We’ve all been there - driving down a highway and suddenly a transport truck passes you, kicking up rocks, dirt, and whatever else is on the road. You hear that crack when the rock hits your windshield, and you immediately notice a brand new crack in the glass.

Cracks on your windshield can occur due to a variety of reasons, including rocks or debris hitting your windshield, changes in temperature, and even just normal wear and tear over time. While there are lots of great tips to help you protect your vehicle, you’re probably here because you’ve already got a crack in your windshield.

Well, the good news is that you can stop the crack from getting worse. Here are some tips and tricks to help you slow the spread of the windshield damage until you can get an appointment at your local auto glass repair shop.

Keep in mind that if the damage is in any way obstructing your view while driving, it’s best to go ahead and get it fixed immediately to avoid costly tickets, or just generally dangerous driving!

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Avoid Large Temperature Swings

When your car is exposed to extreme heat or cold, the glass can expand or contract, which can cause cracks to form. If you have to park your car outside in hot weather, try to find a shady spot or use a sunshade to protect your windshield.

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Fill the Crack with Superglue or Clear Nail Polish

It won’t look pretty, but one way to prevent the crack from getting worse is to fill it with a small amount of superglue or clear nail polish. We don’t recommend this as a long-term solution, but may help tide you over in the short term.

Just be mindful that you’ll want to make sure the crack is clear of any dirt or debris. Using some soap and water or an alcohol solution should help clean it up before you fill it.

Once you’ve filled in the crack, be sure to wipe off any excess glue or polish with a clean microfibre to keep the glass smooth.

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Try Using a Windshield Repair Kit

You can find these kits at your local auto parts store or online. They typically come with a resin that you apply to the crack, which helps seal it and prevent it from spreading. For smaller damage, this may even work as a longer-term solution.

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Drive Extra Cautiously

Avoiding potholes, particularly rough roads and speed bumps is generally a good idea since any vibrations or impact could cause the crack to spread.

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Get Professional Help

If the crack is large or if it's spreading quickly, it's best to take your car to a professional. They can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

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Don’t let it happen again!

Once you’ve mitigated the damage, it’s best to consider a replacement. Once your windshield is replaced, taking the simple step of protecting your windshield so it doesn’t happen again is a great idea!

A windshield protection film like ExoShield is a thin film that is installed on the outside of your windshield to absorb the impact of rocks or other debris that comes flying at your windshield while you’re driving. This will go a long way to give you peace of mind and help you avoid this hassle in the future, so you won’t have to keep a stock of superglue or nail polish in your trunk.