Cracked Windshield Repair

There are several reasons for not replacing the windshields. Little do they realize the risk they’re putting themselves and their families in by not having cracked windshield repair.

Excuses vary. Some say their insurance has a deductible that they currently can’t afford. Some say the crack doesn’t obstruct their view, while others say they just don’t see the necessity if it’s not shattered. It’s hard not to roll my eyes at all these answers. The purpose of this article is to tell you why it’s so important to have a good windshield on your vehicle and to give you some tips for when you make this very important purchase.

The Purpose of Your Windshield

Believe it or not, front windshields serve a much bigger purpose than just allowing you to see outside of the car when you’re driving. They also protect you from the rain, snow and other elements of weather. More importantly, however, are the safety features provided by your car’s windshield such as the 3 bullet points below.

It Acts As A Shield For Air Bags – Cheap, low-quality glass is more likely to crack or pop out, which can cause incorrect deployment or improper inflation of your air bags.
It Prevents The Roof From Collapsing – Many people don’t realize that the windshield of the car provides from 30% to 60% of the car’s structural strength. In a roll-over crash, a cheap windshield can cause your roof to collapse, which can be life-threatening to you and your passengers.
It Helps Prevent Ejection of Passengers in a Crash – Your windshield can also keep you from being thrown from your vehicle in the case of a collision. With the exception of seat belts, the windshield provides the most safety from being thrown from your vehicle. These are some of the many reasons why OEM glass is required by car manufacturers.

Safety Comes First

Purchasing auto glass for any part of your vehicle is more than just opening the phone book and choosing the first provider with the cheapest price. Safety should always be the #1 concern when we’re driving. Here are four safety questions you should ask windshield replacement service providers before you choose which one to use.

How Qualified are the Technicians Replacing Your Windshield?

While windshield replacement service providers, also referred to as auto glass technicians, are not required to be licensed, they should be highly trained, experienced and knowledgeable of the whole process. With so many makes and models of vehicles around today all having different types and shapes of auto glass, windshield installation and replacement can be complicated. Ask your auto glass technician to provide proof they are certified. Do some research before hiring someone to do the job. Are they reputable? Will they take care of insurance paperwork for you? Check credentials while comparing costs!

What Type of Glass & Adhesive Do They Use?

If your auto glass technician states he can get you a windshield cheaper than average, you should definitely question what type of glass is being used. Is it OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass? OEM glass is safer, sturdier and less prone to cracking. If you’ve gone so far as to require OEM glass, you will want to ask if they are using OEM adhesives as well. Low-quality adhesives do not work as well in wet or cold climates and take much longer to dry or cure. This can be a real problem if the car is used too soon after installation. In other words, the windshield may leak with the slightest impact if you start driving around before the urethane has time to dry.

How Soon Can You Drive Your Car After Installation?

With the busy lives we all lead today, we seldom have the time to sit at a garage waiting for a new windshield to be installed. Auto glass providers often come to our home or place of business and do the work while we do our work. This is extremely convenient, but can be dangerous if we’re unknowingly driving the car before it’s ready. The glass and urethane need time to properly cure to the car in order to prevent future problems. This is known as “safe drive away time” and is listed on each bottle of urethane. Question your windshield replacement service provider on this safety issue, as well as if there are any precautions that should be taken a couple days after installation.

What Type of Warranty Do They Provide?

If you’re like many others who have waited almost forever to finally replace your windshield, you’re going to want to make sure it last and, if it doesn’t, that they’ll replace it free. If you’re offered anything less than at least a 1-year warranty, question the type of glass that’s being used. Some companies may offer a lifetime warranty. If this is offered, you can almost assume they’re using high-quality OEM glass.

Windshield – Replacement or Repair?

As much as you may want to put off spending money on your damaged windshield, it’s very possible you may only need a repair. A good rule of thumb is that if the crack is at least as long as a dollar bill, it should be replaced. Even if it’s shorter than a dollar bill, it should be replaced if it extends to the edge of the glass. If the chip or crack is smaller than a dollar bill and it’s not extended to the edge of the glass, it may be able to be safely repaired. Additionally, if the crack is in your line of vision, it needs to be replaced.

