If you’re asking, can you get a car wash with a cracked windshield? You’re not alone. Many drivers experience a crack or chip in their windshield, and still want to wash their car. Part of it relies on the size of the crack/chip, the location of the crack/chip and the car wash you’re going to use.
Even small cracks can be exacerbated if you put a high-pressure jet stream on them, or if the temperature of the water in the wash fluctuates from hot to cold or vice versa. Knowing which car washing process is acceptable will prevent you from having to pay an expensive repair bill later.
Can You Get a Car Wash with a Cracked Windshield: How It Reacts
Going through a car wash with a cracked windshield​ can pose more risks than you might expect.
| Cause | Potential Damage |
| Using high-pressure jets | Can lengthen a crack. |
| Can lengthen a crack. | The glass will expand or break. |
| Using rotating brushes | Greatly increases the chance of a chip or scratch becoming worse. |
| Using chemical cleaners | Can seep into the crack and ultimately weaken the seal. |
So, before you decide, can you get your car washed with a cracked windshield ,consider how delicate the glass can be under stress. You may also read, do vinyl car decals need to be laminated.
What to Check Before Washing a Damaged Windshield
Before heading to the car wash, always inspect the windshield for cracks. If the windshield crack is less than six inches long, and not more than six inches from the edge, it is generally safe to go to a touchless wash.
If the crack/chip is growing or blocks a view of the road, it is better to avoid mechanical car washes and the high-pressure cleaning.Many car owners want to know, can I get a car wash with a cracked windshield at my local service stations/filling stations? Most professionals assure that possible damage, mechanical or high-pressure washes should be avoided until the windshield is fixed.
Best Ways to Clean Your Car with a Cracked Windshield
If you’re wondering can you wash your car with a cracked windshield, or can I wash my car with a cracked windshield here are a few safe alternatives to keep your car clean without putting the glass at risk:
Hand Wash It at Home – Use mild soap, a microfiber cloth, and low water pressure.
Touchless Car Wash – Only uses detergent spray and air dry; there are no brushes involved.
Mobile Car Detailing Service – Professional wash your car and clean gently and safely.
These alternatives reduce the glass pane and reduce chances of the crack spreading further.
Preventive Measures Before Cleaning a Cracked Windshield
If you’re still asking, you can wash your car with a cracked windshield. if you’re still curious. You can take a few easy precautions.
1. Look at the crack every so often and verify that expansion is not happening.
2. Avoid the use of extreme water temperatures, you do not want thermal shock to happen.
3. Use cleaning products that are designed for auto glass and are soft.
4. Any chips should be fixed right away to keep costs down and stop the chip from spreading.
When to Repair or Replace the Windshield
A small chip is no concern, right? That’s not quite true. Small chips can be the difference between a big repair bill or nothing at all. Repairing chips is inexpensive and can be done in less than 20-30 minutes at most service centers.
Check the official safety recommendations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that help describe the integrity of the windshield as it relates to the safety of your entire car.
Expert Advice: Don’t Risk It Unnecessarily
Experts suggest that you should remain away from a car wash if there is any uncertainty of the sort of damage done, until your windshield is fixed. With the glass fixed, you will return to your normal wash routine whether that is at a professional wash or your weekend car wash at home.
So the next time you find yourself thinking,can you get a car wash with cracked windshield? Just remember. A little measure of caution goes further in saving you costly damage.
Conclusion
To sum it up, can you get a car wash with a cracked windshield? Yes, but you will be much better off doing a manual or touchless wash. An intact windshield is a safer, better fitted windshield for visibility, safety, and longevity of your car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Am I able to wash my windshield in the event there is a crack?
Absolutely, you are able to wash your vehicle, but we would not recommend this based on especially high risk if the cracks are long running and/or are within reach of the windshield wipers; both cutting into the glass or the risk of getting more cracks.
2. Also, is it possible to wash a windshield without compromising the safety of the windshield and/or putting it more at risk?
Yes, you will also want to take care not to put the windshield in extreme temperatures following the completion of the car wash whether manual or no touch wash.
3. Will I be able to wash a windshield that has a minor crack?
Most minor cracks would probably withstand mild cleaning methods, but NO wash !
4. Can I wash my cracked windshield in the comfort of my own home?
Yes. You can wash your cracked windshield in the comfort of your own home and we recommend a mild use of dish soap and we would recommend NOT rinse using any pressure water.
5. Should I get my windshield repaired before going into the car wash ?
Yes, a best and preferable safety measure is to get glass repaired or replaced in order not to stress the already compromised windshield and make the crack worse or increase cracking status.
