When a car window cracks, you know you're in for a hefty repair bill, and you probably have some questions.

If you can't afford to fix the windshield right away, is it okay to wait? Is there anything you can do to stop the crack from spreading and getting worse? The bad news is you do need to fix your cracked windshield as soon as possible, but the good news is the repair job might cost less than you expect, and there are some stop-gap measures you can use in the meantime to help prevent the problem from getting worse. Here's the low-down on cracked auto glass.

First things first: assess the damage. Is it just a small “ding” or chip in the glass? Is it a full-blown crack, and if so, is the crack very large? Are you dealing with a vertical crack or a horizontal one? These assessments will help you evaluate the urgency of the windshield replacement. If it's just a small ding, there's no need to replace the window—just fix it up with a windshield repair kit, available from auto supply shops. If it's an actual crack, you'll have to replace the windshield eventually, but if the crack is pretty small, and it runs horizontally, chances are you can put off the job for a little while by using the windshield repair kit in the meantime. If the crack is big, however, or runs for a wide length horizontally across your windshield, it's best to get it fixed right away; driving with an obviously cracked windshield is illegal in many places, for one thing, and even more importantly, it can be dangerous. Imagine speeding down the freeway and your windshield completely shatters—definitely a situation you would rather avoid!

If you decide to use a windshield repair kit, there are a few things you can do to make sure it works as good as possible. First, clean the damaged glass using a toothbrush to scrape out any loose bits of glass, then follow up with a glass cleaner and dry cloth. Wait until a cool time of day; the repair compound won't set as well in high heat. Finally, follow package instructions exactly, and be sure you allow full time for each step.

If the windshield repair kit just isn't going to cut it, don't despair before calling your insurance company. Depending on the cause of crack, the repair might be covered in total or in part by your insurance. If you don't have any luck from the insurance company, there's still an option for a lower-cost repair. Check out auto repair schools and training facilities in your area; many allow students to perform the work under supervision, and the customer pays only a fraction of what the repair would normally cost.

A cracked windshield is a bummer, but try not to let it get you down. It's just one of those unexpected challenges that spring up in life!