Are you wondering if a crack in windshield growing? Certainly, and frequently more quickly than you might expect. That little mark is more than a nuisance; it’s a countdown to a safety and a much more costly windshield replacement.
That’s why early, decisive action is your only protection against costly damage. The worst enemy of a crack is to call a professional. However, before you can reach the shop, you must “buy time with these methods and learn what causes windshield cracks to spread.
Why Is My Windshield Crack Getting Bigger?
Several factors can cause a crack in windshield growing, and understanding them can help you take preventive action:
- Temperature Changes—Extreme heat or cold causes the glass to expand and contract, making cracks spread faster.
- Driving Over Bumps—Hitting potholes or speed bumps can put stress on the glass, worsening the crack.
- Moisture and Dirt—Water and debris entering the crack weaken the glass and make it more prone to expansion.
- Vibrations from Driving—Regular driving vibrations add stress to the windshield, causing small cracks to lengthen.
- Pressure Changes—Sudden changes in air pressure, such as slamming a car door, can contribute to crack growth.
A cracked windshield compromises the vehicle’s structural integrity, which can be critical for safety during an accident, as emphasized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Immediate Actions to Take When You Discover a Crack (7 Proven Temporary Fixes)
A crack is a structural defect. All you have working against you now are stress, temperature changes, and vibration, all of which make the crack in windshield growing nearly inevitable. Your goal now is to limit those forces a little until you can get a permanent repair after knowing if cracks in windshield get bigger.
- Seal It Up with Clear Tape
This emergency fix is simple and very effective. Gently clean the area around the crack and apply a layer of clear tape or heavy-duty invisible tape over the damaged area. This will help to keep out dirt, moisture, and debris that can cause a crack in windshield growing if you weaken the integrity of the glass, acting as a wedge.
- Try the Nail Polish Trick (Use Caution)
In the case of a small, non-spreading rock chip, you can place a drop of clear nail polish or super glue (very carefully) in the middle of the impact area. This is an extreme temporary measure. It can certainly affect a professional repair resin, so use it, if necessary, until you can get to a shop.
- Keep Temperatures Stable
Temperature shifts are number one in any estimate for getting a windshield crack growing.
- Avoid directing the defroster or the air conditioner directly onto the crack.
- Don’t wash your car with cold water on a hot day, or vice versa.
- Utilizing shade, if possible, prevents the glass from increasing in temperature and expanding.
- Limit Door Slamming
The pressure wave provoked by slamming a car door is enough to turn a small chip into a long line. Be gentle to avoid a rear windshield replacement!
- Avoid Rough Roads
Vibrations are a significant cause. Drive cautiously, avoid potholes, and slow down over bumps to minimize the stress on the compromised glass.
- Clean the Glass Gently
If you need to clean the area, use a soft cloth with a little glass cleaner or water to keep from pushing dirt into the open crack in windshield growing.
- Know Your Limit (This Is Not a Solution)
These repairs are designed to buy you a few hours, maybe one day, to make it to a professional. If you need to tape up a broken car window completely, you need to get a new window now.
Repair or Replace? When to Seek Professional Help
Temporary solutions merely postpone the inevitable. The purpose of the tape or adhesive is to ensure you are able to safely drive to an appropriate place of your choice. When you begin to consider how to stop a windshield crack from spreading, that is when you need to make the appointment.
When contemplating windshield repair and windshield replacement, the decision comes down to three crucial considerations: size, location, and severity.
| Factor | Repairable (TLC Autoglass can Fix It!) | Replacement Required (TLC Autoglass Recommends) |
| Size | Shorter than a dollar bill (about 6 inches) and generally smaller than a quarter for a chip. | Longer than 6 inches, or chips larger than a quarter. |
| Location | Not in the driver’s line of sight (the critical viewing area). | In the driver’s direct line of sight. Within 2 inches of the edge of the windshield. |
| Severity | Simple bullseye, star break, or minor crack that has not reached the edge. | Deep, jagged, complex cracks, multiple cracks, or any crack that is rapidly spreading across the glass. |
If the damage compromises the structural integrity of the glass, it’s time to book a windshield replacement with a professional! At TLC Auto Glass, we do everything from replacing a standard front windshield to replacing a complex rear windshield. We make it easy for you by putting safety and quality first. There is a good chance we will even be able to show you a windshield repair before and after, so you can see what a simple repair of a rock chip looks like versus a full windshield replacement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When DIY Repair
The best option is using a retail DIY repair kit on a crack in windshield growing. Often, they are suitable for small, stable chips but do not contain the professional-grade resins and vacuum injection equipment needed to properly encapsulate the crack and restore the strength of the glass. Attempting to DIY a long crack frequently makes the professional repair afterwards impossible and results in needing a full replacement.
Schedule Windshield Repair or Replacement with TLC Auto Glass
At TLC Autoglass, we put both safety and efficiency first. We will assess your windshield damage honestly and recommend the best and most economical option: a fast, quality rock chip repair or a complete replacement windshield. Don’t let a small imperfection become a big problem.
- Repair minor cracks before they worsen.
- Offer affordable, high-quality replacements.
- Ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
- expert advice on long crack windshield repair
Don’t wait until the crack in windshield growing while driving and becomes a bigger problem.
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See why local drivers trust us for fast, flawless installs; their experiences prove that choosing pros for Ford windshield replacement in Texas pays off in safety, clarity, and durability.
FAQ
Can I Stop a Crack from Growing on a Windshield?
While the methods outlined above may effectively slow the crack’s spread, DIY methods will never be a permanent fix. The only way to stop a crack from growing is with a professional windshield repair service that can inject a special resin into the crack to bond the glass layers back together and remove the stress point.
How Dangerous Is a Cracked Windshield?
The danger is extreme. The windshield is responsible for up to 45% of your car’s structural integrity in a frontal collision, and it keeps the roof from collapsing down on you in a rollover. Any crack or break compromises that structural integrity. Even more dangerously, a cracked windshield also affects the proper deployment of the passenger-side airbag, which depends on the windshield for a solid backstop.
How Long Can I Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
This is state-dependent, but in many states, it is illegal to drive with any glass damage that obstructs the driver’s view. However, this is a more complex question. In a practical sense, you should only be driving with a cracked windshield for the time it takes to drive to get it repaired. You increase the chances of the crack spreading every mile you drive, and what could have been a $100 repair can easily become a $500+ replacement!
Is It Safe to Drive with a Growing Crack on the Windshield?
No, it is not safe. A windshield crack cannot continue to grow if the glass is under stress—potentially leading to partial or complete shattering of the windshield at any point—even if you hit a pothole or get into an accident. If the crack is growing, just pull over safely and call TLC Autoglass right away. We consider this an urgent request, and your safety is literally the most important thing.
