Okay, so you got a crack or chip in your windshield. Although a pain, there are ways you can make sure it doesn’t get worse and ruin your entire windshield before getting it repaired. Just follow these dos and don’ts:
DO
- Measure the crack or chip – if it is less than 12 inches long or smaller than a quarter, the damage can typically be repaired without having to replace the windshield.
- If you are going to drive your car before repairing the crack, make sure it doesn’t distort your view.
- Protect against dirt – any dirt that gets in a crack or chip can make it much more difficult to repair. Place a small piece of clear tape over the damage, making sure the tape doesn’t block your view while driving.
- Keep your car out of the sun. Letting heat build up in your car can weaken the windshield and cause the crack to grow, so park in a garage or shady area whenever possible.
- Contact an auto-glass provider for windshield repair or replacement.
DON’T
- Don’t ignore the problem! Small cracks and “bull’s-eyes” can spread if not repaired. Large cracks affect visibility and may even result in a traffic violation.
- Don’t drive the car if the crack is longer than 12 inches or the chip is larger than a quarter – the integrity of the windshield has most likely been compromised.
- Don’t crank up the air conditioning or use the defroster on high. Extreme temperatures are never a good thing for a damaged windshield.
- Don’t jolt the car or windows, avoiding slamming the door with the windows all the way up. The extra pressure inside the vehicle can cause the crack to spread.
- Don’t wash the vehicle. If water gets into the damaged area it can cause the windshield to crack further.
- Don’t repair cracks longer than 12 inches or chips larger than a quarter – this damage requires total replacement.
- Don’t go to a general mechanic for windshield repair or replacement; use an auto glass specialist.
Courtesy of aeroautoparts
