Dealing With A Cracked Windshield? 3 Things You Should Avoid At All Costs
Posted on: 15 September 2017
If you own a car long enough, eventually you're going to end up with a cracked windshield. Whether it's from a piece of gravel being kicked up by a passing motorist, or your kids tossing things around in the yard, it's bound to happen. What you do next will determine how well the problem is resolved. Your windshield is a vital part of your vehicle. It provides protection during accidents, keeps road debris out of the passenger compartment, and keeps the rain off you. One small crack can ruin the entire windshield. That's why it's so important that you have your windshield repaired or replaced as soon as damage occurs. Here are three mistakes you should avoid when you have a cracked windshield.
Driving with a Damaged Windshield
If you've got a cracked windshield, you shouldn't keep driving your car, no matter how small the crack is. Even a small crack can spread to something much larger if left alone for too long. If you're driving when your windshield is cracked, pull into a parking lot and assess the damage. Contact your insurance company and arrange to have a mobile glass repair company come to your location and repair the damage. This is particularly important if the crack is horizontal or has various branches to it.
Attempting a DIY Replacement
There are many things you can do as a DIY project. However, windshield replacement is not one of them. Even though you can purchase windshields online and there are a wide variety of how-to videos available for instructions, trying to replace your own could put you in a hazardous position. First, there's no way to guarantee that the windshield you purchase has been safety tested properly. Second, if the bond isn't secure, your windshield could come lose while you're driving, causing devastating results for you and the other drivers around you. If your windshield is damaged to the point where you need a replacement rather than a simple repair, leave the replacement to the professionals.
Using Household Protects to Stop a Crack
You might have seen videos of people using clear nail polish, crazy glue, and even silicone glue to repair minor cracks in windshields. That's not something you should try. Using these household products will not repair the damage or prevent the damage from getting bigger. All it will do is give you a false sense of security that your windshield is safe. Protect yourself, and your family, by having those cracks repaired with professional-grade products.
For additional info, contact a professional auto glass store near you.
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