3-Step Guide For Filling In And Hiding Small Cracks In Your Car's Windshield

If you have small cracks in your car's windshield, you may decide to fill them in so they do not grow larger. However, you may also want to hide them to improve your vehicle's appearance. If so, use the following three-step guide for filling in and camouflaging your windshield's small cracks.

Step 1:  Test The Depth Of The Cracks

The first step involves testing the depth of the cracks in your windshield. Knowing the depth will dictate how you go about repairing the glass. It also determines whether the damage has created an opening through the glass, leaving a hole that allows water and air to leak into your car.

If any penetrated areas are found, you may want to take your car to a professional to prevent water damage to your car's interior. The integrity of the glass may also be compromised, increasing the chances of it shattering during impact or high winds.

For the test, straighten a paperclip. You can also use a thick sewing needle. The test instrument is placed straight up and down inside the crack. After it is in position, place your head on the windshield so you can see how far down it goes. 

If the crack is less than halfway through the glass, go on to step three. However, if the damage is more than half, first go to the second step.

Step 2:  Apply A Thin Layer Of Super Glue To Deep Cracks

When the crack has damaged the glass more than halfway, a thin layer of super glue is applied before filling it in. Once dried, the glue bonds with the windshield to stabilize it. It also gives you a sound foundation on which to apply the filler solution in step three.

When applying the super glue inside a crack, use either the brush that came with it or a small painter's brush. This will keep you from getting the glue on your skin.

After you have applied the layer, let the glue dry according to the instructions on the bottle. Then, go on to the third step.

Step 3:  Use A Homemade Solution To Fill And Hide The Cracks

Once you have applied a layer of super glue in the deeper cracks, it is time to fill in all of them with a homemade solution. The ingredients for the filler are water, rubbing alcohol, bug repellent spray, and table salt. 

The alcohol slightly melts the windshield's plastic film, allowing the filler to bond with the glass, while the bug spray adds a new, protective film. This helps camouflage the cracks, minimizing their appearance. The salt adds substance to the solution so it fills in the cracks. You will also need a couple of soft, lint-free rags, such as chamois cloths or mechanics rags.

In a small bucket, combine a quarter of a cup of warm water and a teaspoon each of the alcohol, spray, and salt. Dip one of your rags into the solution and wring it out slightly.

Gently wipe the cracks and the glass around them, saturating the windshield. Once you have done this with all of the cracks, let the glass air dry. Then, repeat to add a second layer of filler.

Once the windshield has air dried a second time, use your other rag to carefully buff the glass. Do not apply too much pressure because you could dislodge the filler before it has time to fully set up.

The above guide is meant for use on small cracks in your windshield that have not penetrated all the way through. If you have larger cracks, you may want to contact a service that performs auto glass replacement. They can inspect your windshield and recommend the next course of action, from repairing the damage to replacing the entire windshield.