You are driving, and suddenly you see a small crack on your windshield. At first, it looks tiny, but then it starts growing. You feel stressed and wonder if you need to replace the whole glass. The good news is, you can stop it before it gets worse. The answer is simple — act fast and follow the right steps. In this article, you will learn exactly how to stop a windshield crack from spreading with easy steps that work, even if you have never done this before.
Clean the Area Around the Crack Gently
Before doing anything else, it is very important to clean the area around the crack. Dirt, dust, and moisture can make the crack worse. If anything gets inside the crack, it can stop repair products from working. So, start by cleaning it in the right way.
Use a soft, clean cloth. Wet it a little with clean water. If you have glass cleaner, you can also use that, but only spray a little on the cloth — not on the glass directly. Gently wipe the area around the crack. Do not press too hard. Be careful not to push dirt into the crack.
After cleaning, dry the area with another soft cloth. Make sure there is no water left near or inside the crack. If water gets inside, it might freeze at night or react with repair products. This can make the crack grow.
Now, check the inside of the windshield too. Sometimes, the crack is deeper than it looks. Use a flashlight to check. If there is dirt inside, clean it gently in the same way. You can also use a soft brush to remove anything stuck near the crack.
Never use strong cleaners, harsh cloths, or paper towels. These things can scratch the glass or make the crack worse. Also, do not try to use a vacuum or hair dryer. They can add pressure to the glass and make it worse.
After you finish cleaning and drying, do not touch the area again. Keep it safe from dust, dirt, and water until you are ready to fix it. This is a very important step to make sure your repair will work well.
- Clean with soft cloth only
- Use a little water or glass cleaner
- Never press hard on the crack
- Dry fully before fixing
- Don’t let dirt or water get inside
Apply Clear Nail Polish or Super Glue for Temporary Fix
If you want to stop the crack from spreading right away, you can use something you may already have at home — clear nail polish or super glue. This is not a forever fix, but it can really help to keep the crack from growing until you fix it properly.
Before starting, make sure the glass is clean and dry. You should already have done that in the last step. Now take your clear nail polish or super glue. Open it carefully.
If you are using nail polish, use the brush to gently apply a thin layer over the crack. Start from one end and go to the other. Be sure to cover the whole crack and a little around it. Do not put on too much. You can add another layer after the first one dries.
If you are using super glue, use the tip to squeeze a small drop onto the crack. Spread it slowly across the crack using a toothpick or soft brush. Again, do not use too much.
After applying, let it dry fully. This can take about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the weather. Do not drive while it is drying. The glue or nail polish needs time to hold the crack in place.
This method helps by filling the crack and stopping air, water, or dirt from getting inside. It also helps reduce pressure when you drive. But remember, this is only a short-term fix. You still need to repair it properly or go to a professional.
- Use clear nail polish or super glue
- Cover the whole crack, not just the middle
- Let it dry fully before driving
- Only use this as a temporary fix
- Keeps crack from getting worse for a short time
Use a Windshield Repair Kit
Now it is time to do a more serious repair. You can buy a windshield repair kit from a car store or online. These kits are made to fix small cracks and chips in the glass. They are not expensive and can help a lot.
Most kits come with a special resin, an injector tool, a base, and clear film. First, read the instructions that come with your kit. Every kit is a little different, but the steps are mostly the same.
Start by placing the base over the crack. It has a hole in the middle where the resin goes. Stick it in place. Make sure it covers the crack fully. Next, attach the injector to the base. This will let the resin go deep into the crack.
Now, squeeze the resin into the injector. Push it down slowly so the resin fills the crack. You might see air bubbles come out. That means it is working. Keep pushing slowly for a few minutes.
Once the crack is full, take off the injector and put a small clear plastic film over the area. Let it sit and dry in the sun for 15 to 30 minutes. The sunlight helps the resin harden. After that, peel off the film and scrape any extra resin with the small blade that comes in the kit.
The crack should now look much better and should not grow. The resin holds the glass together and keeps it strong.
- Get a windshield repair kit
- Follow kit steps carefully
- Use resin to fill crack fully
- Let resin dry in sunlight
- Scrape extra resin after drying
Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
One big reason windshield cracks spread is quick changes in temperature. Hot and cold make the glass expand and shrink. This puts pressure on the crack and makes it worse.
So, you need to keep your car in a safe place. If it is hot outside, do not leave your car in direct sunlight. Park in the shade or inside a garage. When you get into a hot car, do not turn on the air conditioner at full blast right away. Let the air cool slowly.
In cold weather, do not pour hot water on a frozen windshield. This sudden change can make the crack grow fast. Instead, use a soft brush or scraper and turn on the defroster slowly.
Also, do not wash your car with very hot or very cold water when there is a crack in the glass. Always use normal water and avoid strong sprays that hit the crack directly.
If you have to drive with the crack, keep the temperature inside the car steady. Use low heat or cold air and keep it soft. This will help stop the glass from changing too fast.
- Park in shade or garage
- Avoid hot sun or cold frost
- Change car temperature slowly
- Don’t wash with very hot or cold water
- Keep inside air steady while driving
Cover the Crack with Tape When Driving
If you are not ready to fix the crack yet, but you have to drive, then you can cover the crack with clear tape. This helps to protect the crack from dirt, water, and dust while driving. It also stops the wind from making it worse.
