Spider cracks are one of the most common types of windshield damage, often caused by small rocks or debris hitting the glass at high speeds. It usually begins with a single impact spot, and from that center, the glass splinters out in fine lines, creating a spider web-like pattern, resembling the shape of a spider web.
If you notice a spider crack on your windshield, it’s important to act fast before the damage spreads. This blog will help you understand the risks, explore repair options, and decide whether it’s time to call in a professional.
The Importance Of Prompt Windshield Spider Crack Repair
While spider cracks may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, it’s crucial to fix a spider crack in your windshield before it spreads and compromises your safety on the road.
Vibrations on the road, the weather, and even closing your door too strongly can cause the crack to expand. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack is to spread.
Neglecting a spider crack on your windshield can reduce visibility, especially when sunlight or headlights hit the damaged area. This may seem like a small distraction, but it can delay your reaction time in critical situations and increase your risk of getting involved in a serious accident.
Additionally, ignoring a spider crack can also weaken the structural integrity of your windshield. In the event of a collision, a compromised windshield may not provide the support needed for proper airbag deployment or protection from a rollover crash.
Once it reaches a certain length—often around 6 inches—it’s no longer repairable, and full windshield replacement becomes necessary. Fixing the problem early is faster, cheaper, and much safer.
Waiting to Repair a Spider Crack? Here’s What You Shouldn’t Do
It’s understandable that minor vehicle repairs can slip down the priority list, but when it comes to a spider crack in your windshield, waiting too long can lead to bigger issues. While you’re waiting to have it repaired, there are several things you should avoid to prevent the damage from spreading further.
- Don’t leave the windshield exposed to extreme heat or cold: Windshields are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Extreme temperatures can cause the glass to expand or contract, putting extra pressure on the crack. This often leads to further spreading, especially if the damage is already close to the edge. Try to park in shaded areas or use a windshield cover to help protect the glass until it can be repaired.
- Don’t try a quick DIY fix with glue: While it might be tempting to seal the crack with something you have at home, using glue, tape, or DIY resin kits can actually make things worse. These substances can seep into the crack and make it harder—or even impossible—for professionals to apply proper repair resins later on.
- Don’t touch the crack or put pressure on it: Touching, tapping, or even cleaning around the damaged area can worsen the crack. Vibration from wiping or pressing the glass can cause it to spread, especially if the crack is already stressed.
- Avoid driving long distances: While a short commute may not cause immediate issues, long drives at high speeds can cause additional stress to your windshield. Road vibrations, potholes, and temperature fluctuations inside the cabin can all make the crack worse. It’s best to limit driving until a technician can assess the damage.
Signs the Crack Might Be Getting Worse
Even if a spider crack looks stable, it can worsen without warning. Subtle changes in temperature or pressure are enough to cause it to grow. Keep an eye out for these early warning signs that your windshield may need immediate repair or even replacement.
- The crack is growing longer or branching out: If you notice the crack extending across the windshield or developing additional offshoots, it’s a clear sign that the damage is spreading. Even a few millimetres of growth can mean the difference between a repairable crack and one that requires full replacement.
- The edges of the crack are starting to look cloudy or dirty: When dirt, moisture, or debris starts to collect inside the crack, it not only makes it more visible—it can also weaken the surrounding glass and reduce the effectiveness of future repairs.
- You hear creaking or popping sounds while driving: Those subtle noises may be a sign that the glass is under stress. Every bump or vibration on the road can push the crack further, especially if temperatures are fluctuating.
- The crack is curving toward the edge of the windshield: Cracks that reach the edge are far more likely to compromise the structural integrity of the glass. Once that happens, your windshield may no longer qualify for a repair and will likely need full replacement.
- The damage is interfering with your visibility: If sunlight or headlights are reflecting off the crack, or if you’re finding it harder to see clearly through the windshield, it’s no longer just a cosmetic concern. Reduced visibility is a safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Don’t Rely on DIY Windshield Spider Crack Repair: Here’s Why Professionals Do It Better
Some car owners, hoping for a quick fix, turn to DIY repair kits to fix the spider crack on their windshield. While it may seem like a smart solution, these products often fail to seal the damage properly and can make it harder for technicians to do a professional repair later.
Additionally, DIY solutions you read online can do more harm than good to your windshield. From using the wrong materials to applying uneven pressure, these at-home methods can worsen the crack or spread it further. What could have been a simple fix often turns into a bigger, more expensive problem.
Windshield repair professionals at Newmarket Auto Glass have the experience and tools to fix spider cracks and restore your windshield to its original condition.
Trust Newmarket Auto Glass for Expert Windshield Repair Services
Each day that you delay repairing that spider crack increases the risk of needing a full windshield replacement. Quick action now can save you time, money, and the stress of a bigger repair later.
Newmarket Auto Glass makes windshield repair simple and stress-free. From helping you navigate insurance claims to offering convenient same-day repair services, their team is committed to getting you back on the road quickly and safely, with lasting results you can trust.