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can spoil an enjoyable drive on a beautiful day more quickly than a flying
piece of debris smacking your windshield. It can give you quite a jolt
and quite a dilemma. The projectile leaves a mark on your windshield,
however, there may be more to the story. You should always closely inspect
the windshield for any damage. A chip, pit, or scratch—no matter
how small it is—can lead to more pronounced damage later if it
isn’t caught right away. Advances in windshield repair have made
it both an attractive and less expensive alternative. Since 1968, the Federal Highway Safety Act has required every vehicle sold to be equipped with a stronger, better glass windshield. Today’s windshields are made of laminated glass with Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB). This vinyl inner layer has proved itself to be strong and reliable. Only laminated glass can be repaired. Tempered glass, found in the side windows of a car, cannot be repaired. There are several classifications of cracks. They resemble their names and are easily distinguishable. Bulls eye, star, combination breaks, and edge cracks can each be repaired for much less than the cost of a new windshield. When looking for a company to repair a windshield, you might want them to be a National Glass Association (NGA) member. I found the following information at the Web site www.windshieldrepair.org/: The NGA Certified Auto Glass Repair Technician Program is nationally recognized and is designed to enhance professional standards. It was jointly developed by the NGA and the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) especially for auto glass repair professionals. All certification candidates must have actively participated in the auto glass repair business for at least six months. They must have personally completed 200 or more auto glass repairs, or have successfully completed an auto glass repair training program and personally completed 200 or more auto glass repairs. Customers are assured that individuals wearing the NGA certified patch are knowledgeable technicians in the industry. NGA certification is currently the only impartial source available to consumers to document technician competency. Experts agree that waiting to repair a break can do more harm to the windshield. Technicians use specially formulated resins in the repairs. There are resins for stone chips and also crack and pit fillings. Some resins are tinted for more clarity and to make repairs even less visible. A polish and sealant can also be used to extend the durability of pit repairs. Any foreign matter that gets into the break can impede a proper repair. Typically for most breaks, the technician will use a special drill to remove any obstructions in the area. Next they use a tap to aid in the flow of the resin. After that, they suction all of the air out of the break and then use pressure to insert the resin into even the smallest parts of the break. This type of repair can usually be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. The time and money saved compared to having a windshield replaced can make it a very attractive alternative. A long crack can present more problems than a single chip can. Cracks 12 inches or shorter are normally tackled by most windshield repair companies. Anything longer may take some research to find someone to repair it. Some companies do specialize in longer cracks, but there may not be one in your area. The first step in repairing a long crack is to put a “stop” in the end of the crack. A “stop” is a small weighted piece designed to keep the crack from becoming worse and to aid the resin in the repair. The next steps are similar to those in repairing a chip, including suctioning of the air and filling the crack with pressurized resin. This type of repair typically takes from 30 to 45 minutes. If a new windshield is what you really want, by all means have a new one installed. This can be done at a dealership or at any auto service station. The windshield will normally have to be ordered, shipped, and then installed. Calling your insurance agent may aid in your decision-making. If your company covers this kind of damage and will pick up the cost of a new windshield, that may be the route for you. However, many companies do not cover rock chips and cracks. Knowing ahead of time the coverage—or lack of coverage—that you carry can be helpful down the road. Another problem can be when a side window jumps off the track. The causes can be a worn part or a hard hit that jars the window off-track. The cure is a bit more complicated and can require specialized tools. The inner door panel typically needs to be removed before the problem can be diagnosed. I personally would leave this job for a mechanic. Once your windows are in good working order, you may want to look into having them tinted. More than just a “fashion” statement, tinting has many benefits. It can cut down on sun glare and UV damage to you and your upholstery. It can also afford more privacy. Remember though that there are laws in most states as to how dark the tinting can be. Tinting is actually a thin-colored film applied to your car windows. There are dozens of companies that sell precut kits for self-installation. The most important thing to remember is to not have any air pockets or ripples—if you don’t have experience, this can be very difficult. Any break in the smooth, flat surface of your tinting can lead to tears in the future. Seeking out a professional for installation can save money in the long run. There are also a number of glass treatments designed to improve the driver’s ability to see clearly and drive more safely. These long-lasting, but not permanent windshield rain repellants help rain bead up and roll off, make snow and ice easier to remove, and make bugs and tree sap easier to clean off. A couple of examples of products in this category include Aquapel and Rain-X. Summer is the time for a great car trip, and making your windows free of cracks and defects is a perfect way to start. |
Windshield Repair |
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