A small windshield crack may seem harmless at first, but the cracks can quickly spread and become worse. Not only can the cracks become worse on their own, but drivers may accidentally make the crack expand and create more problems for a windshield.
Learn about the ways you can make a windshield crack worse and how to avoid these mistakes until your glass is fully repaired.
1. Car Washes
Whether you clean the car yourself or go through an automated car wash, car washes can make a windshield crack worse in a lot of ways. Suds and water can seep into the crack, putting pressure on the glass. The pressure can cause the crack to spread out and create the spiderweb look you see on many broken windshields.
Manual pressure can also impact the glass. As you wipe down a windshield, the strength you have could cause a crack to get worse. If the crack spreads out too far or goes too deep, then the windshield may need a full replacement instead of a quick repair.
Even rapid drying car washes can leave moisture in the cracks, which creates major problems with glass repairs. Repair products like epoxy or putty will not properly fill in the areas if moisture is trapped inside.
Avoid car washes until the windshield has been fully repaired. You may focus on cleaning the bottom area of a vehicle like the tires, but be on the lookout for water splashes near the cracked area.
2. Windshield Wiper Use
During heavy rain in the Portland area, windshield wiper use is essential for clearing off the windshield. You can avoid extra damage if you need to use the wipers. Do not use the wipers if the windshield is too dry. The wipers will scrape right across the crack and apply extra pressure to the windshield.
Avoid wiper use if the wipers include ice chips on them. Run the vehicle's defroster until the ice melts away or manually remove the ice. If ice pieces jam into the crack, the crack may spread out larger or chip the windshield due to the fast speed of the wipers.
Anytime you need the wipers, avoid using any wiper fluid on the windshield. Just like the suds from a car wash, wiper blade fluid can seep between the cracks and cause more problems for the windshield. The crack may grow larger or seep under extra elements like window tint and protective glass layers.
3. Unpaved Roads
If you have to travel on dirt roads or have an unpaved driveway, you can risk extra damage to your windshield. Cracks are vulnerable to big movements, so the bumps and uneven levels of an unpaved road can cause a crack to spread or widen across the windshield.
When you drive on a dirt road, you will often kick up a lot of dust, dirt, and debris. Just like water, dirt can get between the cracks and expand them. Small stones can also cause cracks to expand and create larger chips within the glass.
MS Glass offers same-day repair service and can come to your location. If you have a dirt driveway on your property, you do not want to risk daily commutes up and down the driveway when more damage may occur.
4. Outdoor Storage
Extreme temperatures in Oregon can create problems for small windshield cracks. Hot weather can cause glass to expand and put pressure on the cracks. Cold weather can condense the cracks and then spread them out further once the sun comes out or temperature levels increase.
Ideally, you want to want to store the vehicle in a more temperature-stable environment like a garage. If you do not have a garage, consider using a car cover so the windshield stays protected while parked outside. If you call auto glass emergency services, you can avoid any storage needs and repair the glass before problems get worse.
5. Home Repair Kits
As you seek out glass repair options, you may run across do-it-yourself home repair kits. Even if the kit sounds simple, a lot of issues are often associated with this option. You may apply the epoxy wrong and cause your windshield to constantly fog up.
You may accidentally cut through extra layers of glass or protective film. If the epoxy is not applied evenly, the crack may not seal and expand over time. You have many steps to take with a repair kit, and skipping just one step can result in major problems.
Auto glass technicians have years of experience and training. Do not take the risk with a special kit, especially when car insurance can cover a majority of your windshield repair expenses.
For more information on auto glass repair, contact us at MS Glass Outlet. We will help you repair or replace your windshield with professional care and peace of mind.
