Car Repair: Preventative Maintenance Advice
Insurance: Some insurance companies will cover 100% for a chip repair since it is much less than the hundreds of dollars it would cost for a replacement. Check the details of your plan, but this may not even count against you as a claim. Most auto glass companies have a general idea of how insurance companies in your area view these claims, and they'll be happy to point you in the right direction or file the claim for you.
automobile windshield chip repair Still no big deal? In some states it's illegal to drive with a crack in the windshield that is in the driver's line of sight. In other states it's illegal to drive with a cracked windshield at all. I'd call that a big deal.
Never pour hot water on your windshield. If you walk out and notice that your windshield is icy, you may consider pouring a large cup of hot water on the glass to melt the ice. This is actually a very bad idea. Large temperature changes can cause the glass to crack. It is best to turn on the car defroster and let the glass slowly warm up. The ice will melt away safely without damage to the glass.
Make sure you set a goal every day. Goals are funny things. It has been my experience (at that of many others) that having clear objectives for the day, greatly enhance the likely hood of accomplishment. For argument sake (and for the sake of making this article make more sense), lets assume you have set a monetary goal of making $300.00 for the day.
Repair windshield chips or cracks as soon as they are noticed. In cold weather, a windshield chip or crack can spread and weaken the windshield or impair your ability to see the road.
Many of us may not be concerned with all the small details that go into windshield replacement, but those trained to do the job know that missing a detail can be fatal. The purpose of the windshield is not just so you can see. There are other very important functions like keeping the car roof from caving in on you if you have a rollover; or, protecting you in a serious accident. It helps the airbags deploy properly as well.
When you decide to have your windshield repair in a shop, make sure to get your money's worth. Before going to the next repair shop that you see, look around to know who gives you the best deal, not just in terms of the price but the quality as well. Since an all-around mechanic may not be as skilled in repairing glass, go to a shop that specializes in windshield repair and installation. You must also choose a shop that offers you a warranty, so if for example the crack continues to spread, you will be able to have your repair redone free of charge.
It sounds like a hassle, like something that will keep you from your baby for weeks on end, but actually it's fairly simple. Remove the old windshield, install a new one, and seal it up. Walla, auto glass replacement is done. That might be over simplifying the procedure but that really is all there is to it. What most people are afraid of isn't having a new windshield it's the looming question of will the new windshield leak in the rain, car wash, or snow.