Do’s And Don’ts Of Car Windshield Repair
If you have spotted a crack or chip on your car’s windshield, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible. When the windshield or another auto glass is damaged, your safety on the road can be at risk. Therefore, to avoid mishaps, crashes, and collisions, ensure that the glasses of your car are in excellent shape at all times.
If the windshield or car glass damage is not severe, it can be repaired to ensure your car, SUV, van, or truck will not pose a safety hazard on the road. Thanks to modern technology, car window repair, and windshield replacement procedures can be carried out accurately and swiftly with the help of experienced technicians. This article from Liberty AutoGlass discusses windshield repair service tips to follow.
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Windshield Repair Service Tips You Should Know About
Contents
- 1 Windshield Repair Service Tips You Should Know About
- 2 Recommended Do’s for Windshields
- 3 What to Avoid with Windshield Repair
- 4 FAQs on Car Windshield Repair
- 4.1 How Do I Know If My Windshield Damage Is Repairable or Requires a Replacement?
- 4.2 Can Extreme Weather Conditions Affect My Windshield Repair?
- 4.3 How Long Does a Windshield Repair Take?
- 4.4 Is It Safe to Drive Immediately After a Windshield Repair?
- 4.5 Does My Car Insurance Cover Windshield Repairs?
- 4.6 What Happens If I Ignore a Small Chip in My Windshield?
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 For Expert Auto Glass Repairs, Trust Liberty AutoGlass
Here are some dos and don’ts you should follow to make sure the windshield repair is performed successfully.
Recommended Do’s for Windshields
When it comes to windshield repair, there are certain steps that should be followed to ensure the process is completed successfully. Following these steps is crucial to successful repairs. Moreover, the quick repairs will go a long way in preventing further damage to your auto glass, which can end up costing you a lot of money in windshield replacement.
Below are the recommended do’s:
1. Evaluate the Windshield Damage
Not all windshield damages are the same. Therefore, determine the extent of the damage before taking any action. A professional technician can evaluate the damage to determine if it can be repaired or whether the windshield should be replaced.
For example, a crack that is smaller than a dollar bill can typically be repaired. Even small chips can be repaired as long as there aren’t too many. However, if the windshield has larger cracks or multiple chips, then you will likely have to replace it.
Assessing the extent of damage on the windshield is crucial in determining the appropriate course of action. However, only a professional auto glass technician can accurately measure and assess the size of the damage to determine whether a repair or replacement will be the best course of action.
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2. Prepare the Windshield Chip Area
Before performing a windshield chip repair, the damaged area must be properly prepared. Failing to prepare the area correctly will result in an inaccurate repair. This is why it’s crucial to hire a professional auto glass repair technician to help you.
A professional auto glass technician will take the necessary steps to ensure that the chip area is cleaned. Any moisture or debris present in the chip can compromise the repair efforts. If the repair is carried out without properly cleaning the chip, the windshield may end up having a cloudy spot.
Professional technicians use specialized cleaning solutions specifically designed for this purpose. Therefore, ensure that the technician you hire takes the time to thoroughly clean the chip area for optimal repair results.
3. Apply Windshield Resin
There are two main methods used to repair a chip or crack in a windshield: Windshield Patch and Windshield Resin. Some car owners may try to use a DIY repair kit to fix a small damage. This method is known as the Windshield Patch. Here, a patch will be cut to the required size and applied over the area of damage.
The DIY patch method only holds the chip or crack together to prevent it from getting worse. Therefore, this method is not as effective as professional repair and inevitably results in a visit to the auto glass shop.
On the other hand, professionals typically use the Windshield Resin method to repair chips or cracks in a car window glass. After cleaning the affected area, the windshield resin is injected into the broken spot. The technician then uses a heating tool to heat up the resin, which hardens and restores the strength of the auto glass.
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4. Handle Your Car with Care
After getting your car’s windshield fixed, be extra careful when operating it for the first 24 hours. The repair is still in a delicate state and needs time to fully cure.
For the best outcome, drive at a slow speed and avoid rough roads. Sudden jolts and vibrations from bumpy roads can compromise the auto glass repair. This is something to consider in the winter season. Also, be mindful of how you shut the car door since slamming it shut can also put stress on the glass.
It’s important to handle your car with care during this critical period to ensure the auto glass repair is successful.
5. Alter Your Driving Patterns
After the chip or crack in your car’s windshield has been repaired, take other steps to prevent further damage. One of the most effective ways to do this is to change your driving patterns.
