3 Steps That Can Help Prevent Windshield Damage From Spreading Before It Can Be Repaired
Posted on: 10 February 2023
A small chip in your windshield can result in a crack that spreads across your entire windshield. This type of spreading damage is often referred to as spidering and is quite common. That is why you should always act quickly to have your windshield repaired even when dealing with minor damage. However, as with all things, sometimes life gets in the way of accomplishing things in an ideal amount of time. When this happens, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of your glass damage spreading before you can get this damage repaired. You can learn more about these preventative steps below.
#1: Avoid Quick Temperature Changes
Glass expands and contracts as a result of temperature changes. While this process is completely normal, it can cause the weakened glass to crack or even shatter. That is why it is important to slowly raise the temperature of your windshield if you must clear away snow or ice. You should also be mindful to park out of direct sunlight or to cover the windshield to prevent it from getting too hot during the summer months.
#2: Stay Off The Highway If Possible
Air pressure can also cause damage to your windshield to spread. The faster your vehicle is traveling, the more pressure your glass will encounter. That is why you should avoid driving on highways whenever possible until you can get your windshield repaired. If your windshield does crack further, you can also be at a higher risk of an accident if you are driving on the highway at the time.
#3: Support The Glass With Heavy Duty Tape
Providing extra support for your damaged glass can often be a very effective way of preventing this damage from spreading in the short term. To do this, you will want to cut two pieces of clear, heavy-duty tape that are a few inches larger than the chip in your windshield. Apply these pieces of tape to both sides of the glass where the damage occurred. Be sure that the tape extends past the damaged area. This will allow the tape to draw strength and stability from the surrounding glass.
A Final Thought
While the preventative tips above can help to minimize the risk of your glass damage spreading, the only way to guarantee that this damage does not spread is by having the damage repaired. Furthermore, the longer you wait to have the damage repaired, the less likely these tips will be to prevent further damage. Consequently, you will still want to get your windshield repaired as quickly as possible.
Contact a local windshield repair service to learn more.
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