Quick Windshield Leak Repair: Temporary and Permanent Solutions; Causes and Signs

A leaking windscreen is not only a pain in the neck but also a big safety concern. That’s why, car owners need to learn about windshield leak repair, both permanent and temporary solutions. And, this is what we’re tackling in this article.

Before we start the ‘What to Do’ discussion, you should know more about the common causes and signs of car windshield leaking and the possible damage and dangers it can cause if not dealt with properly and quickly.

At the end, our windshield technicians will answer some of your most common questions about car window leak.

Did you know you can get your windshield fixed wherever you are in Austin, TX? Just call Autoglass Solutions and we’ll be there!

Common Causes and Signs of Car Windshield Leaking

Car windscreen leaking, or other car windows isn’t uncommon. It can happen for various reasons but some signs help you find out there is air/water leakage soon and deal with it before it causes a more serious problem. Let’s go over them.

Damaged Windshield

Cracks, chips, and other kinds of damage, like impact, on the windshield can lead to leakage. They can cause water to seep in.

Sometimes, you can visibly see the cracks and chips but other times you should look out for other signs including

• Moisture and condensation on the windshield from inside, even when there’s no rain,
• Wind noise, especially when driving fast.

Improper Windshield Installation

When the windscreen is not installed properly, it may cause leaks. Here are what to expect in case of faulty windscreen installation.

• Water drips inside from the top or around the edges of the windscreen.
• You can see water on the dashboard.
• The level of noise in the cabin is higher than before and you can hear wind and air noise.
• You see the windshield is misaligned and/or loose.
• You can see gaps between the frame and the glass.
• There may be uneven sealing and spacing between the glass and the frame.
• Water leakage can lead to water stains and discoloration on the trim panels or the headliner.

Cracked or Worn-Out Seals

Even if the installation and sealing are done perfectly, windshield seals are subject to deterioration. This normally happens due to wear and tear, impact, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. So, when you see any of the signs below, inspect the seals to see if you need to reseal car windshield.

• Water is seeping from the top and edges of the windshield.
• You can feel the upholstery is wet or damp.
• A musty odor, which can be the result of mold and mildew growth in the cabin.
• Fog and moisture on the interior side of the windscreen.
• The headliner, pillars, and trim panels can be stained and discolored.
• Wind and air noise.

Rust or Corrosion in the Metal Frame

When the metal frame around the windshield is rusty, it compromises the seal leading to gaps that let the water and air in. Except for the signs related to worn-out seals mentioned above, look out for

• Corrosion on metal parts near the windshield frame, like wiper arms and mounting brackets.
• Water pooling in unexpected places, like under the dashboard or the footwells.
• Movement and flexing in the windshield.

Clogged Drainage Channels

The drainage channels are provided in cars to direct the water away from the windshield glass and frame. However, these channels can get clogged by debris and dirt, like leaves. So, blocked drainage channels can’t take the excessive water away, resulting in leakage.

One of the most visible signs is water pooling around the windscreen. But you can also get wet carpets, footwells, and upholstery. Also, during rain or washing the car, you may notice the water isn’t going into drainage channels leading to an unusual flow of water around the windshield.

What’s more, as clogged drainage channels affect the wipers, you can see streaking and improper clearing of water when the windshield wipers are working in rain.

Moist, condensation, and unpleasant odor in the cabin are other consequences of blocked drainage channels.

Damaged Windscreen Wipers

If the wipers are worn-out, damaged, or misaligned, they can’t effectively redirect water away from the windshield and lead to excessive water pooling around the windscreen. So, you’ll be probably in for some water leakage.

Therefore, if you see the wipers can’t clear water properly, make too much noise and vibration, or lift off the glass surface while working, it’s time to have them checked.

Another problem that leads to water leaks is when the windshield washer nozzles spray water unevenly. This usually happens when the wipers are misaligned.

Overall, when there’s water leakage, you can either see the visible signs or notice smells, moisture, and whistling. To avoid the consequent issues of windshield leak discussed below, get help from a technician ASAP.

What Are the Safety Concerns and Issues Caused by Windscreen Leaking?

Here are some potential issues caused by car windshield water leak.

