Auto Glass Damage

Every side of your car that has auto glass faces several risks daily without giving prior notice. However, from all the sides, the windshield is the one more exposed to damage compared to the side and rear windows. And when this unforeseen damage happens, you either decide to settle with the damage or have it replaced.

glass_crackThe debris on the road is one of the main causes of windshield replacement. The probability of your car or any vehicle you own needs auto glass repair. Here are some of the common damages that are highly likely to happen to your vehicle.

  • Stone break – this can also be referred to as chip or ding caused by a flying stone. This is the most common to all types of windshield damage. You can see it on your windshield as a tiny ding or chip. There are others that look like it has been forcefully nailed with a pin without breaking the whole surface. But this type of damage is also the easiest and most affordable since you can have it repaired. However, when you leave the cracks at it is, it will eventually become worse, and you will have to replace it.
  • Cracked chip – this is a kind of windshield damage that goes through in a single crack, like about quarter the size of its impact point. Most of the cases with this one can be repaired.
  • Combination break – this is seen as multiple breaks of cracks, chips, and dings. If such a situation happens with your auto glass but is only seen on the surface, it can still be repaired. However, when the cracks, dings or chips are too deep, that will be up for replacement.
  • Bull’s Eye – this is mostly caused by debris or a rock but on a larger scale. This is a bit larger and circular compared to the ding or chip. When such damage happens to your vehicle’s windshield, it can still be repaired. However, it depends on the size. When it is too large, it naturally needs a replacement.
  • Floater crack – this kind of damage is a crack that originates from the center of the windshield. Just like the damages above, it can either be repaired or replaced depending on how long and deep the crack is.
  • Edge crack – this is a kind of crack wherein it begins within two inches of the windshield. It can also start at the edge of the windshield, hence the name.
  • Stress crack – this is a type of crack wherein the damage doesn’t happen then and there right away. The windshield is expected to grow weak from all the exposure it has gone through, especially when it is exposed to extreme temperatures. Either the windshield gets replaced or repaired depends on the extent of the damage.

It can be troublesome when you don’t treat your windshield right. Make sure you have a contact of the most reputable auto glass company so that you can send your vehicle right away to do some either repairs or replacement.

Auto Glass Basics

The world of auto glass can be quite confusing. Not every car owner knows that their car windows and windshield are made of a different type of glass and that every area of the car that has the auto glass is also different, too. The only thing that most car owners know is that when it breaks, they must consider either getting a windshield replacement or windshield repair. But to avail such a service, you need to understand the basics so that it will help you identify different types of auto glass and when you need to repair or replace them. Although it is not necessary, it will give you a lot of benefits, too, when you know the basic terminology about the glass services you need and its value that you acquire after that.

Window Types

The windshield is the largest piece of glass of a vehicle that protects the driver or the front seat occupants against the wind and the road hazards. The next largest window is the rear auto glass; wherein it is located at the back of the vehicle. The rear and front door windows also got its type and can be rolled down or up when needed. The rear quarter auto glass windows are usually used in bigger vehicles for better visibility while the vent windows are smaller, usually in triangular shaped that aids in any window shape frames. Most of the vents do not open in vehicles these days.

Functionality

The tracks of the car aids in keeping the auto glass windows in place as they go down and up. The one that controls the auto glass windows is the window regulator, and a handle is connected to this device in non-powered models. The powered models are those equipped with window motor as it provides power to the window regulator. The one that holds the windshield in place is the window molding. There are other adhesives that are used in keeping the molding of the windshield secure. It can be used in the same manner during the auto glass replacement process.

glass-chipServices and others

The repair tools that are used in the market involve infusing glass and resin for windshield repair. A mold release tool is used to cut out the molding of the auto glass windows away in one of many repairs and replacement services. Some technicians make use of heat gun to dry up the adhesives quickly. In the auto glass industry, having a good and durable pair of glass will come a long way from the vehicles.

