There are certain essentials every driver should keep in their vehicle. We’re talking jumper cables, a first aid kit, nail polish, a flashlight …. Wait, what was that third thing? It’s true — nail polish is surprisingly useful for more than just creating colorful designs on fingers and toes. The beauty product can also help…
Prevent Windshield Cracks From Spreading
Sometimes a small pebble kicks up from the road and cracks the windshield. While the damage may be tiny at first, it inevitably grows until the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the glass must be replaced. You can delay that spread, however, with a little bit of nail polish.
Always use clear nail polish for this hack. Colored versions create opaque obstructions that can cloud your vision. When a windshield crack forms, safely pull over and grab a microfiber cloth and the nail polish from your glove box.
First, use the cloth to thoroughly clean the cracked area and remove any debris. If the damage affects both the interior and exterior of the glass, wipe down the inside as well. Next, apply the clear nail polish on both sides of the windshield with clear nail polish. (This is a “better safe than sorry” approach as the crack may have depth that’s not visible to the naked eye.) Let it dry for the recommended time on the bottle before getting back on the road.
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Why It Works
The idea here is that the nail polish forms a tight, temporary seal, protecting the crack from the elements and keeping it from growing. To be clear, this isn’t a permanent solution — you’ll still need to replace the windshield eventually. However, this allows you to reach your destination safely without the damage spreading. This hack also gives you the flexibility to schedule a repair or replacement on your own timeline instead of dealing with an immediate crisis.