While all the glass on your car is important, the front windshield is most important in terms of having it fixed when it’s damaged. Something to consider, insurance companies often will pay to have a windshield repaired because it may prevent a larger expense if it shatters completely. Also, some insurance companies require a deductible be paid for replacements, while others may waive the deductible. Contacting your insurance company could save you money! That being said, the main concern here is safety and hiring a certified technician will ensure the job is done correctly whether you’re saving money through your insurance or not.

Avoiding Windshield Glares

Windshield glares are one of the most annoying driving problems to have. They block our sight, blind us while driving, and cause us to nearly get into car accidents. Glares are a driver’s worst enemy. And since they can get us into car accidents, they can destroy our windshields. A good way to prevent an accident is to have a car glass repair. This can help eliminate those irritating glares. Obviously, you cannot get rid of the sun or streetlights, which are the culprits behind those glares. However, you can protect your windshield against those glares by doing a few things.

Clean the Windshield Inside and Out to Help Prevent Windshield Glares

Glares take place when auto glass is dirty. The haziness of the windshield allows the sun’s rays to enter the car in an annoying way, causing you to see glares. So a good way to get rid of glares and prevent a car glass repair is by regularly washing your windshield inside and out. Take a windshield cleaner, such as Rain-X Original Glass Treatment or Armor All Auto Glass Cleaner, and spray it over the windshield. Then, using a microfiber cloth (never use regular rags, towels, or sponges as they can scratch the glass), wipe the glass clean. You will need to repeat the same process on the other side of the glass. This will remove dirt and grime that have been building up on the windshield and stop glares.

Clean all Windows and Mirrors

Of course, cleaning the windshield is not enough to remove glares. You can still get glares through your windows and mirrors, as they can reflect other cars’ headlights and obstruct your vision. To prevent a car glass repair, take a look at your glass. When was the last time you cleaned it properly? It is extremely important to clean all your auto glass, including your rearview mirror, if you are having problems with glares.

Clean the Windshield Wipers

While cleaning your windshield wipers does not directly affect windshield glares, it does help you maintain your windshield’s cleanliness, which in turn removes glares. As a result, it is essential to frequently examine your windshield wipers and get them cleaned. Use your favorite washer fluid to wet a microfiber cloth. Then, use the cloth to wipe the windshield wipers. This will leave them in a good condition and help you keep the glass in a topnotch shape. Though, if your windshield wipers are old and have cracks in them, replace them with new ones, as the old wipers can scratch at the glass and cause even more glares. At the same time, always be sure you have enough washer fluid in your car so you can keep the windshield clean at all times.

Clean the Headlights

Another powerful way to avoid windshield glares and prevent a car glass repair is to clean your car’s headlights. This will help you view the road more clearly since other cars’ lights will not be brighter than yours and blur your vision. There are a couple of ways to clean the headlights. While wiping them off with a car cleaner and a microfiber cloth is good—even essential—you will find that you need to do an extra step in order to remove the yellow haze that is covering them. Therefore, what you will need to do is take baking soda and vinegar and combine a little bit of each in a cup. After that, you can dab your microfiber cloth in this homemade remedy and use it to wipe the grime and haze off the headlights. This homemade solution can be very effective toward reducing glares. In just a few minutes, your headlights will be clean as new.

Avoiding windshield glares is key to protecting your auto glass from a car glass repair. Plus, getting rid of glares can keep you safe on the road.

Safe Halloween

With Halloween fast approaching, the Car Care Council reminds motorists to drive slowly, especially through neighborhoods, to be extra careful when entering or exiting driveways, and to make sure their vehicle’s brakes, lights and wipers are working properly for a safe Halloween.

“Motorists can help keep young pedestrians safe on Halloween by reminding children of basic safety rules, taking extra precautions when driving through neighborhoods, and inspecting vehicle safety items, like brakes,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With daylight savings time on the horizon, October is also an ideal time to check vehicles lights and wipers to ensure maximum visibility.”

Check Your Windshield

A dirty windshield may look spooky but does not help to see children crossing the street. If the weather turns, cracked or torn wipers will also pose a problem to visibility. Check that all your lights are working for maximum performance and visibility on Halloween. This year the end of daylight saving time is after Halloween and that means children will likely be trick-or-treating at dusk when the sky is still bright, yet objects on the road can merge with shadows and fade into darkness.

Check Your Brakes

A vehicle’s brake system is the most critical safety item on a vehicle, but brakes wear out and eventually need replacement. Several factors that affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repairs, such as letting the brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which can be potentially dangerous and lead to more costly repairs.

