What to do if you notice a crack in your windshield: tips for drivers.
A crack in a car's windshield can occur due to various reasons, such as stones, faulty wipers, or sudden temperature changes. Driving with damaged glass is hazardous, as the crack can expand due to vibrations, impairing visibility and increasing the risk of an accident. Avtosota explains what to do if a crack appears in the windshield to avoid a complete glass replacement.
Is it safe to drive with a crack in the windshield?
Operating a vehicle with a crack is not recommended, as it may lead to further expansion. According to regulations, the acceptable size of a crack in the windshield should not exceed 50 mm in the wiper area. When the vehicle is in motion, vibrations create additional stress on the crack, causing it to spread.
This can lead to several problems:
Poor visibility, especially in rainy weather or at night.
Inability to pass a technical inspection or travel abroad.
Sometimes even a fine or a demand for repairs.
However, the traffic regulations do not classify a crack as a technical malfunction, allowing one to avoid fines if approached correctly. Nevertheless, it is always better not to postpone repairs.
What to do if a crack appears?
The first step is to temporarily protect the damage with tape to prevent dirt and dust from entering. If you are driving, it’s advisable to reduce speed and avoid sudden maneuvers. After that, it is essential to contact a service center for repairs as soon as possible.
When does the windshield need to be replaced?
Sometimes repairs are impossible, particularly if:
The crack has damaged the internal layers of the glass.
The damage is larger than 15 cm.
The crack is close to the edge of the glass.
Dirt and dust have already entered the crack.
The glass has been repaired before and has been damaged again.
In such cases, a complete glass replacement is the optimal solution.
How is a crack in the windshield repaired?
The repair procedure involves several stages:
Cleaning the glass. All dirt and dust are removed using specialized products and a vacuum pump.
Drilling holes. Small holes are made near the edges of the crack with a diamond drill to relieve stress and prevent further spreading.
Filling with polymer. The crack is filled with a special adhesive that has the same optical properties as glass.
UV drying. After filling the defect with polymer, the glass is dried under a UV lamp, and excess polymer is removed.
Grinding. The surface of the glass is ground to fully restore smoothness.
How to repair a crack by yourself?
If you cannot visit a service center, you can try to repair the crack yourself using a special kit. This usually includes adhesive, a diamond drill, polish, and a UV lamp. The repair process involves cleaning the glass, applying the adhesive, and drying it under UV light.
However, even after such a repair, the crack may remain visible and could expand again at any moment. Therefore, it is advisable to consult professionals for a reliable and long-lasting result.