How To Prevent The Windshield Crack Of Your Mercedes From Spreading
Giancarlo Perlas September 5, 2018
A windshield crack can be a headache for any Mercedes car owner. Having an idea on how to prevent the crack from spreading is the first step to saving the windshield. The first step to doing this would be by avoiding stressors such as water, dirt, etc., from entering the crack. While the windscreen may not be able to withstand severe weather and car wash pressure, placing a clear piece of tape over the crack can help keep most of these stressors at bay for normal driving conditions.
Discussed below are a few tips and tricks on how to handle a crack, as well as prevent it from spreading. Doing it yourself before seeing a professional for windshield ship and crack can give you a few more running days before considering a repair service or a new windscreen.
1. Invest in a Windshield Repair Kit
You can source for an auto glass repair kit from a local auto supply store. The kit comes with a specialized resin and an adapter that helps fix the crack. Resin is mainly needed to help reduce stress on the glass by sealing outside elements out, as well as prevent the crack from spreading. Using a 1/16-inch drill bit, bore a small hole on the top layer of the glass at one end of the crack. Force the resin into the seam for a perfect seal.
2. Apply Super Glue To Help Hold The Glass Together
Super glue can come in handy particularly if you can’t find an auto repair shop to buy the repair kit mentioned above. Commonly known as cyanoacrylate glue, Super Glue can be used to fix small/tiny cracks on the windshield. All you need to do is gently force the glue into the scratch/glue and then spread it evenly. Super Glue helps keep the two sides together.
3. Nail Polish as Temporary Solution
Clear acrylic nail polish can be used as a temporary fix for the crack as well. Just be sure to clean the crack of dirt before applying the nail polish. Remember to apply generous amounts of the nail polish on the crack, and the outside as well covering areas that the crack may spread to. This should hold the crack long enough until you can find professional help with the same.
4. Park The Car In A Shaded Area
Parking in the shade helps protect the windshield from snow, strong winds, and heat that could cause the crack to widen. Parking away from direct sunlight reduces expansion and contraction that increase stress on the glass.
5. Seek Advice from an Expert in Windshields
Even though you might have applied acrylic nail polish or super glue on the crack, you could use an expert’s advice and help. With their knowledge and expertise, the windshield expert might be able to contain any imperfections on the crack making it appear smaller than it already is.
6. Look for Expert Help
If the temporary fixes don’t seem enough, you should then seek an expert’s help immediately. Driving to a windshield repair shop (e.g., Safelite) and letting the experts handle it can save you lots of valuable time and money. Get the windshield repaired before it gets any worse. Even the tiniest crack can spread to over 6 inches if left unattended. This could reduce the windshield’s integrity and also limit visibility.
While a small crack is relatively easy to fix, waiting for too long will only make it unmanageable. Having the tiny crack fixed can save you a new windshield at the end of the day.