Note to Parents

“Parents should remind their little ghosts and goblins to get out of cars on the curb side, not the street side, to stop at all corners and to use crosswalks,” continued White. “Children should look left, right and left again before crossing, stay on sidewalks, avoid crossing through yards, and wear bright, reflective and flame-retardant clothing.”

reprinted from the Car Care Council. 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.

Power Window Repair Fresno

Is your power window jammed? We can fix it. When power windows jam in the open position, it is important to get a power window repair right away.

Keep the rain outside the car, not inside.

If you are driving with a jammed power window and a rain storm comes up suddenly, your car’s interior can get drenched. Besides that, it is distracting. If you have a jammed window, act fast. Getting a power window repair prevents rain from ever entering your car. This way, you will not get into accidents because you got drenched while trying to concentrate on the road.

Thieves can see your car’s contents

Another important reason to get a power window repair is to prevent thieves from breaking into your car. Just picture your jammed window, which is open just a crack, leaving room for thieves to unlock your car. Having an open (or even broken window) tempts thieves. It is best to protect your car by getting a repair. This way, the chance of a thief eyeing your car decreases.

Your window can shatter

If your power window has a chip or crack in it, then it definitely needs a repair. A big reason for that is because the damage can get worse. Although a tiny chip might appear harmless, it is not. Imagine driving on the road when your window shatters. If you happen to be right next to that window, the glass might fly at you. This can be dangerous on the road. Avoiding this situation is best, and you can do it by taking your car for a repair.

The weather outside may be frightfully cold or hot

It is impossible to keep outside temperatures stay outside since you have a jammed power window. If you have a jammed or broken power window, hot or cold air can seep in. While it might be fun to have the windows down occasionally, if it is freezing or hot, this isn’t ideal. Getting a power window repair is a wise choice. It will protect you from extreme weather temperatures and keep your attention on the road.

Getting a power window repair is important, even essential, if you have a jammed car window. It ensures your safety on and off the road.

Cracked Windshield Repair Fresno

As you are driving to work you pass some road construction work. Somehow, a pebble from the street strikes your car, and next thing you know, your windshield is cracked. What do you do? Well, you should not panic. However, you should do these four musts once you realize you need a cracked windshield repair Fresno:

Take a Photo of Your Windshield

Take a photo of your cracked windshield (or any damaged windshield or window). This way, if your insurance asks for a detailed description of the damage, you can send them an exact picture. Plus, it is always smart to have proof of the damage in case something happens that makes the insurance refuse to pay for a windshield repair.

Measure the Damage

The next step would be to measure the damage to figure out whether this type of damage is small enough to be repaired or big enough that you must get the entire windshield replaced. For instance, a big crack that is splitting in many directions is not the type of damage that can be repaired (although, you can replace the windshield altogether). Therefore, measuring the crack is important.

If the damage is less than six inches long, then it can probably be repaired.
However, if the damage is longer than six inches, then your windshield will simply need to be replaced.

File an Insurance Claim

Once you have taken a photo and measured the crack, you will need to file an insurance claim. Many car glass repair shops, like 7 Stars Auto Glass Fresno, deal with your insurance for you, so you do not have to worry about that. Nevertheless, in the case that you cannot get an auto glass repair shop to file a claim with your insurance on your behalf, you must do it yourself.

Go to an Auto Glass Repair Shop or Call for a Mobile Repair Service

Finally, you will need to take your car to an auto glass repair shop OR call for a mobile repair service. Yes, you oftentimes have the option to call for the repair service to come to you. At 7 Stars Auto Glass San Diego, a mobile repair service is complimentary, meaning you will not be charged extra for it. Thus, if you need a cracked windshield repair Fresno and you feel that your car is not safe to drive in that condition, simply call for this service and get your windshield repaired.

Once you realize you need to get a cracked windshield repair Fresno, be sure to follow these four important steps to efficiently and easily get your car glass fixed.

Mobile Windshield Repair Fresno

If you have a damaged windshield but you cannot drive to an auto glass repair shop for one reason or another, you have another option. What option? you ask. Well, you can call for a mobile windshield repair service from 7 Star Auto Glass Fresno. Here are four reasons why you should.

