Finding Glass That Makes A Statement

You're driving down the road during your regular commute, when suddenly a stone or piece of debris jumps up and smacks your windshield, leaving a crack in its wake. After you stop cursing, you're going to have to figure out what to do to mitigate the problem until you can get your vehicle to an auto glass repair shop. Here are a few do-it-yourself options that might help.

Tape It Up

When you have a small crack in your windshield, your top objective is to keep the crack from getting bigger. Cracks expand when exposed to air or when additional debris finds its way into the crack. To try and prevent this from happening, use two pieces of clear tape. Tape each side of the windshield along the crack to try and give it a layer of protection.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures and Bumps in the Road

Another thing that can cause a crack to expand is extreme temperature or a sudden bump. To that end, avoid using your defroster, or turn your air conditioner off if you can stand it. When you park your car, try to opt for an indoor garage; leaving your car outside with the sun beating down on it isn't going to work. To avoid jarring your vehicle and causing the crack to expand, try to stick to major highways and avoid back roads where potholes tend to be.

Get an Auto Glass Repair Kit

If you want some additional protection for your cracked windshield, head into your local auto store and ask for an auto glass repair kit. These kits come with a gel that usually uses a resin formula that you can use to fill the crack. The idea is similar to taping the crack: you want to stop additional dirt or debris from getting into the crack and causing an expansion. Follow the directions on the auto glass repair kit carefully, as using too much of the resin can cause your view to become obstructed.

If your vehicle has a cracked windshield, you'll need to take immediate steps to keep the crack from expanding before you can get the car into an auto glass services center. Clear tape works well in a pinch, but an auto glass repair kit at your local auto shop is probably a better temporary solution. In the meantime, avoid exposing your windshield to extreme temperatures and try to avoid any pot holes or other bumps in the road. If you notice the crack quickly expanding, pull over and call an auto glass repair shop for a tow.