These are just of some the basics in this industry that can aid the car owners to get into a conversation when they send in their vehicle for inspection, especially when it comes to windshield repair and replacement. When you know what is required in replacing or fixing the auto glass, you will know and even get a good estimate on how much you are going to pay for the service. It will also be easier to navigate around and faster to communicate with the technicians.

Auto Glass Repair

How to Use the Warranties with Auto Glass Repair

Every time that you have gone through an auto glass replacement, you carry with you some warranty for the windshield repair. The windshield repair warranty that you have can either have limited features and filled with complete ones, depending on which auto glass company you had availed your services from. There are even those that are available in installations. Usually, the warranty takes effect by the time you own the vehicle. In other cases, it comes in some limited form of a warranty that is made available for purchase. The ones working at the auto glass company should have more information about the warranty they are offering. Most of the windshield replacement should have some warranty that is signed by the car owner.

What contains in a windshield repair warranty?

The warranty offered mostly covers any damages, defects or issues that arise within the auto glass’ installation or the glass’ manufacture itself. But there are cases in which the warranty doesn’t cover the replacement or repair of the auto glass. An example would by how there is some rust surrounding the window seal. There are also special cases wherein this is considered to be covered.

When the auto glass cracks, breaks, get loose or gets into any other situation that makes it defective that alters the completed work done on the glass, the warranty takes effect. Other things that cover up in this warranty that incurs repairs includes leaks, breaks, damages to the seal, stress cracks or any other problems that arise in the manufacture or installation of the glass. Keep in mind that as a general rule, warranties do not cover inflicted damages such as added vandalism or breakage due to another wreck.

By the time you pick up your vehicle when you have sent it to the auto glass company, make sure that you ask the technician that is handling the replacement or repairs regarding the warranty of the glass. Most auto glass installations come in warranty, or it can also be provided at the time when the auto glass is purchased and installed in your vehicle.

what-to-do-when-a-stone-chips-your-car-windshieldBeing the car owner, it is your responsibility to understand what curtails in a warranty before leaving fully. This way, you will know exactly what you need to do when you face a problem with your new auto glass or the installation itself. The staff at the company will be able to explain about the warranty to you in full detail.

You should also ask some questions when you consult for the auto glass installation. Since you own the vehicle, it is your job to make sure that you are getting a copy of the signed warranty, which should be in writing. You should also keep another copy of the warranty, for extra safety measures, should you lose the other copy for inspections.

Others purchase a warranty when they do not own the car itself, for example, when they accidentally break the glass in some situation. When you are asked for the replacement, it is your duty to make sure that you get a warranty that you can take advantage when a need for it arises.

Auto Glass Basics

Understanding How Auto Glass Works

Most car owners would just look at the glass and not care about where or how it was made. All they have in mind is how it can protect them from the wind and road debris that comes flying at their face when they drive their car at high speeds. However, when it comes to replacing them, that would be the time when you have to send it to an auto glass repair shop.

The reason why the auto glass rarely gets the attention is that they were never emphasized in auto shows, to begin with. But one thing automakers have in mind when they think about auto glass is about the safety of its driver and the occupants. At first glance, it looks like the auto glass is the same as any other type of glass, but its functions are different.

In various homes, windows that are made out of glass are the type that shatter into large shards when it gets broken, except for the front door or the sliding door. The home windows usually do not receive the same kind of strain that the auto glass has. The car’s glass is made in 2 various types of safety glass wherein its aim is to protect not only the occupants within the vehicle but also its structure. One type is the laminated glass, which is used as the windshield. The another type is tempered glass, wherein its used for the back and side windows of the vehicle. Tempered glass also shatters into tiny bits of pieces when it breaks, thus lessening the chance it can injure the occupants inside.

PVB and Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is created by sandwiching PVB or polyvinyl butyral in between 2 pieces of glass. The PVB and the glass are then sealed through a series of pressured rollers, then afterward heated. With this pressure combination and chemical heat, it bonds the glass and the PVB mechanically. The mechanical bond happens via the PVB’s adhesiveness, while the chemical bond is done via the hydrogen bonding of the glass and the PVB.

