Tag Archives: Power window repair

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.