5 Misconceptions About Auto Glass Repair

There’s a lot that can be done to get rid of those little annoying marks on your windshield. However, like many homeowners, you may have been misinformed about auto glass repairs. You may think that this kind of repair will cost you a fortune or make you leave your car for days at the garage but none of this is true. We are going to debunk some common myths surrounding auto glass repairs and provide you with accurate information to get the help you need fast and effectively.

1.     You can always fix the chip yourself

While there are dozens of auto glass repair kits available in the market, none of them can do the job right like a professional. Cheap repair kits often do a shoddy job and you’ll have to incur the cost of getting an auto technician to repair the glass. So instead of going through the hassle of trying to repair your own windshield, you need to trust a professional to do the job right the first time.

2.     You have to take your car for auto repairs where the insurance tells you

Your insurance company will certainly suggest some auto repair companies that you need to consider taking your car to. But the law gives you the freedom to take your car to any repair technician you want and the insurance company will still make the required payments. Don’t be forced to take your car to a glass technician that offers substandard services just because you have been told to by your insurer.

3.      Your windshield will not be safe after repairs

If windshield replacement services are done by qualified technicians, you shouldn’t worry about your safety because they have used the right equipment and techniques to install the new windshield.  The windshield will still prevent you from being ejected if you happen to be involved in a collision. Modern windshields are strong enough to support the roof if the car rolls during an accident.

4.     Your insurance company will raise premiums immediately after repairs

Insurance companies can cover the cost of most auto glass repairs. However, if you require a complete windshield replacement, you may be required to cover part of the cost. The issue that most people have that prevents them from seeking the necessary auto glass repairs has to do with the increase in premiums. Damage to your windshield is usually not caused by the driver and hence shouldn’t be a reason for the insurance company to charge a higher premium.  

5.     You don’t need to repair multiple small chips

Small chips need to be repaired as soon as they start forming. If you ignore those small chips they tend to spread and form bigger ones and your windshield may eventually need to be replaced which is a costlier exercise. As a rule of thumb, don’t wait for long before seeking any type of glass repairs. As soon as the technician recommends your car needs to be repaired, plan on having that done.

Posted By: AZ Wakulla Glass http://azwakullaglass.com

How is a Windshield Made

A windshield is one of the most integral components of vehicle safety - it supports the roof structure and shields passengers from oncoming precipitation, wind and airborne objects. With such an important purpose, windshields are specially made using "float method" manufacturing and tempered heat bonding. This method helps the windshield to maximize the strength and security of the entire vehicle.

Windshield Formation

In the early 1900s, vehicle windshields began utilizing safety glass to increase driver protection. However, the glass originally used for this purpose was prone to shatter. When the vehicle made impact, shattering windshields caused more injuries than they ended up preventing. Auto makers developed a new system in the mid-1900s, which is still the product used today - laminated windshields.

Modern windshields are comprised of two laminated sheets of glass, held together in the center by a plastic coating. Laminated glass is more flexible and less likely to break after minor impact. When the glass does break, the pieces are more likely to stick to the plastic rather than scatter over drivers, reducing the chance of injury from dangerous glass fragments.

Glass Manufacturing Process

Raw materials are heated until they become liquid, then fed onto a sheet of molten metal, most commonly made of tin. The glass floats on top of the metal rather than absorbing it, spreading out and forming a flat surface identical to the metal sheet. Extremely high temperatures purge impurities from the glass as it makes its way through the float chamber on a conveyor belt. The manufactured glass then enters the lehr, a specialized furnace designed to gradually reduce the temperature of the glass. If glass is cooled too quickly, stress cracks compromise the integrity of the panel, making it more susceptible to shattering.

After the glass is fully cooled, it is ready to be cut to shape using a diamond blade. The glass sheet is placed in a curved mold designed specifically for an individual vehicle. It is heated until it bends to fit the windshield-shaped mold.

The final step of the manufacturing process is tempering, a heat-induced strengthening tactic. The windshield is quickly heated to high temperatures, then the outer surface is hit with cool, high-pressure air. This technique is known as quenching, and it compresses the windshield surface. Compressed glass can withstand a much harder impact, and when it does shatter, it breaks into small, harmless, non-jagged pieces. To complete the finished windshield product, two glass panels are bonded on either side of a plastic sheet using both heat and pressure in a specialized oven known as an autoclave.

Replacing Windshields

It is not possible to replace a windshield with another from a different model vehicle, even if the manufacturer is the same. The size of the glass is incredibly precise in order to fit cleanly within the vehicle frame. Every windshield has a different curve, width and height. It is critical to adhere to the manufacturer's specific measurements when locating a replacement windshield.

When your windshield cracks or chips, it is vital to seek immediate repair or replacement. Driving with a compromised windshield can have disastrous consequences, so ensure your windshield is completely secure.

Posted By: AZ Wakulla Glass  http://azwakullaglass.com