The PVB layer that is inserted in between the glass allows the material to absorb the energy when it receives an impact. It also provides resistance to the glass when it gets hit by flying toronto-autoglass-1350182-2430722-regularprojectiles, especially when they are sharp enough to penetrate through. It can deflect up to 95 percent of UV rays emitted by the sun. Laminated glass can get punctured and break, but doesn’t break easily since it can stay intact due to the chemical bond its got with the PVB.

The laminated auto glass’ strength has a two important functions. Its first function allows the air bag at the passenger’s side to deploy the right way. The airbags at the driver’s side usually fly directly to the driver’s face from its steering wheel. However, when the air bag at the passenger’s seat is deployed, it gets bounced off to the windshield before it goes to the passenger.

It may seem like it would easily break the glass, but these auto glasses are made in a way that can handle high pressure. Did you know that the deployment speed of the air bag takes 1/30th of a second and can even withstand of up to 2000 pounds worth of force? The car’s windshield, by standards, can absorb the air bag’s force and speed for the simple matter of protecting the passenger from getting into an accident. And because of its power and strength, the laminated glass can protect the occupants when an accident happens. This was not the case in the past, since the passengers could only be ejected via its windshield since the auto glass during those times wasn’t strong enough.

Auto Glass Maintenance

Do you know the best ways to take care of your vehicle’s auto glass? The only thing you can probably think of is how to clean it properly. This is the most natural answer and that there imagesaren’t any other ways emphasized by the manufacturer on ways to make your auto glass better than ever. But it should not be ignored that the auto glass of the vehicle are exposed to various elements outside even when it is not in use. Here are some of the things that will protect your auto glass and extend its longevity. You also avoid incurring a lot of auto glass replacements.

  • Avoid using harsh chemicals when you clean the windshield. Use a product that is designed to clean glass surfaces or go with vinegar. You should also avoid using cleaners that are based on ammonia. It can damage the windshield, not to mention its fumes are dangerous to your health.
  • Avoid slamming the car doors as the vibration can have a negative impact on the windshield and other auto glass. Over time, it will loosen the auto glass and your vehicle might end up with a cracked windshield. This happens when you slam your car doors with too much force many times.
  • When you park your car in open spaces, look for areas that put your car in the shade or at least find a parking garage that doesn’t expose your car to direct sunlight. The same can be said during the winter months, too. Make sure that you get to cool off and warm up your car in a gentle manner, particularly when you crank up the AC or heat as this can stress out stonechipyour auto glass. Parking garages are also large as it will protect your car from falling debris such as ice, hail, and branches. By following this, you get to avoid your windshield replacement.
  • When the temperatures are constantly hot, leave a little opening so that a little air gets inside and that it doesn’t get too hot in it. Not only will it be less hot when you get inside, but it will also reduce the stress that the windshield experiences from long periods of exposure to extreme heat. It will get worse when you expose your vehicle to extreme temperatures when it has a chip or a crack on it.
  • When the auto glass gets any rock chip dealt by gravel, tiny stones or any other debris that came from the road, you should have your auto glass repaired or replaced as soon as you can. The reason for this is to prevent further damage not only to your car but also to the driver and the passengers of the car. It is best that you get with the repair rather than with the replacement since the former is very time consuming compared to the latter. Also, it is less expensive as well.

Make sure that you approach an auto glass company with the best reputation in town. By working with them, you are ensured that your vehicle is in great hands.

Auto Glass Damage, Auto Glass Repair

A windshield serves as a shield from severe weather, protects the occupants in the event of an accident and offers a safe and comfortable ride. Damaged and neglected car glass poses a potential safety risk to passengers and other motorists on the road. A chip or crack on a windshield must be repaired with utmost urgency, if not, the damage may develop into a more severe fracture over time and necessitate an expensive replacement. Car glass repair is fairly straight forward but requires an individual expertise and attention to the finest detail to ensure quality finish and safety. Most automobile service centers perform car glass repair; there are also some expensive car glass repair and replacement companies that offer a range of car glass related services.

