How to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading?

A small chip or crack in your windshield is more than just a cosmetic issue, it’s a safety hazard that compromises your vehicle’s structural integrity. In states like Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina, extreme temperatures and road conditions can cause that minor damage to spread quickly, turning a simple repair into a full replacement.

This guide explains how to temporarily stop a windshield crack from spreading and why professional mobile auto glass repair is the only permanent solution.

Common Causes of Windshield Cracks in Arizona, Florida & South Carolina

Your windshield is a key structural component, but it’s not invincible. At NuVision Auto Glass, we see damage caused by a few common culprits specific to our service areas:

• Road Debris: Gravel and rocks kicked up on highways like I-10 in Arizona, I-95 in Florida, or I-26 in South Carolina are the number one cause of chips and cracks.
• Extreme Temperature Changes: The intense Arizona sun heating the glass followed by a cool A/C blast can cause a small chip to crack. Similarly, the rapid temperature drops during a Florida thunderstorm can have the same effect. This thermal stress is a leading cause of crack spreading.
• Structural Pressure: Slamming a car door, driving over potholes, or even minor frame flexing can send vibrations through the windshield, worsening existing damage.
• Improper Installation: A poorly installed windshield is under constant stress, making it more susceptible to cracking from minor impacts.

Immediate Steps to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading

If you can’t get immediate professional help, these temporary measures can help prevent the damage from worsening until our mobile technician arrives.

1. Avoid Drastic Temperature Changes Thermal stress is a crack’s worst enemy.
   1. In Hot Weather (AZ & FL): Park in a garage or shaded area. Avoid using a sunshade that traps heat directly against the glass.
   2. In Colder Weather: Don’t blast the defroster on high heat. Warm the cabin gradually to prevent the glass from expanding too quickly.
2. Drive Carefully and Avoid Bumpy Roads Excessive vibrations will cause a crack to spread. Drive cautiously and avoid potholes, speed bumps, and rough terrain until you can schedule a repair.
3. Keep the Damaged Area Clean and Dry Moisture, dirt, and debris can contaminate the crack, making a permanent repair less effective. Place a piece of clear packing tape over the exterior of the chip or crack to keep it clean.

Our lead technicians often see repairs fail because dirt and moisture got deep into the crack,” says a NuVision expert. “Taping the impact point is a smart temporary step, but it’s crucial not to use any glues or DIY kits if you want a successful professional repair.

The Truth About DIY Windshield Repair Kits

While DIY kits seem like a quick, cheap fix, they are not a permanent solution. The resin in these kits is less durable than professional-grade materials and often fails to completely fill the crack.

• Short-Term Solution: A DIY kit may temporarily stop a crack, but it won’t restore the windshield’s structural integrity.
• Risk of Failed Repair: An improper DIY application can make a professional repair impossible, forcing a full and more costly windshield replacement.

Windshield Crack Repair vs. Full Replacement: A NuVision Expert’s Guide

Our certified technicians will assess the damage to determine the safest and most effective solution. The decision is based on standards set by the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC).

Mobile Windshield Repair

We recommend repair when the damage is minimal:

• Chips: Smaller than the size of a quarter.
• Cracks: Shorter than 6 inches (the length of a dollar bill).
• Location: Not in the driver’s direct line of sight or near the edge of the windshield.

NuVision’s mobile windshield repair service involves injecting a high-strength polymer resin into the crack, which is then cured with UV light. This restores both the strength and clarity of your glass in under 30 minutes.

Full Windshield Replacement

A replacement is necessary for safety when:

• The crack is longer than 6 inches.
• The damage obstructs the driver’s primary viewing area.
• The crack starts or ends at the edge of the windshield.
• The glass has multiple chips or cracks.

Don’t Forget ADAS Calibration After a Replacement!

If your vehicle has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping assist or automatic emergency braking, the forward-facing camera is likely mounted to your windshield. A windshield replacement requires mandatory ADAS calibration to ensure these safety features work correctly. Skipping this step can lead to system failure.

NuVision Auto Glass provides professional mobile ADAS calibration services to ensure your vehicle’s safety systems are restored to OEM specifications.

Get Your Windshield Fixed Today with NuVision’s Mobile Service

Don’t let a small crack turn into a major safety risk. Driving with a damaged windshield can earn you a ticket and, more importantly, compromises the safety systems designed to protect you in an accident.

NuVision Auto Glass offers fast, reliable mobile auto glass repair and replacement across Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina. We come to your home or office, handle all the insurance paperwork, and back our work with a lifetime warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover windshield repair?

Most comprehensive auto insurance policies in Florida and South Carolina cover windshield repair with a $0 deductible. Arizona law also mandates a separate glass waiver option with no deductible. Our team can help you verify your coverage and file the claim for you.

How long does a mobile windshield repair take?

A typical windshield chip or crack repair takes about 30 minutes. A full replacement usually takes 60-90 minutes, followed by a short drive-away time for the adhesive to cure.

Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield?

Laws vary by state, but it is generally illegal to drive with a crack or chip that obstructs the driver’s view. In states like Florida, you can be ticketed if the damage is in the driver’s line of sight.

Why choose NuVision over a competitor?

NuVision technicians are AGSC-certified, we use only OEM or OEE quality glass, provide a lifetime warranty on our workmanship, and offer the convenience of mobile service that comes to you.