Tag Archives: Windshield tinting

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.

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.

Windshield Damage

There are many ways to get a crack or chip in your windshield – If you are driving down the road and a rock slams into your windshield, if you get caught in a hail storm, or a branch hits your windshield during a windy day. Temperature changes can also cause a cracked windshield. Nonetheless, if you fail to have the crack repaired, the crack can grow. This can cause your windshield to go from needing a repair to a more costly replacement. However, you may be wondering how much time you have to get the repairs you need before more windshield damage sets in. Temperatures, vibrations and dirt can all affect the crack.

Temperatures Affect a Crack

Temperatures can cause a crack to get larger. When it is hot or cold outside, glass expands and/or contracts. This can cause a crack to grow in size or change direction. Driving your car in direct sunlight or letting it sit outside on an cold night can be all it takes to affect the crack. Repairing your windshield as soon as possible can prevent this issue.

Vibrations Can Cause it To Grow

Another thing that can cause a crack to grow is vibrations. When you drive your car, it vibrates. If you turn the radio up loud, your car vibrates. Your car can vibrate as you drive over a bumpy road, when you hit a pothole or when you go over speed tables. All of these things rattle your windshield around and can cause the crack to grow. And unfortunately, there is no way to avoid most of these issues while you are driving. This is why it is important to repair your windshield as quickly as you can.

Dirt and Dust Can Prevent Repairs From Working

The last thing you need to know about driving with a crack or chip in your windshield is that dirt and dust can enter the chip or crack. When this occurs, the resin that is injected into the chip or crack to fill it may not be able to bond to the glass as it should. Your repair may not take. The longer you wait to have your chip or crack repaired, the more dirt and dust can enter the area. Taking your windshield to be repaired in a timely manner is the best way to ensure dirt and dust don’t build up within your chip or crack.

When your windshield is damaged, it is important that the damage be repaired as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine just how much time you have until a crack or chip grows and spread. Repairing the damage quickly helps prevent further damage that may cause you to need to replace your windshield, rather than simply repair it. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

Preventing Mold on Windshields

Mold can be a common occurrence in cars. It can be found in neglected vehicles left out in a humid, moist environment. However, it can also be found in cars where a water spill never dried properly. Food trucks can be easily susceptible to mold if not aired out and cleaned right. The good news is that mold can be dealt with to prevent auto windshield repairs. The bad news is that leaving it to spread throughout your car can be dangerous.

There are many types of mold, but all of them are generally the same. Mold is an organism that breeds quickly and decays whatever it can. Mold causes organic materials to biodegrade. That is why damp, undried areas, like car seats and carpets, are ideal candidates for this organism.

Nevertheless, mold is not completely bad. At this very moment, mold spores are in the very air we breathe. In fact, mold, a part of nature, is oftentimes used to produce some types of healthy foods (such as Brie cheese), medicine, and antibiotics. But too much of anything is never good, and that is certainly true when it comes to mold. More mold than is naturally in the air can cause allergic reactions if inhaled. Also, it can destroy (or eat) objects through biodegradation. If mold materializes in your vehicle, you should not ignore it. Mold could ruin various materials within the car including the glass, causing you to get an auto windshield repair.

What causes my windshield to get mold?

There are many reasons for the mold growth in your car. For one, if you left your car parked outdoors for months, mainly in a humid or moist environment, then that could cause mold to breed. Second, if you spilled water in the car and did not let it air out completely, that is another reason for the mold. Though, the scary part of all of this is that if this problem is not dealt with fast enough, the mold will spread throughout your car, going far into the glass and leading you to auto windshield repairs.

Windshield mold is very dangerous. As we have mentioned, too much mold can cause many health issues. However, mold in your car indicates there are an extreme amount of dirt and other untreated problems. Though, the most threatening aspect of mold increasing and feasting on your windshield is the fact that it could be eating at the window seals. Over time (a very short time, since mold grows and eats fast), your auto glass might even break from the damage to its window seals. Driving would become highly unsafe for you at that point.

Preventing windshield mold

If your car has mold, there are ways to combat it and prevent auto windshield repairs.First, you should always keep your car clean. Never leave trash, especially the sort that decomposes naturally (like food). If you spill a drink inside the car, wash it and let the damp area air-dry. Keep the windows down until the spill dries.

On the other hand, if you do not drive your car any more (maybe you are planning on selling it), then turn the AC on from time to time and roll the windows down. Letting the air move and refresh is important.