Convenient for You

Driving somewhere for a repair is never fun or convenient. If you have work, you basically must waste hours out of your day. A repair takes some time to be completed, and it is dreadful having to wait, even if that is only for fifteen minutes. Calling for a mobile windshield repair service with 7 Star Auto Glass Fresno is convenient for you. You do not have to do a thing. You can continue going about your day and doing what matters to you, and we will work on your auto glass repair until it is back to the way it should be.

Safer for You

If your auto glass is terribly damaged, you should not be driving your car. If you do, you would be putting yourself in danger. What if the entire windshield or window shatters? And what if without the windshield in place the car roof collapses on you? Yes, that can happen. Calling for a mobile windshield repair Fresno service is safer for you. Without putting yourself at risk, you can get your car repaired.

Does Not Cost You Extra

Calling 7 Star Auto Glass Fresno for a mobile windshield repair service does not cost you anything extra. We only charge you for the repair, and driving to you is on us. After all, at 7 Star Fresno, our goal is to keep you and your car safe on the road by fixing your glass, and we will do anything to make sure we meet our goal and promise.

Saves You Precious Time

7 Star Auto Glass Fresno understands that everyone is busy in their own right. So, by calling for a mobile windshield repair Fresno service, you can save precious time. You can call us right from your job so that you can keep doing your important work. Or you can call us from home while you are taking care of your kids. You can even call us from the restaurant you are dining at. The options are endless. We can go anywhere you need us to be, just make the call for our complimentary, high-quality service!

If you need a car glass repair but cannot drive to a repair shop, call 7 Star Auto Glass Fresno and ask for the mobile windshield repair Fresno service at no additional cost!

Windshield Replacement Safe Drive Away Time

The term Safe Drive Away Time refers to how long after your windshield is replaced that your car is safe to drive away SAFELY. This will vary depending on the adhesive type used when replacing your windshield. In some cases, it can be as little as an hour or as much as several hours. Type of adhesive, temperature, humidity are all factors when determining the time. Summer weather can have the adhesives cure quicker while winter weather can slow the process down.

Your certified technician will inform you of how much time is needed before driving away. If you take the car to the shop, you may be better leaving it there. If you are using the mobile service, this is probably not an issue.

What happens if you drive the car before the adhesive cures properly?

While it is an unlikely event that you will have an accident a few hours after your windshield is replaced, it can happen. Your windshield (properly installed) supports the vehicle’s roof. If the Safe Drive Away Time is ignored, the windshield may not stay in place in the event of a crash. You and your passengers are not safe at that point as the roof could cave in or be ejected through the opening. Knowing the SDAT could save your life

Minimum Drive Away Time

Recently the term Minimum Drive Away Time has been added to the windshield replacement vocabulary as it is more accurate, as it reflects a minimum amount of time needed before a vehicle could be considered to be operational and safe.

No matter what – Companies should stand behind their drive-away time. If it’s 30 minutes, then that’s the minimum time needed for the adhesive to cure. Some technicians may go further and add more time on top of that minimum, just in case.

Car Care Tips

Taking a good care of your car not only keeps your car looking nice but also protects you on the road. The better you preserve your car, the better it works. So, if you want to stay safe on the road, be sure to keep your car in the best shape. A couple of ways to do that is by following these amazing car care tips:

Cleaning Your Windshield Inside and Out

A clean windshield helps accomplish a couple of great things.

One, you can prevent sun glares.
Two, you can prevent scratches.
Three, you can have a clearer driving visibility.

Therefore, it is a wise idea to regularly wash your windshield inside and out. Be sure to rely on a windshield cleaner and a microfiber cloth for the job. You will have a flawless, clear windshield and stay safe on the road with this fantastic car care Fresno tip.

Do Not Wash Your Car Under 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.

Refill on Windshield Washer Fluid

Regularly refilling on windshield washer fluid can help you maintain your windshield’s cleanliness. Plus, the less dirty your windshield is, the less glares you will have. This way, you can stay safe on the road. This car care Fresno tip is a great way to also preserve your car’s value!

Substitute Sponges for 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, switch over to microfiber cloths. They are gentle and safe on auto glass and car paint.

Clean Your Headlights with Baking Soda and Vinegar

The last but not least car care Fresno tip is to 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 like they had been when you first purchased your car. Hooray!

These five car care Fresno tips will not only preserve your car’s value and appearance, they will also keep you safe on the road.

