Using Windshield Repair Resin to Fix Chips and Cracks on Your Windshield

The windshield is a very important safety feature and that is why it is found in all vehicles including jeeps and drop tops. It is the part of the vehicle that forms the barrier between the driver, wind and any flying debris that may prevent them from operating the vehicle properly. Vehicle windshields are often made of laminated glass, which are two layers of glass held together by an interlayer. Laminated glass does not break on impact. In most cases, it shatters while the interlayer holds the broken pieces together to prevent injury.

In case your windshield is chipped or cracked by flying or falling debris, you can repair the crack depending on the size of the damage. Auto glass repair specialists advise that you can carry out DIY windshield repairs on cracks or chips that are less than an inch wide and not in the driver’s line of view. Anything else should be left to the professionals.

Windshield repair resin
This is a substance used to repair chips and cracks on the windshield. It is the most important part of the repair process as it can save you from a very costly windshield replacement. The windshield repair professional uses the resin to fill in the broken off part of the glass restoring a smooth and clear surface.

The resin comes in different levels of thickness or viscosity and this often depends on the size of damage to the windshield. Deep cracks and extensive damage requires more viscous resin to seal the damaged area as compared to mild chips that hardly dent the surface of the glass that can be repaired by less viscous resin. The unit of measuring resin viscosity is cps. Viscosity can be as thin as water, 20cps or as thick as honey, 1,500cps.

Applying the resin
The area of damage has to be cleaned and dried completely before the resin is applied for proper bonding. Auto glass repair specialists often use a vacuum to search out all the dirt and moisture from the chipped area before injecting the resin. Once the resin has been applied on the windshield, it is cured using ultra violet light to seal faster. This reduces the process of fixing the windshield to as little as thirty minutes to an hour.

Auto glass repair DIY kits
You can also find low viscosity resin in auto glass repair kits for repairing windshield damage at home. Avoid repairing damage within the driver’s line of vision or at the edges of the windshield by yourself as these require a bit more expertise. Low viscosity resin is suitable for minor DIY repairs as it is not very difficult to use. If you want to tell whether you can handle the repair, run your fingernails across the surface of the scratch and if it does not get caught then you can use the DIY repair kit. Besides the low viscosity resin found in auto repair kits, high viscosity resin or commercial grade chemicals are not sold on a retail basis.

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

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

Proper Auto Glass Cleaning and Maintenance Practices

Safe driving also depends greatly on clean and clear windshields. Your car windows take a beating from hailstones, heavy rains, abrasive wind, dirt, bird droppings, bugs and other debris. With a few cleaning and maintenance practices, you can keep your car windows looking great for longer.

Chose the right glass cleaning products

Cleaning your windows with regular soap when washing your car is not enough to keep your windows looking crystal clean. You need to find an auto glass cleaner that can handle the job well. Avoid toxic cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia, as there are health risks if you inhale the fumes. There are many eco friendly glass-cleaning products available in the market that you can use to clean your car windows. Ammonia products also damage window tint.

Using the wrong cleaning towel can leave the window surface with tiny scratches making it look dull and translucent even. For better glass clarity, you need to choose microfiber towels that have at least 300 GSM. These towels are lint free, hold a lot of water and will not dull the glass. They also have an electrostatic charge that lifts dirt and debris off the glass surface instead of dragging it across. Dump out the old t-shirts, towels and socks because they will only leave streaks.

Cleaning technique

Your cleaning technique is also important to getting that sleek professional finish when cleaning your windows.

·       Your windows should be the last thing to clean when washing your car so you don’t contaminate them with the detailing process

·       You should spray the glass cleaner on the microfiber towel instead of directly on the glass to avoid stray sprays.

·       Rubbing the glass in circular motion may seem like a good idea but to clean the glass effectively, you should use a back and forth motion then up and down to clean the entire surface without leaving any streaks.

·       Roll down the windows halfway to clean the top edge of the glass.

·       Use one towel to apply the glass cleaner and another dry towel to wipe and buff the glass.

Window cleaning weather

You should avoid cleaning you windows when it is very hot or in direct sunlight. Window cleaners evaporate easily and soapy water can leave stains and streaks on the window surface. Clean your car under a shade or in the garage if it is spacious enough when it is hot outside.

Wipers

Dirty wipers will cause blurry areas on your windshield. Remember to clean the wipers too, otherwise the whole window cleaning effort will be futile. You can use vinegar to remove any dirt and debris stuck on the wiper blades so they can have full contact with the windshield when wiping. If you clean your wipers and they still cannot make full contact with the glass, you should consider replacing them. You should also keep the wiper cowl free of dirt and grime as this is where the wipers collect most of the dirt and debris.

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

Auto Glass Repair - Why You Need to Repair the Crack Urgently

If you have noticed a small crack on your car window or, God forbid, on your windscreen, then you need to get thinking of auto glass repair; urgently. The urgency in this comes from at least a couple of factors. One is that unattended auto glass cracks only tend to worsen with time; so that what started as a minor crack soon develops into a huge crevice calling for major repairs or part replacements. Second is that if unattended, car glass cracks, especially on the windscreen, can cause accidents. The latter fact - about unattended car glass cracks causing accidents - would sound unbelievably funny; if were not something we have witnessed before.

Of course, if there is one aspect of auto repair that suffers most from 'motorists' procrastination,' then it has to be auto glass repair. Many of us tend to put it off until it is absolutely unavoidable; possibly for fear of the (imaginary) costs we associate it with. Yet the truth of the matter is that repairing of car glass need not always be so expensive; especially if undertaken in a timely manner. Furthermore, unknown to many people is the fact that such repairs are among the items covered by their auto insurance. Even where the repair is not covered by insurance, there is still a possibility that one could chance upon one of those Do-It-Yourself car kits; and thereby get to undertake the necessary auto glass repair very cost-effectively at home.

