Tag Archives: Windshield replacement

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.

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.

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

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.