Why Your Car Windshield Cracks From The Inside: How To Fix
A cracked windshield is not only a safety hazard, but it can also be costly to fix. If you don’t know how to fix a cracked windshield, you could pay hundreds of dollars for a simple repair.
In this article, I will teach you everything you need to know about why car windshields crack from the inside and how to fix it. Below are tips on how to prevent your windshield from cracking in the first place and show you step-by-step instructions on how to repair a cracked windshield yourself.
Table of Contents
- Why Does Your Car Windshield Crack From The Inside?
- How Long Can You Have A Crack In Your Windshield?
- How to fix a cracked windshield?
- Can A Crack On The Inside Of A Windshield Be Repaired?
- How Do I Stop My Windshield From Cracking Further?
- FAQs.
Why Does Your Car Windshield Crack From The Inside?
Have you ever gone to get into your car and found that the windshield has developed a crack overnight? While it may seem like magic, there’s a scientific explanation for why this happens.
It all has to do with the rubber sealant that holds the windshield in place. Over time, this sealant dries out and becomes brittle. So when the temperature outside fluctuates – such as when you turn on the A/C on a hot day or the defroster on a cold day – it causes the windshield to expand and contract.
Eventually, this repeated stress leads to a crack forming in the glass. While there’s not much you can do to prevent this, it’s vital to have any cracks repaired promptly. Otherwise, they will only continue to grow and could eventually cause the entire windshield to collapse.
How Long Can You Have A Crack In Your Windshield?
If it’s cracked from one side, from the outside only, it’s not a problem to solve immediately. You can wait until it’s more convenient for you to take care of it.
But, if the windshield is already cracked from both sides, you need to act now. Windshields that are cracked from both the inside and outside need to be replaced as soon as possible.
How to fix a cracked windshield?
It’s not as difficult as it may seem. With a few simple steps, you can fix a cracked windshield yourself.
First, clean the area around the crack with a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Then, use a razor blade to remove any loose pieces of glass.
Next, apply a thin layer of resin to the crack. You can buy resin at any auto parts store. Then, use a UV light to cure the resin.
Finally, apply a clear sealant to the area to prevent the crack from spreading.
You can quickly fix a cracked windshield yourself if you follow these steps. But this is a temporary fix. If the crack is severe, you should have it professionally repaired. Please don’t wait too long to fix the problem, as it will only get worse over time.
Can A Crack On The Inside Of A Windshield Be Repaired?
Most cracks can be fixed with a special resin. The resin is injected into the crack and then cured with ultraviolet light. This process fills the crack and prevents it from spreading.
While it will not completely restore the windshield’s strength, it can significantly improve its stability and prevent further damage.
How Do I Stop My Windshield From Cracking Further?
If you have a crack in your windshield, it is essential to take action to prevent the damage from spreading.
One way to do this is to apply a layer of clear nail polish to the crack. This will help seal the crack and prevent dirt and moisture.
It would also help avoid sudden temperature changes, such as turning on the heater full blast when the car is cold. This can cause the glass to expand and contract, making the crack worse.
By taking these simple steps, you can help to prevent your windshield from further damage.
FAQs.
Can a windshield crack in between the glass?
Stress cracks between the glass happen when the glass is subjected to sudden changes in temperature, causing the material to expand and contract. This can cause the windshield to develop small cracks, eventually growing larger if left untreated.
Is it safe to drive a car with a cracked windshield?
It is generally not dangerous to drive with a small crack in the windshield. However, if the crack is in the driver’s sight, it can be distracting and difficult to see clearly. In addition, a cracked windshield can weaken the car’s structure and make it more vulnerable to impact in an accident.
Can the rain break a cracked windshield?
The answer depends on the size and severity of the crack. If the crack is small and only extends a few inches, then it’s unlikely that rain will cause any damage.
However, if the crack is longer or extends across the entire windshield, then there’s a good chance that heavy rain could cause it to break. In this case, it’s best to avoid driving in bad weather and have your windshield repaired as soon as possible.