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Wearing Seat Belts

Car safety is important. Motor vehicle deaths are the major cause of death in the first three decades of an American’s life. By wearing seat belts and buckling children into age and size appropriate car seats and booster seats, people can reduce the risk of serious injury and death by half. Most drivers do follow the safety measures but there are still millions who don’t. This is a primary enforcement for seat belt violations, which means that a driver can be pulled over and sited just for not wearing a seat belt.

Certain strategies have been put in place to TRY to increase seat belt use.

Laws allow officers to stop and ticket someone for not buckling up. Some states only allow officers to give tickets when they have pulled the driver over for something else.
Increased penalties are given resulting in higher fines or points on a driver’s license.
High-visibility enforcement – Combining law enforcement and media coverage is effective for reaching people who don’t use seat belts regularly such as men, teens, and young adults.
Programs are conducted at night to target people when seat belt use is the lowest and crashes are the highest.

Certain strategies can increase car seat and booster seat use

Child restraint laws require children riding in a car to use approved devices appropriate for their age.
Effective programs help advertise car seat and seat belt use.
Distribution of car seats through giveaways or low cost rentals.
Incentive programs with coupons or prizes reward parents for correctly using car seats.

Some facts:

Among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%.
Seat belts prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected during a crash.
People not wearing seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash.

Seat belts protect people from needless death and injury. People are in a hurry, distracted, and simply forget. Many people don’t wear their seat belts, and thousands die as a result. BE SAFE AND BUCKLE UP!

For car safety and windshield repair, please call 7 Star Auto Glass in Fresno.

Car Care Resolution 2019

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions started over 4,000 years with the Babylonians. They wanted to find favor with the gods and start the year off right. While we don’t have that kind of goal, it is still a good practice to review and remind ourselves of what’s important and what we want to improve. Every area of your life can be improved – your fitness, your finances, etc. Did you ever include a car care resolution on that list? Your car is a very important component of your life to keep you and your family safe. Maybe you should as proper car care can help to keep you safe.

Here’s few items to check for your car care resolution:

Tire Pressure– as the temperature drops, so does your tire pressure. Driving with under inflated tires can be dangerous but on the bright side, it can improve fuel efficiency to have your tires with the proper psi.

Battery– Keep your battery erosion-free. Batteries don’t give warning lights.

Brakes– Have your brakes checked. You don’t have to be reminded on how important it is to have proper brakes.

Oil– Change your oil at regular intervals. Oil is the life blood of your car.

Wiper Blades– Change in temperature can make the rubber on your wiper blades hard and brittle. Torn or cracked blades won’t properly clean your windshield.

Gas tank– Try to have your gas tank at least half full at all times, especially if you live in a colder winter climate. This decreases the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

Headlights– Replace before burnout when possible. The problem is – most drivers don’t know their headlight is out. Driving with a burned out headlight on a dark road poses a risk to both the driver and others.

Spare Tire– Be sure you have your spare tire on your vehicle and not laying in the garage.

Emergency Kit– Try to carry an emergency kit which includes jumper cables, flash light, basic tools, first aid kit, and water supplies – all things to help you survive until help comes to get you back on the road.

Mobile phone– Be sure you have your mobile phone fully charged or carry a back-up battery.

Car Wash– Have your car washed or wash it yourself at least once a month.

Once you follow this list, you will be happier and your car will, too.

After the Windshield Installation

After you get a new windshield installed, you want it to perform well. Here are tips what to do and what not to do in the days following a windshield replacement.

Inspect the Install

Closely examine the installation. Look for gaps in the seal around your windshield. Make sure the gasket is correctly installed. Take your car for a test drive to listen for any air noise around the install.

Get Your Warranty Paperwork

Our technicians will provide you a receipt when the installation is complete. Warranty information will be included.

Take it easy

The first 24 hours is crucial for the success of your installation. Auto glass installation is fragile during this period. Try not to slam your doors. It’s a good idea to crack your door windows about 1/4 inch if you can to avoid pressure build-up. The first 24 hours is a good time for the gasket to seat and seal.

Avoid the Car Wash

Some car washes use cleaners or cleaning agents on the car during the first 3 days and those can damage the windshield seal. If the installers used a special tape to preserve the installation, do not remove for 24 hours. However, your installers probably told you that.

Check your Driving Route

As an added precaution, check your route to and from your office or other routes. Chances are, you windshield got damaged because of a random rock or road debris. If this is the case, you may want to take a different route if possible, avoiding construction areas or neighborhoods with road debris.

The first 24 hours might be the most important. By being careful during that time, your windshield will perform like new.

