When you’ve been in an accident that insurance isn’t covering, it’s often tempting to avoid replacing everything that was damaged. If your windshield was damaged in the accident, it’s wise to have the glass replaced before it can break on its own – possibly while you’re in the vehicle.
Washing your car with cold water on a very hot day can damage your windshield. Why? The fast, dramatic change in temperature can cause quick contraction, which can create stress cracks in the glass.
During the manufacturing process, windshield glass is heated then cooled or “annealed” to increase its strength. Sometimes, the annealing process causes residual strain along the windshield’s perimeter, which may eventually lead to stress cracks.
Not all windshield repair resins are created equally, and not all resins will work on all windshield damage. As auto glass restoration and repair experts, we can evaluate the extent of the damage and select the right resin for the job.
The glass in your windshield is a major safety feature on your vehicle. It is designed to be strong enough to keep your roof from caving in on impact. Even a small chip or crack can damage its integrity.
In 1938, a glass-clear synthetic resin was created and patented by Carleton Ellis. This resin did not become discolored over time, an issue that plagued many laminated windshields of the time.
Tempered glass windows will not prevent people from partially ejecting from their vehicles in rollovers or side collisions, causing some people to argue against putting this glass on side windows.
Did you know that auto glass technicians need to wear gloves when installing or replacing a windshield or other glass? Otherwise, the grease from their hands can prevent the adhesives from bonding correctly.
Does your vehicle have side airbags? The current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards require adhesives used for windshield installation to be roughly six times more powerful than those used on cars without side airbags.
By 1918, consumer demand for automobiles with glass windshields and side windows as standard equipment had become so strong, it affected the glass market. Costs tripled and glass supplies dwindled, creating temporary shortages.
Cracks or chips in certain areas of your windshield can make it easier to just replace the windshield completely. Damage is more likely to spread from near the edges, and if it’s not fixed soon, it can get worse quickly.
While modern resins and advanced tools and techniques make it possible to invisibly repair many types of automotive glass, the practice of repairing laminated safety glass has been around since the 1920s and 1930s.
Did you know that there are more than 80 companies across the world that make automotive glass, including windshields?
If your vehicle’s windshield is scratched, even if the damage seems minor it may still need to be replaced. One of the best ways to prevent windshield scratching is to regularly change your windshield wipers.
There is no way to tell if your auto glass has been installed correctly without actually removing the glass to inspect it, so make sure you use a service with a solid reputation to avoid trouble down the road.
Auto glass restoration and repair resins come in a range of specialized formulations. Each resin is designed to handle specific types of damage and repair conditions, such as standard chips, specialized breaks, long-crack repairs, and cold-weather repairs.
Laminated glass (made with PVB plastic) is mainly used in car windows where there’s the possibility that human impact might occur (such as the windshield). The vinyl layer actually acts like a cushion to someone thrown into the window upon impact.
Did you know that a small crack or chips in the windows or windshield are often enlarged and worsened by cold weather? This is because water and condensation can get inside the crack or chip, then when temperatures fall below freezing, such as at night, the water trapped inside will expand and create a crack. This keeps happening until the crack is too big to repair.
Many people have questions about their sunroof window repair. This can vary by type and situation so it’s best to call in with any questions and one of our auto glass experts can help you determine what will work best for your situation.
If you have a crack or chip that you aren't sure of the severity, trying to fix it yourself can waste time and money. If you can't tell whether your windshield damage is minor or major, bring it to us to be safe.
A quality repair should not leave a visible disturbance in your windshield glass. Don’t be afraid to bring it to the attention of the repair person if you are not satisfied.
If dirt and debris get into a crack or chip on your windshield, it can be more difficult to repair. You can avoid this by putting a piece of clear tape over the damage as temporary protection until it’s repaired.
Did you know? Many people think that it is faster and more cost effective to replace a cracked windshield than to repair it – that is probably not the case. Consult a professional before you make that decision.
Stress cracks in glass can be caused by radical air pressure changes. While it’s not common, extreme wind pressures or shock waves from even a distant crash or explosion can produce sufficient force to create stress cracks.
