All posts in Windshield

How to Repair Your Damaged Windshield

A cracked windshield is not only dangerous, it can also land you a ticket if it obstructs your line of vision while driving. If you own a vehicle, it is your duty to invest in preventative maintenance and also schedule repairs when necessary. While almost every vehicle owner will face the dilemma of repairing a cracked or chipped windshield within their lifetime, it can be difficult to stumble through the process of windshield repair if this is the first time you’ve ever needed glass repair. Read on, and learn how to repair your damaged windshield so that you can keep the cost low and make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Find Out If You Have Glass Coverage Through Your Insurer

Why pay full price for auto glass repair when you pay insurance premiums for coverage that will pay for glass breakage? Many individuals are hesitant to call their insurance agent to verify their options in fear of premium surcharges, but this is not something to worry about when the claim is centered around auto glass. If you carry comprehensive coverage, the comprehensive deductible will apply to glass claims. Luckily, if you have a low deductible, you may save hundreds of dollars on windshield replacement or moderate repairs without having to worry about your rates going up in the future.

Find a Glass Company Who Will File a Claim With Your Insurer

Once you verify your coverage, the next step is to find a trusted glass company that will work directly with your insurer so that you don’t have to worry about going through the process of reimbursement. The best way to do this, is to take your vehicle in to an auto repair shop and get an estimate. While your vehicle is being appraised for the cost of repairs, find out if that if that company will work with your insurance. Most auto repair shops should work with your insurance, but be warned that some do not. Also, many glass companies that partner with leading insurers will actually file your auto insurance claim for you to make the process of glass repair as easy as possible. Compare different companies to verify this is an option.

Choose the Best Method For Repairs

There is a major difference between a chip and an crack. Typically, a chip is smaller than the size of a quarter, and a crack is anything larger a quarter. If you have a small chip, you may be able schedule rock chip repair rather than a full-fledged replacement. Chip repair involves using a professional resin to seal the chip so that your windshield is as good as new without paying the cost for replacement.  Some insurance companies may even waive your deductible if chip repair is a viable option.

Be sure to discuss whether you should repair or replace your windshield with professionals like those at www.triglassinc.com or your local repair shop before you make a decision. Once you verify your auto coverage and choose the right professional using the best repair products and materials in their window repair kit, you can erase the chips or eliminate the cracks.

How To Know When The Right Time Is To Replace Your Windshield

A loud sound permeates your car’s interior and startles you as you drive down the road. This startling sound is typically an object striking the windshield. Depending on the object’s size and trajectory, you may have an instant chip or crack across your windshield. Before you resort to replacing the entire windshield, take a look at the crack to determine if it can be repaired instead.

Chip Repair Options

Take a look at your chip, or gouge, in the glass. If it is about the size of a quarter or less, it is possible to repair it. Use a windshield repair kit to save hundreds of dollars on replacement glass. These helpful kits use specialized resins to fill the chip and maintain a strong glass surface. It is critical to repair the chip as soon as possible, however. Allowing the chip to remain untouched may cause it to grow larger. Any chips outside of quarter size indicates time for a windshield replacement.

Determining Crack Damage

Use products from www.triglassinc.com to repair 3-inch-long cracks, or smaller, for an almost brand-new glass appearance. Resins quickly fill in the crack and prevent it from spreading. Order your repair kit quickly for these cracks, especially if they are along the windshield’s edge. There is a lot of glass tension at the edges because of the connection point to the vehicle itself. Neglected cracks at the edges spread rapidly, requiring an entire windshield replacement.

Driver’s Clear View

If you have a small crack or chip along the driver’s line of sight, most professional repair companies will not advise filling the damage. Although resin is strong and creates a neat appearance when cured, it does form a slight warping at the damage site. If you must focus on cars through the filled site, an accident could occur. In these case, you will want to replace the windshield. If you try to repair the damage yourself without a professional’s help, you may cause your own accident in the future.

Ticketing Damaged Windshields

Some states actively issue tickets for damaged windshields. Do not allow your cracks and chips to grow in size. Repair or replace the windshield as needed. Police want everyone on the road to be safe and a damaged windshield increases your chances of an accident, especially at night. Lights flicker and distort through cracks, impeding your depth perception.

Take a good look at your windshield. Use a quarter and ruler to determine damage sizes for the best evaluation. If you are unsure about the damage, ask a professional’s opinion or replace the windshield.