• The fog and condensation compromise the visibility, especially when it’s raining or foggy.
• Drivers can get distracted by water dripping or streaming into the car while driving.
• The leaking water can reach the electrical systems leading to malfunctioning of wipers, defoggers, airbags, etc.
• A leaking windshield means there’s a structural problem. This compromises the overall strength and integrity of the vehicle.

Obviously, the best thing is to have an experienced windshield technician to identify the cause and fix leaking windshield. However, car owners need to know some quick windshield leak repair methods so that they can fix it temporarily when a professional isn’t immediately available.

Bring your car in for a fast and affordable windshield repair in Austin, TX before the issue grows bigger.
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Temporary DIY Windshield Leak Repair

The first thing to do when you notice any sign of windshield leaking is to examine your car and try to find out what’s causing it and how severe it is.

If it’s a minor issue, you can use one of the do-it-yourself windshield leak repair methods below to temporarily fix it and stop it from getting worse or becoming a safety issue.

1. Silicon Sealant

Applying a clear silicon sealant to where it’s leaking can solve the problem for a while. Just remember to clean and dry the area before applying it.

2. Waterproof Tape

An easy way to stop the water from seeping, especially for a chip or a minor crack, is using waterproof tape (or weather-resistant tape or even weatherstripping tape) on the entire area where the leaking happens.

3. Windshield Repair Kit

Having a windscreen repair kit in your car is great. There is usually an adhesive or resin in such kits to help solve the issue quickly. Plus, they’re designed for DIY car window leak repair and come with simple instructions.

4. Tarp or Plastic Sheet

If you have a broken window (normally not suitable for the windshield) you can cover it with a tarp or plastic sheet and fix it with a rope or bungee cords. This allows you to be able to drive without letting too much air or rain come in.

Keep in mind that, no matter how minor it is, you should always see a technician at the first opportunity to fix it properly.

Permanent Windscreen Leak Repair; Repair or Replacement, That Is the Question!

The answer to this question depends on a few factors:

• How big and severe it is: Sometimes it’s just a tiny chip or crack that can be fixed with a clear resin to restore the integrity of the glass. Other times, there can be a big crack or multiple cracks. In such cases, the only solution is windshield replacement.
• Where it is: If it’s a small crack but repairing it compromises the visibility, then it needs to be replaced.
• The general condition of the windshield: If the glass is old and weak (due to previous repairs), then a replacement is necessary.

Obviously, if the leaking occurs due to cracked seals or other reasons that have nothing to do with the glass itself, usually there’s no need to replace the windshield. For example, it just needs to be resealed.

FAQs About Car Window Leak Repair

Here, our technicians are answering the most common questions we get from car owners troubled with their car window leaking.

How Long Does It to Fix or Reseal Car Windshield?

To fix a leaky window in general, if it only needs a repair, it can take up to 30 minutes. But for a windshield or window replacement, you should expect 1 to 2 hours.

To reseal car windscreen, it depends on a few factors, but this can also take between 30 to a couple of hours.

My Windshield Leaks When It Rains, What Should I Do?

You should examine and try to find out what is causing it. We’ve discussed the reasons and signs above. If you’re on the road, find a safe place to park your car first. Then, if you have a windshield repair kit, waterproof tape, or silicon sealant, you can apply it on the place where leaking happens to stop the water from seeping into the cabin temporarily (Read the previous section for more info).

If you don’t have these, use a plastic to cover the chip or crack if possible. Whatever you do, keep safety in mind. 

But if you have time, take it to the nearest windshield repair place to fix it.

Can I Apply Clear Silicon Sealant on the Windshield Sealing If It’s Faulty?

Yes. Applying silicon sealant where the seal is faulty can stop the water from seeping in.

Is My Windshield Leak Repair Cost Covered by the Insurance?

Well, the answer depends on your insurance terms and coverage. Review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to see if it’s covered or not. So, it’s recommended to document the damage by taking clear photos. This will come in handy when going through the claim process.

Where Can I Get Quick Professional Windshield Leak Repair Near Me in Austin, TX?

At Autoglass Solutions Inc., we offer quality but quick and affordable windshield services, such as windshield repair, replacement, and auto glass replacement. You can drop by or even better, call us to come to you. Our mobile services also include windshield leak repair!

Call 512-241-1211 to get a quote or hire our technicians.