3 Tips For Dealing With Windshield Cracks During The Winter

Do you have a crack in your windshield? Are you worried that the crack will expand during the cold winter months? That's a very likely possibility. Extreme changes in weather can cause glass to expand and contract, which can cause your crack to grow. Also, water can get into the crack and freeze, which will also cause the crack to grow and spread. The best thing you can do is either have the crack fixed or the windshield replaced before it gets too cold out. However, if that's not possible, here are three other steps you can take:

1. Cover the crack. The most important thing you can do is keep water out of the crack. If water gets into the crack, it will sit in there with nowhere to drain. If temperatures drop, the water will freeze and then you'll have ice in the crack. That ice will place pressure on the windshield, causing the crack to expand. You can prevent this by sealing the crack. Nail polish works as an effective sealant. Simply apply it over the crack and let it dry. You can also use a transparent piece of tape. It probably won't last all winter, but it's better than nothing.

2. Keep the car in the garage. The less the car is exposed to the elements, the less likely it is that your crack will grow. As mentioned, water and ice are major causes of crack growth. However, driving the car can also cause the crack to grow. When you turn on the heater, that blast of warm air creates a dramatic change in temperature, which forces the glass to expand.

Also, the roads can be dangerous during the winter. There are salt pebbles on the road, along with ice and chunks of snow. If your windshield is hit by ice, the crack could be made worse. The vibrations of the car running over a rough road could also create friction in the glass, causing it to expand. Limit the use of your car as much as possible.

3. Point your vents away from the windshield. When you are in the car, you'll likely have your heat on. Obviously, the heat will create a change in temperature. However, you don't have to blast that changed temperature right at the windshield. Instead, point the vents into the car. That will allow the warm air to circulate before it hits the windshield, which will make the change in temperature less dramatic.

The easiest solution may be to have the crack repaired so you don't have to deal with all of these steps. Contact an auto glass replacement company like A.O.K Auto Body & Glass to get a quote on your windshield.


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