Thursday, May 23, 2013
What to Do If Your Windshield Cracks
First, measure the crack. If it is less than 12 inches long, or if the chip in the glass is smaller around than a coin you might find in your wallet, then the damage can probably be repaired without your having to replace the entire windshield. When you are waiting to get it fixed, be sure that you can drive safely and that the crack or chip isn't in the way of your seeing the road.
If the crack or chip that has happened on your windshield is small " about the size of a pebble where it seems like something had bounced up off the road and hit you " then you can likely repair the damage without replacing the entire windshield. It is often possible to fix the damage yourself at home. A lot of auto repair shops and stores online sell kits that will seal up the crack - they include small resin-injections and epoxy.
While you are waiting to repair your windshield, protect it against dirt. Dirt that gets into a crack or chip can make it more difficult to repair. Placing a small piece of clear tape over the point of impact can help, but make sure that the tape doesn't block your vision when you're driving. Also, stay away from the sun. Park inside a garage or in a shady area when you can. Letting heat build up in your car can weaken the windshield even further and cause the crack to grow.
When a crack has become too large to mend by yourself, you need to take it to a shop or call a service that specializes in windshield repair. Many of these companies now come to your home or business to fix the crack. These companies use similar methods to home repair kits but with stronger materials. These include a glazing technique that is hardened by ultraviolet light, a process that renders the crack nearly imperceptible.
When you take your car to a specialist and they determine that the damage is too large to just repair, it will be time to replace your entire windshield. This should be done as soon as possible and once again can usually be done by a company that will come to you. Check with your auto insurance company, your policy might cover the replacement costs.
If there is a crack or a chip in your windshield, don't just ignore it and hope that it will go away. Chances are, it will just get bigger the longer you wait and you will be in even more trouble. If you have a crack, keep your car at a neutral temperature and never run the heat or air at full blast causing the crack to get worse. Instead, find a place to get it fixed as soon as possible.
If the crack or chip that has happened on your windshield is small " about the size of a pebble where it seems like something had bounced up off the road and hit you " then you can likely repair the damage without replacing the entire windshield. It is often possible to fix the damage yourself at home. A lot of auto repair shops and stores online sell kits that will seal up the crack - they include small resin-injections and epoxy.
While you are waiting to repair your windshield, protect it against dirt. Dirt that gets into a crack or chip can make it more difficult to repair. Placing a small piece of clear tape over the point of impact can help, but make sure that the tape doesn't block your vision when you're driving. Also, stay away from the sun. Park inside a garage or in a shady area when you can. Letting heat build up in your car can weaken the windshield even further and cause the crack to grow.
When a crack has become too large to mend by yourself, you need to take it to a shop or call a service that specializes in windshield repair. Many of these companies now come to your home or business to fix the crack. These companies use similar methods to home repair kits but with stronger materials. These include a glazing technique that is hardened by ultraviolet light, a process that renders the crack nearly imperceptible.
When you take your car to a specialist and they determine that the damage is too large to just repair, it will be time to replace your entire windshield. This should be done as soon as possible and once again can usually be done by a company that will come to you. Check with your auto insurance company, your policy might cover the replacement costs.
If there is a crack or a chip in your windshield, don't just ignore it and hope that it will go away. Chances are, it will just get bigger the longer you wait and you will be in even more trouble. If you have a crack, keep your car at a neutral temperature and never run the heat or air at full blast causing the crack to get worse. Instead, find a place to get it fixed as soon as possible.
About the Author:
About the Author: Leigh Jackson is an auto insurance columnist and blogger based in Fort Worth, Texas. Get more car advice and learn how to get cheap Texas auto insurance and no credit check car insurance at dillo.com.
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