Need a new windshield. Let 7 Stars Auto Glass in Fresno install your new windshield. Our certified technicians will instruct you and the dos and don’ts for the first 24 hours. Call today.

Proper Car Maintenance

Proper car maintenance of your car can be important for its long life and safe operation. Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car and checking the tire pressure is important. Regular care and maintenance are crucial to the safe and reliable performance of your vehicle.

When to check the tire pressure

Many drivers may feel that they don’t have the time or money to address vehicle repairs immediately, but beware that ignoring some repairs can get you pulled over and even ticketed.

“Ignoring certain vehicle repairs may seem to save money in the short term but can lead to extra costs, such as fines or ‘fix-it’ tickets, if these problems are not taken care of when they arise,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “In some jurisdictions, car owners may even lose their license for certain violations. A few dollars spent on simple vehicle repairs can help avoid trouble with the law.”

While a vehicle is in operation, traffic laws require that certain equipment is properly installed and functioning correctly, including brakes, headlights, turn signals, mirrors, windshields and safety belts, to name a few.

The Car Care Council recommends that drivers address these repairs right away as they present public safety concerns that can earn drivers a traffic ticket on top of a repair bill.

• Non-functioning turn signals and headlights or taillights that are cracked or broken. Most states require vehicles to have functioning turn signals as well as two functioning headlights and taillights. Taillights must illuminate red; if a taillight is cracked, it can give off a white light, which is also typically a traffic violation.

• Cracked windshield. If a windshield is cracked, discolored or tinted in a way that obstructs vision, drivers may get ticketed and fined. In some states, vehicle modifications, such as tinted windows, are prohibited.

• License plates are unreadable. If the license plate light is out or if the plate is otherwise unreadable, drivers may be pulled over. In some states this includes clear or tinted plastic license plate covers.

• Loud exhaust system. A defective exhaust system that is too loud, either because it has been modified or because it needs repairs, can be cause for a ticket. What is considered loud depends on the state.

Many states also require periodic vehicle safety inspections. For an overview by state, visit https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/safety-inspection/.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org.

Reproduced from the Car Care Council

Car Glass Maintenance

Maintaining your car glass Fresno is something you should do regularly. This way, you can ensure your car is in tiptop shape, runs smoothly, and is safe. Therefore, for a flawless car, you should follow these five vital car care tips:

Cleaning Your Windshield Inside and Out

A clean windshield helps accomplish a couple of great things.

You can prevent sun glares
You can prevent scratches
And you can have a clearer driving visibility

Thus, it is a wise idea to wash your windshield inside and out as often as you can. Be sure to rely on a windshield cleaner and a microfiber cloth for the job. You will have an immaculate, clear windshield and stay safe on the road with this fantastic car care tip.

Refill on Windshield Washer Fluid

Frequently filling up on windshield washer fluid can help you maintain your windshield’s cleanliness. Plus, the less dirty your windshield is, the less sun glares you will have. This way, you can stay safe on the road. Additionally, this car care tip is great for preserving your car’s value.

Do Not Wash Your Car Under the Heat

A lot of drivers do not know that washing their cars under the heat can leave behind watermarks and stains. Not only is this an unappealing sight, but it is also terrible for your car’s health. Stains can create glares on your windshield as well as leave behind scratches. Similarly, stains can cause your car paint to dull in color. Thus, it is best to wash your car when the sun is not sharp.

Swap Sponges with Microfiber Cloths When Washing Your Car

A lot of drivers wash their cars with a sponge and dry them with a towel. It should be noted that that is a terrible thing to do. Sponges and towels can scratch the paint and glass over there. As a result, it is not a good idea to use them. Instead, swap them with microfiber cloths. They are gentle and safe on auto glass and car paint.

Clean Your Headlights with Baking Soda and Vinegar

This last car care tip is amazing! Clean your car’s headlights with a baking soda and vinegar mixture. This mixture eats away at the hazy dirt blocking the lights. In a few minutes, you will have shiny headlights as if you had just purchased your car.

Maintaining your car is crucial for its safety. With these five amazing car care tips, you will keep your car in tiptop shape and have total comfort.

Windshield Repair or Replace

If you are wondering whether it’s better to repair or replace car glass, you should consider some factors, such as visibility, safety, and size of damage.

The windshield can be repaired if only the outer layer is damaged or the crack is not close to the outer margin of the glass. You can also have it repaired if the crack is shorter than 12 inches or the chip is smaller than one inch.

Replacement is necessary when it impairs the driver’s visibility or the inner layer of glass has also been broken. Windshield replacement is also recommended when the damage is near the edge of the windshield or longer than 14 inches. Chips or bullseye damage larger than 3 inches requires replacement.

To reiterate the considerations, keep reading.

