Back in the day, windshields didn’t often crack or chip – they shattered! Happily, modern windshields are made from a three-layer laminate, which is far stronger than the toughened glass of yesteryear. But while the dangers of shattering have gone, windshield damage is still commonplace, and you can’t ignore those chips and scratches because they won’t get better on their own. In fact, they will almost certainly get worse.
Does that matter? Well, apart from the distraction of trying to drive with an imperfect view, those tough, laminated windshields are vital for the integrity of the whole car. They are part of what keeps you and your passengers safe, so you ignore windshield damage at your peril.
Windshield damage doesn’t always mean replacement, however. Many scratches and chips, if treated quickly, can be fixed, and the structural integrity of the windshield maintained.
Can windshield scratches be polished out?
Many scratches can be relatively easily fixed by polishing. If the scratch is not too deep, cerium oxide paste can be applied with a buffing wheel to remove the problem. You can even use toothpaste as a rubbing compound; the baking soda is a very fine abrasive (though don’t try to remove scratches yourself!). Deeper scratches need an application of an acrylic scratch remover.
How can I tell if my windshield scratch is actually a crack?
An easy way of determining if a scratch is a crack is to run a fingernail over it. If it doesn’t catch, you just have a light scratch, but if you can feel any sort of groove, it is a deep scratch or possibly a crack. Either way, you need to get it looked at by a professional.
Can windshield cracks get worse on extremely hot days?
Glass expands when it heats up, so on a hot day in Miami, that will happen. Expansion is going to stress the windshield, making it possible that any crack might become worse. Generally speaking, sudden changes in temperature are most likely to cause problems, so it is wise to set the aircon to low, to begin with rather than putting it to the max. Or, open the doors and windows to let the car cool for a little while before you jump in and ramp up the aircon. Any crack reduces the strength of your windshield so, whatever the temperature, bring it in for us to check over.
Can rain get through a crack in my windshield?
It is possible that even a small crack can let water through. A windshield is made of two layers of glass sandwiching a layer of vinyl. It is the vinyl that provides much of the strength. A crack allows moisture to get between the layers, which is likely to make the damage worse. Even washing your car can be a mistake. A repairable crack can quickly develop into one that means replacement is the only remedy.
Is there any way to keep the crack in my windshield from getting worse until I can get it repaired?
There are a few ways to slow or stop a crack in your windshield from getting worse. After carefully cleaning, clear nail polish applied carefully to the damaged area can temporarily work as a quick fix. Superglue is a good alternative, but make sure you don’t stress the windshield when you clean up the excess. Even (clear!) tape can be used to stop a crack from spreading in the short term.
None of these methods should be thought of as long-term solutions. Properly repairing all chips and cracks needs professional expertise. Superglue or a glass repair kit are not going to cut it.
What should I do if I can see a problem with my windshield?
As soon as you notice any windshield damage, you need to book an appointment with a specialist. If you are looking for “auto glass Miami” then Premium Auto Glass are the experts you need in the Miami, Florida area for all your windshield and car window problems. We are known for our guaranteed reliable, professional service both in-shop or at your location. We will examine the damage and advise you on the options available, whether that be a repair or replacement. If you’ve spotted damage to your windshield, give us a call or visit our website: https://carglassmiami.com. We’ll make sure you’re back on the road as soon as possible.