With the advent of the Internet, shopping for car glass repair services could never be more convenient (as you can nowadays get 'instant' quotes online); so that the question of putting off the repairs because 'you don't have time' to go looking for quotes does not arise. As you discover when you start looking at those quotes, the cost of car glass repair varies considerably from service provider to provider. Ultimately, you should aim to go for the most cost-effective service provider, rather than the cheapest. This means looking for among other things, reliability and the warranties the providers are willing to offer.

A commonly asked question in all this is as to how to avoid the whole auto glass repair business altogether; as a motorist. The answer to this question is that there is no foolproof way you can avoid car glass damage; though careful driving and keeping your car safe from the activities of 'naughty neighborhood boys' can truly go a long way.

Posted By: A Z Wakulla Glass http://azwakullaglass.com

Auto Glass Care-What Not To Do

There are several types of glass, and auto glass is just one of them. Usually, glass is very fragile and breaks easily. When it comes to auto glass, modifications have been made to ensure that it does not break as easily as other types of glass. However, this does not mean that you can subject auto glass to duress without worrying about breakages. Far from it. If you own a car, you already know how expensive it can be to deal with auto glass repair. And if you don’t, consider yourself very lucky not to have encountered this problem yet.

As far as auto glass goes, there are certain measures that you can take to ensure that you minimize the need for repairs and consequently, minimize your expenses as well. Here’s what not to do when dealing with auto glass:

Ignore small problems

Auto glass problems usually present themselves as small, only to escalate a little while later. That almost microscopic chip on your car’s window will be a huge crack before you know it. The tiny-looking crack on your windshield is gathering momentum before it can turn into a crevice running across your windshield. Address auto glass issues the minute you detect them. Not only will you be minimizing the need for expensive repairs, but you will also be saving your life. Remember driving around in broken auto glass is dangerous.

Clean your auto glass with the wrong materials

Scrubbing away at your car windows and windshield is doing more harm than good. If you must clean your auto glass yourself, use soft materials that do not cause abrasion. Soapy water and paper towels or a soft face flannel will do. Do not use ammonia to clean your auto glass. The chemicals in it will cause damage to your windows. 

Attempt to fix everything yourself

However much of a DIY enthusiast you are, you will not be able to fix all your car’s problems. Where auto glass is concerned, a lot of care must be taken since you are dealing with delicate parts. If you detect a problem that you believe you can fix, it will do you no harm to consult with a professional first. Sometimes it might seem like a minimal task, only for you to realize later that the task requires more expertise than you had believed.

Choose the wrong auto repair shop

Do not choose an auto repair shop based on the costs only. The saying that cheap is expensive is true, and you should never forget that, especially where your car is concerned. Always ensure that the auto repair shop you choose only employs certified and licensed professionals. Make sure you get all the charges upfront. Pay attention to how the staff and customers relate. Read online reviews of the auto repair shop. Do your homework thoroughly before settling for a particular auto repair shop.

There you have it. If you have been wondering how to take care of your auto glass, this is just a simple list of some of the things you should not do.

Posted By: Fred Nichols  http://azwakullaglass.com/

Auto Glass Care and Repair Tips

Your car is an important part of your daily life, and as such, you should take steps to ensure all its components are in good condition at all times. Auto glass is a sensitive part of your car, usually because it breaks easily when mishandled. If you are hoping to lengthen your auto glass’ lifespan, there are steps you can take to minimize those trips to the auto glass repair shop.

The first thing you need to know if you have been wondering how to better prevent those chips and cracks is that keeping your distance is crucial. Usually, when a car is being driven in front of you, it will kick up small rocks and other debris that will land on your auto glass, leading to chips and cracks. As such, it is a good idea to keep your distance when following vehicles so your auto glass does not become a casualty.

If you are travelling on a gravel road, slow down to avoid kicking up the rocks yourself. Remember that driving fast on a gravel road is detrimental to your car and the cars of the other motorists sharing that road with you.

When parking your vehicle, do so away from direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays will cause damage to your auto glass, especially after continued exposure. Find a shaded area where you can safely park your car, and remember that while trees provide shade, they are also sources of branches which might break your windshield in case of falls.

It is also important to ensure that when you park your car, you do not leave valuable items exposed to the passersby. If you leave your laptop, wallet or phone within sight, you tempt thieves into breaking your auto glass in order to reach those items. Also, do not cover up valuable items with a blanket on the back seat of your car-this only draws attention to the fact that something valuable is being concealed, which has the same detrimental effect.

If you notice small cracks and chips in your windshield, attend to them immediately. Usually, smaller chips can be repaired using a windshield repair DIY kit. However, if you are in doubt, you can always head to your nearest auto repair shop for professional auto glass services.

If your auto glass has been damaged, it is necessary to talk to your insurance company in order to ascertain whether they will cover the repair costs. This goes for both small and large repair jobs. Get your insurance carrier involved as early as possible, so you can begin the process of filing a claim.

Sometimes, a windshield will require to be replaced because the damage is so extensive that repair alone will not solve the problem. This is usually the case when a car has been involved in an accident. In such an instance, you will need to consult extensively with your auto repair professional and insurance company to determine what your options are.

Auto glass is expensive to repair and/or replace; with proper care you can ensure that your auto repair needs remain minimal.

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