Safety

Safety should be #1 when considering driving with a damaged windshield. Remember that a broken windshield cannot provide protection to driver and passengers, like the roof collapsing.

Visibility

Can the driver see clearly with the damage? In some states, it is illegal to drive if the crack is in the driver’s line of vision.

Dimensions

It is generally accepted that chips or bullseyes up to one inch can be repaired as well as cracks as long as 12 inches.

Depth

Windshields are made of two layers of glass. If the damage penetrates through the inner layer of glass, it can’t be repaired – replacement is necessary. Also, even if the exterior layer is intact, the windshield should be replaced if the interior layer is damaged.

Position

Cracks close to the edge or corner of the glass can worsen and spread quickly, especially if the car goes over bumps or pot holes.

Advantages

While replacing a windshield will take longer and may be more expensive, it is a sure way to insure safety with the highest level of visibility.

Chipped Windshield

A chipped windshield can cause the integrity of your windshield to be in question putting yourself and your passengers in danger. We understand that whether you have a new or old vehicle, safety is the most important. We all rely on our cars to transport us and our loved ones on a daily basis. Taking this into account we strive to provide the highest quality windshield repair and replacement services available. Our main goal is to get you and your vehicle back on the road safely and quickly.

Why Repair a Windshield?

If a stone chips your windshield and the damage is smaller than an inch in diameter and not in the driver’s line of vision, we can repair it to prevent the crack from spreading. If you catch it early, an auto glass repair could be all you need and repair is a fraction of the cost of replacement. A chipped windshield could be dangerous and almost all chips will spread eventually.

When considering Windshield Repair:

Windshield Repairs are quick and affordable and can sometimes be covered by your insurance provider at little or no cost to you. Many insurance companies waive deductibles up to $500 if you repair rather than replace. Let one of our insurance billing specialists help you determine your coverage.

Small nicks or chips can turn into a large crack requiring a full windshield replacement. The sooner you have a repair done the better.

If you are unsatisfied with your windshield repair or the repaired area ever spreads, the cost of the repair will be credited toward the cost of a brand new windshield installation as long as we performed the windshield replacement.

A chip in your windshield can cause the integrity of your windshield to be in question putting yourself and your passengers in danger.

When you call us, we will dispatch a certified technician to remedy the issue quickly and professionally. We can dispatch a technician to your location of choice or have you come in to one of our service centers and have you back on the road in no time.

When we Replace a Windshield

When a windshield can’t be repaired the only alternative is to replace the cracked windshield with a new one. When we replace your windshield, our Certified Technicians follow certain safety standards to make sure your vehicle is as safe as when it left the factory.

Steps that will be followed:

The certified technician will explain in detail the service being performed.

The technician will remove your rearview mirror as well as other attachments to the glass like your EZ PASS, State inspection sticker (if applicable), parking sticker from work or school or other stickers like oil change details.

Completely and safely remove the old windshield and the old adhesive. It is critical that the old adhesive be removed and new sealant used to install your new windshield.

After the replacement is completed, the technician will reattach rearview mirror, inspection sticker or any other items that were previously removed, when possible.

The technician will inform you of the Safe Drive Away Time (SDAT) and other precautions to take with your new windshield. This is an important step that makes sure the adhesive has set fully and your vehicle is safe to drive.

Auto Protection Against Theft

At this time of year, we may have packages in our car’s back seat for all your family and friends but it’s also for all the world to see. Thieves often do not consider the morals of their actions. If they want to break into your car to either steal something from inside or to drive off with the vehicle, they will not hesitate. However, that does not mean that there is nothing you can do to have auto protection against thieves.

In fact, there are five important tips to follow if you want to be less likely targeted by thieves. Here are those five tips:

Repair or Replace Any Damaged Windows

Obviously, if you have a damaged car window or windshield, thieves are more likely to attempt breaking inside your car. They have an easy way in, and they do not even have to break the glass as it is already broken. So, a good way to have auto protection against thieves is to repair any damaged auto glass.

Remove or Hide Valuables

Another reason thieves might target your car is if they notice valuables lying about inside the vehicle. Even items you might not consider that big of a deal might be precious to thieves. Thus, hiding your valuables is a must. These items can vary from a GPS, an empty tote bag, spare money, etc. Anything that might catch a thief’s eye should be hidden.

Park in Plain Sight

Drivers who park their cars in empty parking spots or in front of lonely buildings are more likely to get targeted by car thieves. To have the best auto protection, you should simply park in plain sight in areas that are well-populated.

