2-Step Guide For Temporarily Patching A Crack In Your Car's Windshield

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Understanding Auto Service Tasks

Hello, my name is Davey Jerome. Welcome to my site about auto service. When I was a young boy, the first task I learned to perform on my dad’s truck was an oil change. I delighted in letting the old oil flow out into the drain pan and removing the old filter. Adding the new filter and oil seemed to rejuvenate that old truck and ready it for another day of work on the farm. I will use this site to explore the process of performing automotive services on your own. I hope you can use the information on my site to learn about this important task.

2-Step Guide For Temporarily Patching A Crack In Your Car's Windshield

29 February 2016
 Categories: , Blog

When you have a crack in your windshield, you may be bothered by the decrease in your vehicle's appearance. Aesthetics is not the only problem, however, since a crack in the glass could be dangerous, necessitating repairs as soon as possible. If you are unable to have the crack fixed immediately, use the following two-step guide for temporarily patching the crack.

Step 1:  Fill The Crack With Super Glue Or Clear Nail Polish

The first step for making a temporary patch for your windshield is to fill the crack. Ideally, super glue should be used, as it has a strong bonding agent that will last longer.

However, if you do not have any on hand and you need to fill the crack because it is about to rain and you do not want the interior getting wet, you can use clear nail polish. However, you will have to be vigilant to make sure you refill any gaps if the polish breaks off. Or, you could cover it with super glue once you are able to purchase it.

To fill the crack, start about an inch past one end of it. Apply a heavy layer, slowly pulling the brush or tube along the crack to ensure you fill it completely. Once you reach the other end, extend it out a half of an inch.

Let the glue or polish dry for about 10 minutes. Then, go on to the second step.

Step 2:  Cover The Crack With Clear Packing Tape

Once the glue or nail polish has set, this next step involves placing a layer of clear packing tape over the crack. This keeps the filler in place and helps protect it from the pressure of high winds while driving. As with the glue, start about a half of an inch past one end of the crack, and pull the tape until it covers the glass extending half of an inch past the other end.

If the crack is directly in your line of vision while driving, do not use the layer of tape. It could obstruct your view, especially once the sticky edges start to accumulate dust and debris.

Although the above patch will temporarily fix your windshield, it will not prevent further damage to the glass for an extended period of time. You may want to take your car to an auto glass repair service as soon as possible to have it repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the break.