subject: Tips On Repairing And Preventing Windshield Cracks [print this page] One of the most important features on your car is the windshield. It protects you from wind, rain, rocks, insects and countless other things. Sometimes your windshield takes a hard hit while protecting you from these objects and elements resulting in a crack.
When your windshield takes the hit tiny breaks in the windshield can easily occur. These hits pose the threat of spreading and getting bigger. If this happens your car may require a total windshield replacement.
If your car needs a full windshield replacement it can be costly. You can take preventative measures to stop the spreading of cracks in your windshield.
If more people knew how simple windshield repair is, they would save money by taking care of tiny cracks before they enlarge into bigger problems. Mobile windshield services have started popping up all over the country. These places provide fast and easy repair for small cracks.
The mobile services are designed to eliminate bigger windshield problems that occur among vehicle owners with tiny cracks in their windshields that can spread.
When it comes to windshield repair, a repaired spot is seven times stronger and more resistant to breakage than the rest of the windshield. So it is unlikely that the same spot will break again. Mechanics can repair a crack on almost any area of the windshield except for the critical view that is located right in front of the driver.
Cracks in the glass are often called a star break. This is because of its star-like appearance.
Star breaks usually cannot be repaired if they are larger than a quarter. In those cases the windshield needs to be replaced.
The longer you wait for repair the bigger the cracks and breaks get. That is why it is so important to get any cracks and breaks repaired right away.
A vehicle will not pass inspection if cloudiness or cracks are in areas the inspector believes could obstruct the view of the driver. They also may not pass the vehicle if the cracks seem to pose a threat, like if the broken glass could cut someone in the car.
All of the glass repair systems are a similar process. First, loose bits of glass are removed from the impact hole by a vacuum system.
Second, a fixture with a tiny tripod is attached to the windshield over the break.
Third, optically-matched liquid resin is deposited into an injector cylinder over the break.
Fourth, pressure is applied with the piston to force the resin throughout the break and strengthen the glass.
Fifth, the resin is cured with an ultraviolet light to keep it in place.
The process usually takes less than thirty minutes to complete, allowing you to get quickly on the road again after the repair is done.
About 75 percent of windshield cracks start as star breaks. If you have a star break, why replace seven square feet of glass when you can repair two square inches?
The answer to this question is that you wouldn't ever choose to replace the entire windshield when all you really have to do is repair two square inches. So when you get a crack in your car remember that it is better to get it repaired now rather than later.
One of the biggest causes of windshield cracks is flying rocks. Those flying rocks generally are caused by your car or other cars that kick up rocks on the highway.
To prevent the crack from spreading you should avoid temperature change. Extreme and even slight temperature changes can cause the glass to expand or contract. If this occurs it will only make the crack worse.
For this same reason do not wash your car, especially during hot summer or cold winter. For example the cold water from the hose on a hot or warm windshield will be a big temperature change and cause the crack to get bigger.
In the winter the water is likely to freeze. If this happens and the water gets into the crack then it definitely will crack the windshield.
Another suggestion to try to keep the crack small is to leave the car in a protected garage. This will protect it from the elements and other objects.
Leaving your car in a protected garage will also help in avoiding cold or hot weather from expanding the crack. As soon as you see a break you should take your car to a mechanic to have them look at the windshield.
