Nothing can ruin one’s day more than a chipped or cracked windscreen. There are different kinds of cracks that can harm the car windshield. Windscreen crack repair must be handled with care.
Some of the causes of chip or crack in one’s windscreen are:
Rocks kicked up by passing traffic that impacts the car glass
Stress from the faulty alignment of the windscreen
Vandalism
Stress from object stuck in the track
A small chip can often turn into a full-fledged crack over time. The chip may be small, but it can prove to be a great safety issue. The following tips can help in preventing a windscreen crack from becoming interference to one’s safety:
Determine if it needs attention
The first step is to identify where the crack or chip is located. Is it at the side of the windscreen, or is it obscuring one’s view? In case the crack is interfering with the ability to see the road ahead, it is vital that one deals with even the smallest of cracks as fast as possible by reaching the car to the workshop. But if it is not really barring one’s line of vision, especially that of the driver, one can take it easier.
Determine repair or replacement
When the crack is lesser than 12 inches in length or the chip is sized less than a quarter, it may be concluded that the integrity of the windscreen has not been compromised. Hence, there is no need for replacement as per car experts. However, every chip or crack varies from one another, so it is good to consult the latter for expert opinion. The main objective is to ensure that the crack does not get bigger and cause compromise in safety.
Avoid debris and dirt
A major aspect of a car windscreen repair is to protect against dirt. A simple repair can become much complicated if dirt goes within the crack. At the same, it is not required to hurry to a car wash or do the wash yourself with a bucket of water. When water seeps through the crack, a small repair can become a scenario demanding a complete replacement. Therefore, it is good to keep moisture and dirt away from the crack, for this one can keep a piece of clear packing tape on the crack. It will be strong as well as not interfere with one’s line of vision.
Park in shade
Wherever possible, one must park the car indoors or in a shady spot. Here, it will be protected against direct sunlight and rain. Otherwise, the windscreen will heat up, and the crack will expand. In case there is no garage, always look for a shady spot.
Avoid extremes of temperature
Note that extremes of temperature- both hot and cold- can cause further damage to a cracked windscreen. Avoid cranking up your AC. Heaters can also be used moderately to defrost windows gradually.
Drive with care
One must drive with caution to take care of a cracked windscreen. Drive clear of rough roads, avoiding any potholes. The last thing one needs for a cracked windscreen is to jostle the car. Avoid slamming the doors and the car trunk for the same reason. One must take extra care to deal gently with car doors while getting in and out of the car.
In sum, one must always keep safety in mind while dealing with windscreen crack repair. The sooner the car is taken to the repair shop, the better. Besides repair or replacement, conducting regular maintenance work on one’s car is critical to keeping the car safe and efficient in the long run.