Getting car glass repair in New Jersey is always necessary when you find a problem with your car windows. These play a significant role in protecting you as you are driving. Therefore, you need to ensure that they are always in excellent condition. It is not wise to just let anyone handle your car or windows.

crack repaired

There are six important things you should consider when getting car glass repair.

Mobile services are always important when you want repairs. If there is a problem with your car windows, the last thing you want to do is drive. You can be putting your life at risk by doing so. Hence, it is best to go for car glass repair in New Jersey. The technicians come to where you are and do the repairs. This is also convenient and saves you a lot of trouble going to look for the garage. It also saves you the extra money you would spend on tow services or gas.

You should also consider the quality of glass you get for your car. You do not want low-quality glass that will hardly serve you. Always go for premier one car glass that is of high quality. These are quality glasses from recognized manufacturers. This ensures that you have a quality view through the windows. It also means that the glass will last you for long since it is durable.

As you are getting car glass replacement, you need to inquire about a warranty. Since you are having a whole new installation done, you have to ensure it is the best. A professional will not hesitate to offer you a lifetime warranty on seals and artistry. This shows that they are confident in the work they do. However, should anything happen, you can always go and get it fixed for free.

Getting certified technicians is always mandatory if you want quality artistry. If possible, do not just take your car to a regular garage. This is because they might not have mechanics that have been trained to do this. Always choose technicians who have undergone the necessary training and have been certified to do windshield repair. They are going to do a good job and make sure you do not have any complaints after.

side window fixed

If you have a claim, you can get car glass replacement covered by the insurance company. In such a case, you need to get a car repair shop that accepts your insurance company. This is to protect you from having to pay for the service from your pocket. Also, professional service providers will go the extra mile and file the insurance claim for you.

Finally, the sixth thing to consider when getting car glass repair is whether your car model is serviced. There are some car garages that stock replacement shields for only certain vehicle models. So before you commit yourself, always ask whether they handle all kinds of cars. This ensures that when you need a car glass repair, your car can be serviced without a problem.

The car glass repair or replacement should not be ignored because delay may cost heavier to the owner of the car. Windshield and other glasses must be installed correctly because improperly installed windshield may a compromise with your safety and with the safety of other in the vehicle. So when there is a need of repair or replacement of windshield, it is important that windshield must be installed by the qualified technicians who use best quality glass and a proper system.

Auto Glass Maintenance, Auto Glass Repair

A windshield that has suffered damages must be attended to immediately as it can prove dangerous for the occupants and other motorists. It can also be dangerous for pedestrians. Having cracks or dents on your windshield can affect your visibility, get you into trouble for violating safety laws and endanger passengers. Repairing or replacing a damaged windshield is absolutely necessary. The ease with which you can contact windshield experts, and modern technology helps you get your windshield replaced in NJ much easier than before. Cutting edge techniques and equipment can get your windshield fixed or replaced in very little time.

replaced windshield

When is it necessary to get the windshield replaced?

You can opt for repair or replacement based on the intensity of the damage and the location of it. While certain damages can be taken care of with just repairs, some bigger cracks need you to get the auto glass replaced. The following are some circumstances under which windshield replacement is necessary.

  1. If there is large fracture on the auto glass, you cannot repair it. Big cracks are harmful to the integrity of the glass structure. In case of a collision, the auto glass will shatter due to the crack and can lead to harmful effects.
  2. If a crack, small or big is blocking the driver’s view of the road, it is time to get the windshield replaced. This kind of crack, when not taken care of, can lead to dangerous collisions. A slight oversight due to the crack can be the reason of an accident.
  3. If there are multiple cracks on the windshield, you cannot go for repair. These cracks can spider around and form a bigger crack. This is not good for the integrity of the glass.
  4. If stress cracks appear on your windshield, it is a signal for replacement. These cracks are caused due to wear and tear and indicate a weak glass. So get an OEM replacement under such circumstances.
  5. If there are previous cracks that were not repaired, it is high time that you got the auto glass replaced. Dirt and debris accumulation on these cracks worsen the damage. They weaken the glass and this is not good for your safety.

