I recently noticed a small crack (about 3 inches long) on the side of
my car's windshield.  What can I do to prevent this crack from getting
worse?

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Clarification of Question by homerjaysimpson-ga on 18 Feb 2005 09:29 PST

I'm in California.  If I can get the shield replacement covered by
insurance without an increase in rates, that would be best scenario.

One option is to take it to a auto glass shop and have them "patch"
it.  I'm not sure exactly what they do, but supposedly it should
prevent the crack from getting bigger.  This may cost as much as $50
but most shops will take $50 off the price of a new windshield if that
crack gets bigger within the next couple months after their repair.

There are products such as this which claim to fill in cracks :-

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=CPA341&N=401

Success is however slightly variable.

Best

Depending on where you live, some states require insurance companies
to cover 100% glass replacement with no deductable or increase in your
rates. Florida has this law and I've heard of others, but I'm just not
sure which ones. Also in some locations depending on the location/size
of the crack, your vehicle may be in violation of vehicle laws.

Call your local police department for clarification on the law, and
call your insurance company about windshield replacement, if
necessary.

As cvenom-ga notes, laws vary by state.  However some states will not
permit cracks larger than 1 inch to be filled; the windshield must be
replaced.  If you let us know what state you are in, a more definitive
Answer could be given.

regards, mathtalk-ga