist, this is the last option that I would try if the DIY windshield crack repair kit and the silicone sealant fail to work well on the crack, as professional repairing would be needed in such instances.
I would also like to search for an insurance company that provides policies for windshield cracks, no matter how small or big they are! The windshield crack insurance can help me deal with the repairing or replacement expenses well.
So, the next time a stone or pebble rambles down your car’s windshield, or you hit the car in a way that cracks the windshield, do not worry; we have got you covered with all the required information related to its repair and replacement!
If you found the guide on how to stop a windshield crack from spreading and what is the best windshield crack repair kit useful for you in stopping a windshield crack, please feel free to write us in the comment section and let us know which method worked best for you.
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