Though, if you notice that the window seals are cracking or there is mold on them, stop driving your car and do not attempt to clean the mold on your own. Instead, call a mobile windshield repair expert and have them replace that windshield with another one and clean the panel from the mold.

Mold is natural, but too much of it is bad. When found in your car, it can be dangerous and lead to auto windshield repairs if not removed fast. Never leave the mold to spread to your windshield and window seals. If that happens, call for a windshield repair immediately.

reprinted from an earlier post

Windshield Tinting Fresno

Tinted cars definitely look nice, but is there more to tinting auto glass than just appearances? The answer is a big YES! The truth is, tinting your car glass is simply beneficial to you and your car. Some benefits are more obvious than others, so we are going to point out the four major Fresno windshield tinting benefits.

No glares while driving in the sun

Sun glares are terrible, but that is not why many can owners get their windshields and windows tinted at a Fresno auto glass shop. Safety is the main concern on the road, and if you cannot see because of Fresno’s sharp sunrays, then it is time for you to get your car glass tinted. It would be very dangerous to drive with obscured vision, particularly when you are in a hurry. With tinting, you would prevent 99% of UV rays from entering your car, which means that you will be less accident-prone.

Tinted glass is strong glass

A lot of drivers are not aware that tinting auto glass actually makes it stronger. This is an amazing benefit of tinting, because if you happen to get in a car accident, your glass is less likely to shatter since it has that layer of tinting keeping it intact. As a result, you would be covered from any broken glass flying in your face.

Tinted glass keeps the inside of your car in perfect condition

Tinted car glass keeps the inside of your car cooler in hot weather. At the same time, it shields your car seats, steering wheel, and dashboard from the harsh sun. This is especially convenient if your car has leather seats. The tinted glass would prevent the leather from cracking under the Fresno heat.

Protects your privacy

No one wants to worry about thieves looking through car windows, especially if you like keeping items inside, such as electronics and shopping bags, while you run errands. With tinted car glass from a Fresno auto glass shop, you would be able to leave whatever you want out on the seat or dashboard of your car and no one would be able to tell what is inside. This way you would be protecting your privacy for good and keeping your car safe from thieves.

Tinting Laws in California

So now that you know more about what tinting can do, let us dive into the proper tinting you can have in California. We will be discussing the legal Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%), which is what measures the darkness of tinted glass. In California, the VLT% is very specific and can vary from sedans to SUV cars or vans. Typically, these tinting rules are followed:

Tint darkness for sedans:

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Auto Windshield Future

The world is constantly changing with advanced technology. Auto windshield future may be changing also.

There are two types of glass in your automobile – laminated glass (mostly used for windshields) and tempered glass (mostly used for side glass).

Laminated Glass vs. Tempered Glass

Laminated glass is basically a glass sandwich. It is made of two or more plies of glass with a vinyl interlayer between (sandwiched, if you will, as in a car’s windshield). The glass will tend to stay together and case one in is broken – thus qualifying as a safety glazing material.

Tempered glass is made by heating and cooling a piece of standard glass in a tempering furnace. The glass, which must be pre-cut and edged before being put into the tempering furnace, is heated to approximately 1200°F and then cooled rapidly.

Now some companies are working to develop a chemically tempered glass much stronger than conventional automotive glass, known as soda lime glass. This glass could offer a lighter weight to windshields but with a great deal of strength.

When it comes to windshields, being stronger means being safer. The lighter weight can also help cars be more fuel efficient. Gorilla Glass was first used for smartphone screens in 2007. The Ford GT was the first to used Gorilla Glass for its windshield. Some new vehicle designs are using larger windshield, even full glass canopies. This means the glass needs to be more efficient for safety.

For now, laminated glass is the best option for windshields. It keeps passengers safer and has a sound-proofing benefit to it. Tempered glass is still a good choice for other auto glass applications. It can be broken more easily if breaking the window for exiting is needed.

As technology makes changes to auto glass, it’s important to you find an auto glass shop that keeps up with the latest for windshield repair and replacement

Best Auto Glass Repair Shop

If you are looking for the best auto glass repair shop in Fresno to go to, then you just hit the jackpot. At Car Glass Fresno, you will discover that we are the best of the best (and yes, we like to brag about it). Our work is only of the highest quality, and our prices are stellar too. Here are the top five reasons to choose us: Continue reading →