Car Glass Protection

Did you know that your windshield is very necessary for the structural integrity of your car? It’s true. Without the windshield, the roof of your car can easily collapse, since the glass is what holds it up. That’s why it’s essential to take care of your windshield by keeping it clean and sturdy, without any damages. Another way to protect your windshield from damage is by replacing the windshield wipers when they start getting old and worn out. This car care Fresno tip is a must to follow.

Measuring and Purchasing the Blades

Wiper blades are only the rubber assembly portion of the windshield wipers, not the wiper arms. This means that, when you are replacing your wipers, you are not removing everything. In order to find out whether it is time to remove the wiper blades and replace them with new ones, check the rubber for any scratches or cuts. If you find any, then that indicates that it is time to change them. Then, you will need to measure the wiper blades by length. Make sure to measure both wiper blades, as they often have different measurements. Once you know how long each wiper blade has to be, take the measurements to an auto parts or auto glass store and purchase the new wiper blades. Lots of times, you can even ask a car care Fresno specialist at the auto glass store to help you find the right measurements.

Removing the Windshield Wipers

To remove the rubber assembly, you should do the following in this specific order:

Raise the wiper arm (one wiper at a time) away from the windshield. It is recommended that you place a towel against the windshield during this time to guard the glass in case the wiper arm snaps back into place.
After the wiper arm is set vertically, look for the joint that connects the rubber assembly and the wiper arm together. In this joint, you will find a small tab. This is what you have to push on in order to unlock the joint.
While pushing on the joint’s tab, take your other hand and use it to carefully hit down on the rubber assembly. This move will aid you in sliding the wiper blades down the wiper arm and freeing it of the arm’s hook.
On the other hand, if your wiper arm has a pin instead of a joint hook, all you need to do is unfasten the lock located above the pin and then proceed to pull out the pin out of the hole that is on the side of the wiper blade assembly.

Installing the New Wiper Blades

Installing the new wiper blades is similar to removing them. Just as you have unhooked the rubber assembly, you will now hook it. If the wiper arm has a hook, you will take the new wiper blades and slide them into the hook end. Pivot the wiper blades until the hook snaps into place. When you hear the snap, you can be sure that the wiper blades are secure. However, if the wiper arm has a pin instead, then you will need to push up on the lock that is on the rubber assembly and, while doing so, insert the pin in the hole. Then push down on the lock to secure the wiper blades into place.

Replacing old wiper blades with new ones doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these car care Fresno tips, you’ll be an expert on changing windshield wipers and you will be protecting your car’s glass at the same time.

Windshield Replacement Fresno

If your windshield gets chipped or cracked, should you repair or replace it? If you drive with a chip or cracked windshield long enough, that chip or crack can become a problem.

Windshields can take a beating. There could be gravel falling from uncovered construction trucks and the occasional chunk of unknown debris kicked up by cars passing by. In some ways, it’s amazing that windshields survive as long as they do.

Large and Small Repairs

The good news is that smaller chips and cracks can usually be repaired by a professional. A crack or chip can be safely repaired if it can be covered by a dollar bill. However, if the chip is directly in the drivers line of sight, there are more than three cracks or chips on the glass, the damage is at the edge of the windshield, or the windshield is old and covered with tiny divots, it should be replaced rather than repaired.

The repair process works by injecting a special resin into the chipped area. This should be handled by a professional.

If your windshield can be repaired, do it immediately. A small chip can spread across the windshield if you hit a big pothole, drive on a gravel road or make an aggressive turn. If you’re on the road away from home, a repair company can typically come to you.

A reason to repair your windshield before the crack grows and the windshield must be replaced: the windshield serves as a structural part in many vehicles that contributes to the overall strength of the vehicle.

If your windshield is severely pitted from sand, salt or other objects, replacing rather than repairing can be like getting a stronger eyeglass prescription, especially at night — it can improve visibility and make it easier to see while driving. Replacing opaque headlight covers can have a similar effect.

DIY Repair

You may also attempt to repair the chip or crack yourself. There are many do-it-yourself repair kits available at your local auto parts store, and they typically attempt to replicate the resin injection technique of the professionals. The difference, of course, is due to the quality of the tools and materials, and training and expertise of the person administering the repair.

Remember, a key function of the repair is to prevent the crack or chip from expanding or spreading, and also to help restore some of the structural integrity of the glass. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the DIY repair process, consider hiring a professional.

Repair if possible and logical. Replace if you must. And consider using a professional for best results.