My van has a cracked windshield. It is expected to freeze Wednesday or Thursday. I do not have a garage. Will the freeze cause the windshield to bust or crack more? I can't replace it. What can I do? I can't park it anywhere else.
2006-11-28 14:06:02 · 12 answers · asked by cranky_gut 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
All I can think of is to lay cardboard on the windshield
2006-11-28 14:08:14 · update #1
Yes, it happened to me. it will crack quickly. You may as well go to walmart quick as in right now to get the windshield repair kit, costs less than 20 dollars and put a couple of drops there and hopefully that will repair it. Do it before it gets colder!
2006-11-28 14:15:58 · answer #1 · answered by YourDreamDoc 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cold weather (or hot) will likely cause the crack to grow in length. You shouldn't get more than one crack though. You might not be able to afford a whole new windshield on your own, but many insurance companies will replace the glass for free or with only the deductible if the windshield cracks.
Cracks are called runners, and you can get them "fixed" so they stop growing across your windshield for about $50, but it may be better just to pay your deductible and get a whole new piece of glass.
If I were you, I'd call your insurance company and see if they will cover a replacement wholly or minus the deductible. Some states require it to be free, so you may luck out. Either way, you're paying less than you would for a whole new piece of glass.
Covering the windshield won't prevent the crack from growing since its ambient temperature that's cracking it, not anything resting on the glass.
2006-11-28 14:10:21 · answer #2 · answered by Say 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the windshield is made of saftey glass so it will not "bust" however there is always a chance it may crack more. the windshield has 2 layers of glass with a plastic membrane between the 2. while it is not real safe a cracked windshield will last quit a long time
2006-11-28 14:13:05 · answer #3 · answered by Rich K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the crack is smaller than a quarter, a repair service will take care of it usually on very short notice. I am not sure of the effects of temperature changes, but if you are worried enough, get in touch with a repair service ASAP. The repair will run you about $50 to $80.
2006-11-28 14:10:52 · answer #4 · answered by gummy_joe23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Glass doesn't expand in heat and cold. You have more of a chance of cracking it trying to scrape ice or frost off of it. You should just het it replaced. It is not safe (not to mention illegal) to drive with a cracked windshield.
2006-11-28 14:14:07 · answer #5 · answered by msnite1969 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it does crack more it would most likely be caused by turning on your defroster causeing a big temperature change to you windshield.
But, I wouldn't worry about it. The WHOLE windshild is coing to get cold at the same rate. It's temperature variences that cause problems.
2006-11-28 14:12:26 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what the current temperature is. Glass expands and contracts based upon heat and can crack or shatter if the change is too much for it to handle. The temperature isn't as relevent as the change in temperature.
2006-11-28 14:08:43 · answer #7 · answered by heartartsoul 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the cold will not bother it. but if you drive it while it is cold and you place the defroster on then because the winsheild is made of two peices of glass with a filler in between to make it saftey glass, the inner layer will expand at a faster rate than the outer and it could make thge crack run
2006-11-28 14:16:14 · answer #8 · answered by outg426 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will be ok, but if youre really worried take an old quilt and cover the windshield with it.
2006-11-28 14:08:46 · answer #9 · answered by duc602 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The coldwon't hurt it, but you will end up having to get it fixed or you will fail inspection.
2006-11-28 14:07:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