There are various reasons why a windshield may crack or be damaged. These include bad weather, storms, vandalism, among others. Regardless of the cause, it’s wise to take a different route when navigating the city. For instance, opt for roads that are smooth and well-lit. On the same note, avoid routes that are exposed to harsh weather conditions.
By being mindful of your driving patterns, you can help preserve the integrity of your windshield and keep you and your passengers safe.
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6. Always Seek Professional Help From A Certified Auto Glass Shop
Fixing a broken auto glass is not something that you can easily handle on your own. Whether it’s a repair or replacement, attention to detail is crucial to repairing the damage correctly.
To accurately fix a damaged windshield, you need to be proficient in using various repair tools. Therefore, a DIY repair should be considered a non-option. To be on the safe side, hire a professional technician with the necessary experience, like Liberty AutoGlass, to do the work for you. This will help you save both time and money.
What to Avoid with Windshield Repair
The don’ts for windshield repair are just as important as the dos. If you have a damaged windshield, it’s important to know what to avoid to ensure proper repair and your safety.
Below are some important don’ts you should know about:
1. Delaying Windshield Repairs
Ignoring a cracked or damaged windshield can put you and your passengers in danger. The windshield is an essential safety feature of your vehicle, and any damage on it should be addressed as soon as possible. Putting off repairs, even for a day or two, can make the damage worsen and potentially lead to the need for a full replacement.
Procrastinating repairs can also end up costing you more in the long run. Even small chips or cracks can spread and cause further damage. To ensure your safety on the road and avoid costly repairs, address windshield issues as soon as they occur. If you’re unable to drive to an auto glass repair shop, consider using a mobile repair service that can come to your location.
Simply hop on the internet and search for auto glass repair services near you. Remember to read reviews of various service providers before settling on one. For those in the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, and the neighboring area, be sure to call Liberty AutoGlass.
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2. Attempting to Fix Your Windshield Yourself
Attempting to fix a damaged windshield on your own can be a risky move. The repair process requires a combination of specialized skills and equipment to ensure a proper fix. Therefore, DIY auto glass repair should not be something you undertake. For your safety, let a professional handle the auto glass repair for you.
In a bid to save on costs, you may be tempted to try and repair a damaged windshield yourself. However, this route can end up being costly in the long run. For example, using a DIY repair kit may not result in a satisfactory repair and could lead to further damage.
For this reason, it’s best to leave the repair or replacement to the professionals. A professional auto glass technician has the knowledge and expertise to complete the repair correctly the first time. This means you end up saving money and avoiding hassles in the future.
3. Using Inappropriate Auto Glass Repair Tools
When repairing a crack or chip in your windshield, you need the right tools for the job. The essential tools for repair include sandpaper, primer, sealant, and a squeegee. Some complex damages may require additional tools.
A professional auto glass technician has access to a wide range of specialized tools that are designed for windshield repair. These tools include those for cleaning the area around the damage, as well as for injecting and curing the windshield resin.
Before hiring a technician, find out what tools they use for repairs. At the very least, the technician should have the basic tools and know how to use them correctly. If a technician does not have the correct car glass repair tools, it is likely that the damage may not be repaired correctly. In some cases, using the wrong tools can actually worsen the glass damage and cause it to spread. Be sure to work with an auto glass shop that has trained and certified technicians.
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4. Attempting Repairs on a Dirty Windshield
One of the first steps in windshield repair is to thoroughly clean the damaged area. It’s crucial to start repairs on a clean windshield. Working on a dirty surface can prolong the repair job.
If the repair is attempted on a dirty windshield, the final result will not be satisfactory. Your windshield may also end up providing poor visibility. Driving a car with reduced windshield visibility and be dangerous both to you and other road users, especially if the affected area is in the driver’s line of sight. To ensure the best possible outcome, never begin the repair process until the technician has thoroughly cleaned the damaged area.
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5. Using Inferior Windshield Repair Materials
When it comes to windshield repair, it’s crucial to use high-quality materials. Using low-grade resin will not only compromise the repair’s effectiveness, but it will also impact visibility. Reduce visibility increases the risk of getting into accidents.
Cheap resin cannot properly restore the strength of the auto glass after repair. Additionally, it may lead to the formation of bubbles in the damaged area and can also become darker or fade within a couple of months. All these means putting your life and that of your passengers at risk while on the road. You should be aware of the potential consequences of a quick, low-quality repair job using subpar materials and avoid them.