Tint the Windshields and Windows

Another great tip is to tint your auto glass. Tinting laws vary from state to state, but generally, you can tint to a certain extent. You don’t need the windows and windshields to be pitch black; you just need them to be dark enough to hinder thieves from being able to detect what is inside your vehicle. This is particularly helpful at night. If you have just the slightest tint on your windows, it will be nearly impossible to see anything inside the car.

Put Window Stickers That Say You Have a Car Alarm

Even if you do not have a car alarm, it is wise to purchase stickers that say you have a car alarm set up. If a thief is tricked into thinking that an alarm will sound if he so much as tries to open the door or break through a window, he will most likely not go near it. This is a wonderful way to get inside the thief’s head and play him at his own game.

These five simple tips for auto protection against thieves will keep your car safe from even the smartest and slyest of car thieves.

Holiday Road Trip Protection

What could be worse than your car breaking down while on a holiday road trip visiting relatives during the holidays, perhaps hundreds of miles from home.Time with relatives and friends is a time for fun, not dealing with the stress of getting your car repaired.

To that end, please take these steps you can take to protect your vehicle, your trip and your family.

If you have a mechanic you usually deal with have him check/change the following or if you are DIY, you need to check these things:

Change your oil and oil filter.
Change air filter.
Check car belts and change spark plugs.
Make certain your tire iron and jack are in the car.
Check spare tire.
Check tires condition. Check tires tread and look for signs of strain, bulges or other damage. Check tire pressure. Don’t over inflate.
Check windshield wipers and wiper fluid. When the rain falls, you don’t want to discover your wipers are useless. In addition, bug hits can really mess a windshield, so you’ll need a full fluid reservoir.
Check Coolant.
Flush radiator, if you haven’t done so in a while.
Check Fuses and Horn.
Check that high and low beam headlights are in working order.
Check power steering and brake fluid.
- Begin your trip with a clean car, both inside and out. It will help for you to be organized.
- Try not to put luggage over the car. It creates air friction and slows you down – burning more gas. If it is unavoidable, cover with strong sheet and tie them very well.
- Keep a small garbage bag inside the car.Some additional advice:
- Pack a fire extinguisher.
- Get a spare key for the car and keep it in your wallet or elsewhere on your person in case you lock your keys in the car.
- Fix sun protectors for side windows and front windshield.
- Stock up on CDs to cover the trip if you don’t have Sirius radio..
- Bring a plastic funnel to add water or other fluids
- Bring towels for cleaning dirty windshields, spills, etc.
- Make sure your owner’s manual is handy.

Once your car passes this checklist, there are some tips for effective driving. After all, you may not be a part of your car, but if you’re not functioning properly, your car’s condition really doesn’t matter.
Always fill your gas tank when it is half full. Don’t wait too long. Sometimes there can be miles and miles in between rest areas or service areas.

Be reasonable about how many miles you can cover in a day. Don’t push it, especially with young children.

Forget about high speeds. A steady driver can book more miles and enjoy more scenery. You’ll also save on gas over the long haul.

Leave the caffeine at home. If you get tired, pull over and rest. If it’s midway through the day, try a nap of about 30 minutes. If it’s getting dark, get a motel. It’s not worth risking your safety if your body is telling you it needs rest.

Learn to avoid boredom. For times like this, listening to your favorite music or a book on tape can prove invaluable.

Finally, stay away from trucks. Truck drivers dislike having anyone follow them.

With proper preparation before a trip, and a good attitude during a journey, you can make sure you not only survive a long trip – but also enjoy it.

Cover headlights and front of the car with a protective sheet to prevent bug clogs or other damage.

Wipers Can Scratch

Windshield wipers are a life saver when they are in good condition. They make your view clear. When your windshield wipers get old, they can create hazardous driving conditions, like driving in the rain or at night. If the wipers cause streaks, it can block your view and make it difficult to see road signs or oncoming traffic.

How do windshield wipers scratch your windshield?

The rubber edge gets worn out or damaged leaving the metal exposed. Then the metal comes in contact with the glass. The windshield wiper blades are designed to press firmly against the glass and the movement of the blades can cause the metal to dig into the surface resulting in small indentations. The scratches and streaks will only worsen unless resolved.

What can you expect from damaged windshield wipers?

Scratches can reflect sunlight and headlights from oncoming cars
Blades will not wipe all the water off the blades causing limited vision
Water streaks can cause a distraction

Can windshield scratches be removed?

Depending on the depth of the scratches, many can be polished out, however, deep scratches on the windshield may require a full windshield replacement.

Regularly checking and replacing your windshield wipers is a good practice to avoid a full windshield replacement. Replacing your wipers takes very little time.

If you do need a windshield replacement, let 7 Star Auto Glass Fresno do the job. Our certified technicians can install a new windshield on any domestic or foreign vehicle.