How to remove a crack on the windshield?

Unfortunately, not a single motorist is safe from minor, but annoying troubles on the road. Even with very careful driving, a stone can fly out from under the wheels of an oncoming car and damage the windshield of your car. In such a situation, the owner of the damaged car raises the question of how to remove a crack on the windshield? Go to a car service or try to fix the problem yourself? Today we will tell you how to fix a crack on the windshield with our own hands and not overpay for expensive repairs, but this, of course, if the glass does not completely sprinkle and is not covered with cracks, like a cobweb.

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Types of damage

It should immediately be clarified what mechanical damage can be repaired independently. These types of damage include:

• Chips. They must be eliminated immediately so that the branching does not go.
• Simple cracks formed as a result of a sharp and constant temperature drop. This can happen if the vehicle does not warm up properly and the temperature inside the cabin and outside is not observed.
• Jagged. The reason for their appearance is a mechanical effect.
• Branched cracks. Unlike simple cracks, such damage is difficult to remove. Sometimes an untimely solution to the problem can lead not only to the appearance of deep branched cracks, but also to a complete replacement of the windshield.

Important! Any mechanical damage can lead to the complete unsuitability of the glass, if not removed in a timely manner.

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What factors lead to cracks?

Automobile glass can be damaged mechanically as a result of impact of a foreign object. However, cracks in the glass can occur for other reasons. Here are just a few of the possible causes of damage:

• Sharp temperature fluctuation. This is one of the main reasons. If a stream of chilled air enters the heated glass, and vice versa, when a hot stream of air is supplied to the chilled glass, a crack may appear. Often, damage is fixed at the wiper heater.
• Poor glass. A gross violation of production technology can lead to damage to the glass, which simply does not withstand too much stress.
• Serious deformation of the vehicle body. In this case, a crack does not form immediately, but gradually.
• Unnoticed chips, which lead to the destruction of glass.

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How to avoid the problem?

Now on the market there are various offers for protecting windshields. One of the most popular options is a protective film sticker that protects an expensive car part from mechanical stress.

In addition, the car owner himself should adhere to the following machine operating rules:

• Control the degree of heating of the windshield and rear window. Do not direct cold air at hot glass.
• Replace parts only with a high-quality version.
• Inspect the vehicle regularly for chips and other defects. If damage is found, securely fix them with a special sealant to prevent the crack from branching.

Important! If on the road you “caught” pebbles, then, first of all, it is necessary to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the crack. Cover the damaged area with tape along the entire length. This will not only protect the crack from further deformation, but also facilitate finishing cleaning in the future. Otherwise, dirt accumulated at the bottom of the chip will be visible inside the glass after repair.

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Is it possible to remove the crack on the windshield?

There is a definite answer to this question - it is not only possible, but also necessary. Many drivers are in no hurry to solve the problem and drive with damaged glass. But with such a ride, other problems arise:

• Visibility on the road is getting worse.
• A crack glare in the sun, distracting the driver.
• Driving safety is reduced.
• Excessive loads and pressure have a devastating effect on cracks. And this can lead to serious consequences and a problem that only experienced craftsmen can solve.

In order not to bring the matter to an expensive repair or replacement of a part, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the repair process and remove the crack on the glass yourself, in a timely manner. Moreover, the professional services of most car services are not designed to eliminate one single problem.

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How to remove a crack on the glass?

The essence of the repair is to fill the damage with a special photopolymer composition to the full depth. Glue will perform two functions:

• It will connect the edges of the crack and will not allow it to grow.
• It will make the damage almost invisible due to the fact that the refractive index of the product is approximately equal to the refractive index of the glass.

So, for self-repair of damage, you will need the following materials and equipment:

• Photopolymer adhesive. The tool is intended specifically for automotive and other glasses. Hardening of the polymer occurs due to the influence of directional ultraviolet radiation. Curing time: 15 minutes with a UV lamp, 45 minutes with natural drying.
• Ultraviolet lamp.
• Plastic (disposable) or metal (reusable) glue injector.
• Applicators to fix the injector on the glass.
• Electric drill with a diamond drill. It will help relieve internal stress in the glass and prevent further deformation.
• Vacuum pump. A tool is required to remove air from the crack.
• Mirror to determine the boundaries of the defect.
• Scriber to clean the damaged surface.
• Cleaning fluid and wipes to remove moisture and dirt.
• Alcohol (medical or isopropyl) for degreasing the repair site.

Important! Instead of a drill, you can use a dental bur, which is sold at Medtekhnika. Use it carefully so as not to drill through the glass.

Having prepared the necessary set of tools and materials, proceed with repair, being guided by the following instructions.

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Step-by-step instructions for repairing cracks in the glass:

• Thoroughly clean the glass and edges of the crack from dirt. Use a degreaser and pump for this purpose. Blow out all road dust and dirt from the damage, degrease the entire repair area. The quality of the entire repair process depends on how well the preparatory measures are carried out.
• Release the strain on the glass. This must be done so that in the course of further measures the extent of damage does not increase. Carry out this procedure using a drill as follows:
  1. At a distance of 2 mm from the crack, drill a through hole in the direction of expansion of the damage.
  2. Bring the crack to the hole with a slight pressure. As a result, the crack will reach the drilled hole and will not go any further.
• Strip the edges and area of ​​damage with a scriber.
• Treat the prepared area with napkins dipped in a special cleaning liquid. You can degrease the surface with alcohol.
• Allow the damaged area to dry.
• Prepare the polymer adhesive according to the instructions.
• Install the injection support (bridge). To ensure that the bridge is firmly fixed to the glass, lubricate the suction cup with Vaseline and install in such a way that it is located directly above the damage.
• Prepare the injector for use. For this:
  1. Remove the oil seal.
  2. Lower the piston down.
  3. Put a few drops of glue into the injector.
  4. Lift the glue with the piston to the top edge of the cylinder.
  5. Install the injector with glue on the bridge using applicators. Make sure that the center of the injector coincides with the center of the crack.
• Raise the piston and hold for 1.5 minutes so that the glue completely fills the damage.
• After filling the entire crack with glue, stop the injection. Remove the injector and bridge.
• Install a UV lamp over the crack for 15 minutes.
• After the glue has dried, remove all of its remnants from the glass using the blade for the mounting knife.
• Polish the repaired surface with a soft cloth and polishing paste.

Repair is completed. Subject to the entire sequence of measures, the crack will become invisible.

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Useful Tips:

• Use for the introduction of photopolymer glue can be a special kit. It is produced by many manufacturers. The set consists of glue and accessories. When buying funds, give preference to world famous brands - Done Deal, Permatex, Abro.
• It is most convenient to observe the process of glue injection from the passenger compartment, illuminating the side with a flashlight or a portable lamp.
• UV curing lamps for home use are excellent for curing glue. If you have such a device, then use it. You can wait until the glue has completely dried in a natural way. But this process can take up to 10 hours.
• After you remove the glue injector and applicator, apply a transparent topcoat to fix the product and lay it on the glass surface with an even layer. Lay the film from the center to the edges so that no air bubbles form under it. Smooth the film with a flat object. You can remove the film after the glue dries using a plastic scraper or a wooden plate.

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Stock footage

We hope that our advice and simple recommendations helped you to extend the life of the glass and save on expensive repairs in the workshop. Good luck and good roads!