Where in New Jersey should I get the replacement done?

There are many professionals from whom you can get the windshield replaced. You should select one based on your requirements. Here are a few of the options.

  1. Auto dealer – The local auto dealer can be helpful when it comes to OEM replacements. You can get an Original Equipment Manufacturer seal on the glass and boost the resale value of the car. It is also possible to get a non- original equipment manufacturer replacement from auto dealers.
  2. Mobile auto glass replacement – Some auto dealers sub-contract to mobile auto glass replacement services. They can come on-site and carry out the replacement efficiently. It is a smart idea to get their services if your auto glass has extreme damages on it.
  3. Quote generating websites – Glass.net is a great place to get a quote from three different auto glass repair/replacement companies. They offer quotes local to you in New Jersey.

The following are tips for choosing a good New Jersey windshield replacement service:

Convenient mobile service

The last thing you need in your life is another headache right now. And frankly, having to drop your car off somewhere and wait for the repair to be done is the ultimate inconvenience. In some cases, driving a car is hazardous after suffering glass damage. Most good auto glass services will offer free mobile service anywhere in their service area. They will come to your work, your home, or wherever you are if the situation is an emergency. Opting for “Free Mobile Service” can sure save a lot of time and unnecessary running around.

Quality workmanship

We’ve all seen those rock chip repair stations set up in parking lots and along road sides. Unfortunately, with those kinds of kiosks there’s no way of really knowing what you’re getting. When you select a repair service with a positive history in the community, they have long-term accountability and a vested interest in making sure the job’s done right. With fly-by-night set-ups, you just never know…

Excellent materials

Even among established auto glass shops, there are real differences in the types of glass used for windshield replacements. When choosing your provider, you need to ask about the specifications of the glass they use. Is it appropriate according to original equipment manufacturers specifications? Do they use only all-new, high quality glass? Never assume that just because a place has a storefront that they’re on the up and up.

Easy to work with

Most people want to go through their insurance companies when it comes to paying for replacement services. A good auto glass shop will help make the insurance claims process extremely simple by walking you through it themselves. Ask them up front about their claims policies: you just don’t need any more hassles than you already have.

Auto Glass Damage, Auto Glass Repair

Replacing a cracked windshield can be very expensive but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives around on the market. Of course, the sooner you can repair a crack the better as a crack that is left alone can soon develop into a much larger irreparable crack.

If you don’t repair a chip or a crack on a windshield this will only cause it to spread and subsequently render the windshield useless. The idea behind repairing a windshield is to prevent the air from getting to the crack so ensuring that its airtight essential. There are now several kits around that will help you repair a cracked windshield most of which follow a very similar process. Most contain an adhesive contained within a syringe which when injected into the chip forces out any air, seals up the surface and prevents further damage from taking place.

So how do we start? Before you do anything measure the crack. Cracks 6 in (approx. 15 cm) or under are fine to be repaired at home. Cracks longer than this up to and including 18 in (approx. 46 cm), consult a professional and check that it’s safe to repair at home. For cracks, longer than 18 in let a professional deal with it. Cracks that penetrate through to the inside of the windshield i.e. can be felt while sitting inside the car should not be fixed but the windshield should be replaced.

So, everything you’re going to need can be bought from your local hardware store all at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new windshield.

First thing you need is a bridge style repair kit. Ideally one with suction cups are better as it will help “stick” to the window while your applying the resin into the crack. It should also contain a vacuum system that will help remove air from the crack as the resin is applied.