6. Not Allowing Adequate Curing Time
To end up with a successful windshield repair, you not only have to use high-quality resin but also allowing adequate time for it to cure. Don’t make the mistake of rushing the curing process.
The resin needs about 15-20 minutes to properly cure. During this time, avoid exposing the windshield to extreme temperatures, cold, or rain. If the resin doesn’t fully cure, windshield problems are likely to occur in the future. Examples of common problems resulting from inadequately cooled resin include swelling due to excessive heat. Such a problem can lead to poor visibility on the road.
To ensure the resin has cooled properly, you need to use specialized tools, such as a UV ray lamp. Professional auto glass repair technicians usually have such tools.
When your car windshield is broken or cracked, it is important to get it repaired right away. Do not risk driving your vehicle with a windshield that does not offer good visibility. Hiring a professional auto glass repair technician is the best option to ensure your windshield is repaired correctly and in a timely manner.
Schedule Your Auto Glass Service With Liberty AutoGlass: From windshield repairs to full replacements, our certified technicians are ready to help. Call now to book your appointment.
FAQs on Car Windshield Repair
How Do I Know If My Windshield Damage Is Repairable or Requires a Replacement?
The repairability of your windshield depends on the size, depth, and location of the damage. Typically, small chips and cracks under three inches long can be repaired, while larger cracks, deep fractures, or damage in the driver’s line of sight often require a full windshield replacement. A professional technician can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Can Extreme Weather Conditions Affect My Windshield Repair?
Yes, extreme temperatures can impact the success of windshield repairs. Heat can cause the crack to expand, while cold weather can make the glass more brittle. Additionally, high humidity can interfere with the resin’s curing process. Professional auto glass shops use specialized techniques to perform repairs in various weather conditions, but if possible, repairs should be done in a controlled environment.
How Long Does a Windshield Repair Take?
A windshield repair typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the severity of the damage. If the damage is minimal, the resin can be applied and cured within 15-20 minutes. However, if a windshield replacement is needed, it may take a couple of hours, including curing time for adhesives. It’s important to follow post-repair care instructions to ensure a successful repair.
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Is It Safe to Drive Immediately After a Windshield Repair?
After a windshield repair, you can usually drive immediately, but if the windshield has been replaced, you should wait at least one hour before driving to allow the adhesive to set properly. Additionally, avoid car washes and rough terrain for at least 24 hours to ensure the repair fully bonds and cures. Your technician will provide specific guidance based on the repair performed.
Does My Car Insurance Cover Windshield Repairs?
Many comprehensive auto insurance policies cover windshield repairs, often waiving the deductible if the damage is minor and repairable. However, if a full replacement is needed, you may need to pay a deductible depending on your policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage before scheduling a repair.
What Happens If I Ignore a Small Chip in My Windshield?
Even a tiny chip can worsen over time due to vibrations, temperature changes, and road conditions. A small, repairable chip can quickly turn into a long crack, requiring a costly windshield replacement. Addressing minor damage promptly can save you money and ensure your windshield remains structurally sound for safety on the road.
Conclusion
Proper windshield maintenance is crucial for your safety on the road. Addressing chips and cracks promptly can prevent further damage and costly replacements. By following the recommended do’s and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a successful windshield repair. Always rely on professional auto glass technicians for the best results, and take preventive measures to maintain your windshield’s integrity. Safe driving starts with clear visibility, so don’t delay necessary repairs!
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For Expert Auto Glass Repairs, Trust Liberty AutoGlass
Liberty AutoGlass is your reliable choice for high-quality auto glass repair and replacement in northeastern Pennsylvania. Using top-grade materials and advanced technology, we restore your vehicle’s glass to its original strength and clarity.
For your convenience, our mobile service brings expert repairs and replacements to your home or workplace, minimizing disruptions to your day. We handle all types of auto glass, including windshields, side windows, and rear glass, providing comprehensive care for your vehicle. Plus, we simplify the insurance claims process, making your experience hassle-free. Choose Liberty AutoGlass for superior service and peace of mind on the road.
Contact us today by calling (610) 377-7787 or (877) 90-GLASS to see how Liberty AutoGlass can elevate the safety and functionality of your vehicle with unparalleled quality and convenience! Call now for a free consultation. Explore our complete mobile auto glass service area in Pennsylvania by clicking here.
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