Cracked windshield makes your car look unattractive, no matter how good the car is. But it doesn't stop there. If the windshield is cracked, it can also endanger the driver and passengers because visibility is disturbed. So how do you fix cracked auto glass? Get complete info here.
Types of Car Glass Cracks
Before answering the question of what kind of cracks in car glass can be repaired, identify the type of cracked car glass before going to the repair shop. Here are some of them:
- Star shape cracks; cracks are usually rounded and spread outward, so they resemble stars. This crack must be repaired immediately so that it does not spread wider.
- Longitudinal cracks often occur on the edge of the windshield. If the crack comes from a corner, it is usually difficult to repair, and it is recommended to replace it.
- Circle crack is the most common type. Rocks and gravel usually cause it and only damage the outside of the glass. As long as the size is small, it can usually be repaired.
Causes of Cracked Car Glass
Then what are the causes of cracked car windows? Following are some of the causes:
- Hit by sharp stones or pebbles.
- Scratched by a tree branch that is strong and sharp.
- Old car glass.
- Extreme changes in temperature, for example, turning on the air conditioner at a maximum level even though the weather outside is very hot.
- There is too much weight on one side of the glass.
How to Fix Cracked Car Glass
Repair shops usually use glue or resin injections to repair cracked car windows. The cost of resin injections for repairing cracked auto glass is definitely much more affordable than buying new glass. But how do you deal with cracked car glass using resin yourself? The following are the steps to repair cracked car glass:
1. Clean the Windshield
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First, start by cleaning the cracked glass. Take off all the dust, sand, glass shards, and others. Use a small brush to remove dirt that is quite large in size. As for small dirt that is difficult to pick up, you can use a previously moistened chamois so that the dirt sticks to the chamois. This glass cleaning process is essential. When the liquid resin is injected later, the glass must be clean so that the results are good.
2. Drill a Hole in the Cracked Glass
After making sure it's clean, it's time to punch holes in the cracked glass area. In this hole, you will inject liquid glue or cracked car glass resin. Make a hole just the right size for the injection. It should be along the crack.
3. Injecting Resin Liquid
After that, inject liquid resin into the holes that were made earlier. The liquid resin will help glue the cracked glass and close the hole. After all the holes have been injected, let it sit for 3-4 hours so the resin is completely dry and the results are neater.
4. Flatten With a Layer of Film
After the liquid resin is dry, the cracks get smaller because they have been covered with resin. The process is not finished until the resin is dry. After that, it must be leveled with a film layer to strengthen the repair results. The function of smoothing with this layer of film is to make the function of the resin more stable so that the cracks do not spread.
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Terms of Cracked Car Windshield to Repair
A cracked car windshield doesn't mean you must replace it immediately. Damage that is not too severe can still be repaired, but there are several conditions for repairing cracked car glass. Here are the full terms:
1. The Crack is Not in the Corner
Is there any danger of using glue for cracked car glass? Of course not. As long as the crack isn't in a corner. If the windshield crack starts at a corner, it spreads quickly to other parts. So the most appropriate solution is to replace the glass as a whole to maintain security. But if the crack is not in a corner, it is still possible to be repaired, especially if the crack is not too severe.
2. Less Than 2cm for Windshield
A rule of thumb is that if the crack reaches 2 cm, the glass must be replaced so that driving is safe and comfortable. If it is more than 2 cm, the damage has penetrated the laminated glass, even though there is a layer of Polyvinyl Butyral Film. In contrast, if it is less than 2 cm, then the glass can still be repaired.
3. Does Not Penetrate Inner Glass
The car windshield is thick, there is glass on the outside and inside. Glass cracks that penetrate the inside of the glass must be replaced as a whole. Meanwhile, if the crack is only on the outside, it is usually enough to repair the glass.
4. Does Not Disturb Car WIndshield Features
New cars usually have a windshield equipped with various features. Starting from temperature sensors, radar, antennas, and many other advanced features. If the glass cracks interfere with these features, it is clear that the glass must be replaced. However, as long as the crack doesn't interfere with the function of the feature, the service experts at the official repair shop will usually just fix it.
This explains the problem of cracked car glass and how to overcome it. Make sure to always check the condition of the car’s body before driving!
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