The resin within the applicator will need to be “cured” AFTER it has been applied, with UV light so make sure its daylight, preferably when its sunny, but if this is not possible see if you can get hold of a UV lamp.

Finally, before applying the resin tap out any broken glass or shards that may still be present and ensure that the window is clean and dry. The last thing you want to do is trap any broken glass or dirt into the window.

Once the window is ready, pending on the type of resin applicator you have purchased, you will need to prep the syringe with the resin. Always check the instructions as each one will differ slightly in the application method. If you are dealing with a longer crack, then you will need to make a small hole at the end of the crack but not all the way though just on the surface approx. ¼ the way through. Recommend you use a glass drill bit for this. Once this has done place the loaded applicator over the area that needs to be repaired. If your applicator came with suction cups then you will need to apply a lubricant. Vaseline is ideal for this. If your applicator didn’t come with suction cups then simply hold the end against the crack.

Slowly pull up or release the applicator syringe. This will allow the resin to enter the crack while at the same time forcing out any air that may be in the crack. Do approx. 2 cm at a team before moving the applicator. This is where greased suction cups are ideal as they will slide easily across the window. Take your time as this is the trickiest part and getting this wrong could cost you the window. Once you are sure the resin is entering the crack you will be able to easily move the applicator across and fill the rest.

Once you have filled the crack you will need to apply the curing tape. Sometimes they give you large sheets so cut to size or as required and cover the whole length of the crack. You will now need to leaver the window exposed to UV light to cure the resin. Note you will still be able to see the crack at this point. Curing can take from 30 mins up to couple hours so be patient. Once it has been cured then you can removing the curing strips and using a razor, (some kits provide one), scrape off any excess resin from the windshield. You will still be able to see the crack faintly but for the large part it will be mostly invisible.

Auto Glass Maintenance

laser-5198_insitu05You might think that the winter season is not harmful to your car since there are rarely any reports about how a car’s windshield and its glass windows getting damaged right away by the intense exposure to temperature, whether this is too hot or too cold. The coldness of winter can actually ‘burn’ anything, although this doesn’t happen right away. Have you ever tried holding on ice directly? The sharp prickling pain that you feel from feeling that cold of the ice can happen to other objects as well, and auto glass is no exception.

Falling ice can cause chips, dings, and cracks. Depending on the scale of the damage, you can have it repaired or replaced. A rock chip is easy to repair, but when the crack is very deep, the auto glass company may have to decide to have it replaced.

Auto glass companies are usually busy during seasons with extreme temperatures such as summer and winter. These two seasons of the year bring a lot of stress to the auto glass, which eventually causes it to break carefully. The only way to know that your vehicle needs auto glass replacement or repair is by sending it to a trusted auto glass company. They will assess the situation and will tell you the recommended choice to make when it comes to auto glass.

Car owners commit a lot of mistakes when it comes to taking care of the auto glass during winter, in the hopes that they can get it done quickly. It is known in places where winter can get severe; the vehicles can get frozen when they are hit and exposed to snow. It is not a problem for car owners that have their garages, since they can protect their vehicles. However, for those that are parked outside, avoid using boiling water in the hopes of defrosting the windshield of your vehicle. If you find any ice on the windshield and has penetrated through the glass, you can only crack the glass and send your vehicle to an auto glass company to have it repaired. But there is another way to do this – turn on your vehicle’s defroster and let it slowly warm up your car. This will eventually melt up all the ice and snow.

If there is any ice stuck to your windshield, the best you should do is use an ice scraper. Use the wiper fluid when you clean the windshield as well. It will help remove the ice and even prevent any rock chips from happening. Try to use winter washer fluid that has some nice mix in its solution so as to have easier cleaning.

Not all areas around the world go through winter seasons. But just because you are not living in areas where it can get cold does not mean you can relax. The same damage can also be dealt with vehicles that are exposed to extreme heat, especially tropical places wherein heat can be very merciless.