Use clear packing tape or special glass tape if you have it. Make sure the glass is clean and dry before taping. Cut a piece of tape a little longer than the crack. Place it over the crack, pressing gently. Do not press too hard.
The tape keeps out air and moisture. It also stops small stones or bugs from hitting the crack and making it grow. This is useful when you have to drive before you get a repair.
Don’t leave the tape on for too long. This is only for short drives or for one or two days. After that, the tape may come off or get dirty. It can also make it harder to clean later.
You should not use tape if the crack is very big or already spreading fast. In that case, drive very carefully and get it repaired as soon as you can.
- Use clear tape for small cracks
- Clean and dry area before taping
- Press tape gently over crack
- Only use for short time
- Protects crack from getting worse on short drives
Call a Professional If Crack Is Too Big
Sometimes, the crack is too large or deep to fix at home. If it is longer than a dollar bill or you can feel the crack inside the car too, then it is time to call a professional. It is safer and smarter.
Auto glass experts have better tools and stronger resin. They can fix deeper cracks the right way. If the crack is near the edge of the windshield, it is more dangerous. That area helps support the roof of the car. If it breaks, it can be very unsafe.
Also, some cracks grow even after you use a repair kit. If you see the crack getting longer, call for help. Don’t wait. The longer you wait, the more likely you will need a full windshield replacement. That costs a lot more.
Many glass repair services come to your house or work. You don’t have to drive far. Just call, explain the problem, and let them fix it the right way.
If you have insurance, it might even pay for the repair. Check your car policy. Sometimes, crack repairs are free or low-cost with full coverage.
- Get help if crack is long or deep
- Near-edge cracks are more dangerous
- Call if repair kit doesn’t work
- Mobile repair services can come to you
- Insurance may cover repair cost
Final Thoughts
Fixing a windshield crack early saves money and stress. You don’t need to be an expert. With the right steps and a little care, you can stop the crack from spreading. Always start with cleaning, use a quick fix like nail polish or glue, and then try a proper repair kit. Avoid strong heat or cold, cover the crack for safety, and call a professional if needed. These steps help you protect your windshield and stay safe on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to drive with a small crack in the windshield?
It can be safe if the crack is small and not in your view. But it can still grow. Small cracks might seem harmless, but wind, bumps, or temperature changes can make them worse. If the crack spreads while you drive, it could block your vision or even weaken the glass. So, even if it’s small, it is better to fix it soon. Temporary fixes like tape or glue can help, but you should not wait too long before doing a proper repair.
Can I stop a windshield crack with home items?
Yes, you can use some items like clear nail polish or super glue to stop a crack for a short time. These home items fill the crack and help hold the glass in place. But this is only a temporary fix. You should not depend on it for long drives or big cracks. These items can slow down the crack, but they won’t fully repair it. For a long-term solution, you need to use a repair kit or call a professional.
Do I need a repair kit if the crack is very small?
Even if the crack is very small, a repair kit is still a good idea. Small cracks can grow fast, especially if dirt or water gets inside. A repair kit seals the crack and helps stop it from spreading. It also makes the glass stronger again. Waiting too long might turn a small problem into a big one. Kits are not expensive and are easy to use. They help you fix it early and avoid more damage.
Is it okay to wash the car if the windshield has a crack?
It is not a good idea to wash the car right after the crack appears. Water can get inside the crack and make it worse. Also, strong water pressure from car washes can push the crack further. If you must wash your car, do it by hand with soft water flow. Avoid hot or very cold water. After you fix the crack with resin, wait at least 24 hours before washing. That gives time for the repair to dry fully.
Can a cracked windshield be repaired more than once?
Yes, sometimes you can repair a windshield more than once. But it depends on where the cracks are and how big they are. If the crack is new and small, and not close to an old repaired spot, you can use a repair kit again. But if cracks are close together or too many, the glass may become too weak. In that case, it’s safer to replace the windshield. Always check with a pro if you’re not sure.
Do I need to replace the windshield for one crack?
Not always. One small crack or chip can be fixed with a repair kit or by a professional. You only need to replace the whole windshield if the crack is too long, deep, or near the edge. If the crack blocks your view or keeps growing, that’s another sign you need a new one. But most of the time, if you act fast, you can fix it and avoid full replacement. It saves money and time.
Is it true that temperature changes make cracks worse?
Yes, that is very true. Windshield glass changes shape with heat and cold. When it is hot, the glass expands. When it is cold, it shrinks. This makes the crack stretch or bend. That can cause it to grow faster. Quick changes, like using cold air on a hot windshield or hot water on ice, are even worse. Try to keep your car in shade or inside a garage. Avoid sudden heat or cold when you have a crack.
Can insurance help with windshield crack repair?
Yes, many car insurance plans cover windshield repairs. If you have full coverage or glass coverage, it might be free or cost very little. Some insurance companies even work with repair shops and send someone to fix it at your home. You don’t always need to pay a deductible for repairs. It’s smart to check your policy or call your insurance company to ask. Fixing it through insurance is usually fast and helps you save money.