One of the responsibilities of owning a car is being able to wash the car and keep it clean. Driving a dirty car may alter people’s perception of you. They may start regarding you as a dirty person because you cannot have a clean personality and drive a dirty car.
Since cleanliness is next to godliness, you must wash your car when it’s dirty by either washing it at a go-through car wash or humanly washing the car by yourself. Therefore, can you go through a carwash with a cracked windshield?
Yes, you can go through a car wash with a cracked windshield if the crack is not enough to allow water to penetrate into your car’s interior. But if the crack is too deep on the windshield, you should not go through a car wash, rather, wash the car by yourself.
Can You Go Through Carwash with a Cracked Windshield?
Yes, you can go through a carwash with a cracked windshield if the windshield is not cracked enough to allow water into the dashboard.
However, if the crack on the windshield is too deep to allow water to penetrate into the interior of your car, then it is not advisable to go through to a car wash. You can decide to wash the car yourself.
Washing the car yourself or using human labor will save you the stress of damaging your car’s interior. The person washing the car, being fully aware of the cracked windshield will be careful when washing the windshield to avoid water from entering into the car.
Factors that Determine Going Through Carwash with a Cracked Windshield
The factors that determine whether you can go through a carwash with a cracked windshield or not are:
1. The Severity of the Crack
If the crack in your windshield is small and not enough to allow water to enter inside your car, you can go through a carwash without having any issues.
I have a friend who has a crack on his windshield. He always washes his car at a go-through car wash and his car’s interior has never been soaked with water.
But if the crack is too much and can allow water into the car, then there is no need to go to a drive-through car wash. You can humanly wash the car.
2. The Type of Car Wash
The type of carwash method through which you wish to wash your car matters a lot. There are different types of car washes such as touchless and friction car washes. It’s generally safer to go through a touchless car wash with a cracked windshield because it uses high-pressure water and chemicals to clean your car, without physical contact.
Friction car washes, on the other hand, use brushes or cloth strips that can potentially exacerbate a crack or even dislodge a piece of glass if the crack is significant.
It is important to note that even if your windshield crack is small and you choose a touchless car wash, you should consult with a professional auto glass technician to assess the damage and determine if a repair or replacement is necessary.
Cracks can weaken the structural integrity of the windshield, which is a safety concern, and they may worsen due to factors such as temperature changes, road vibrations, moisture, etc.
Dangers of Going Through a Carwash With a Cracked Windshield
The dangers of going through a carwash with a cracked windshield are:
- Risk of Further Damage: The force of the water and brushes in a car wash can put additional pressure on the windshield. If it’s already cracked, this pressure could cause the crack to spread or worsen.
- Water Leakage Inside the Car: Cracks in a windshield can compromise the integrity of the glass, potentially allowing water to seep into the interior of the car. A car wash could exacerbate this issue.
- Your Safety be Undermined: A cracked windshield may be structurally weaker than an intact one. In the event of a force from the go-through carwash equipment, a compromised windshield may not provide the same level of protection.
In any case, it’s advisable to consult a professional, such as an auto glass specialist, to assess the extent of the damage and provide guidance on whether it’s safe to go through a car wash or if the windshield needs repair or replacement.
Is Rain Bad for Cracked Windshield?
Depending on the severity of the crack, rain can potentially be bad for a cracked windshield because the cracks in the windshield can create a pathway for water to enter the vehicle.
Even small cracks can let rainwater seep through, potentially damaging the interior of the car, such as the dashboard, electronics, and upholstery. If water intrusion continues, it can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be a health hazard.
Furthermore, rain is considered to be bad for a cracked windshield because water can get into the crack, especially during heavy rain, and cause it to expand.
Temperature fluctuations can also contribute to this expansion as water freezes and thaws. A small crack can turn into a larger one, making the windshield more unsafe and expensive to repair or replace.
For these reasons, it’s advisable to get a cracked windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible. You can use clear nail polish or a windshield repair kit to seal small cracks temporarily until you can have the windshield professionally repaired or replaced.
What to Avoid with Cracked Windshield
Here are the things you should avoid if you have a cracked windshield:
Delaying Repairs
Cracked windshields can worsen over time, and a small crack can become a more extensive problem if left unattended. It’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.
Ignoring Safety Concerns
A cracked windshield can compromise your safety, as it may reduce the structural integrity of the windshield and obstruct your vision. Avoid driving with a cracked windshield if it poses a safety hazard.
Driving with an Obstructed View from the Windshield
Any crack that obstructs your line of sight while driving can be dangerous. Depending on local laws, it may be illegal to drive with a windshield that significantly impairs your vision.
Using DIY Fixes as Permanent Solutions
Temporary fixes like clear nail polish or windshield repair kits can help seal small cracks temporarily, but they are not a substitute for professional repair or replacement. Don’t rely on these DIY solutions as a long-term fix.
Subjecting the Windshield to Excessive Stress
Avoid exposing your cracked windshield to additional stress, such as going through a car wash with brushes or driving on rough roads. These actions can worsen the damage or cause the crack to spread.
Conclusion
You can go through a car wash with a cracked windshield, but it’s essential to consider the severity of the crack and the type of car wash. Always prioritize safety, and address any windshield damage promptly to ensure your safety.
Endeavor to humanly or physically wash your car with a cracked windshield when the crack is allowing water into the car’s interior and should not wash your car at a go-through car wash to avoid soaking your car with water.