Windshield Chip and Crack Repair Questions and Answers

Q. What advice do you have for a customer hiring a windshield repair company?

A. A few things you need to know before calling for repair. Is the repair company using high quality resins and professional windshield repair equipment that produce high quality finished repairs, or some guy that has a plastic syringe and a suction cup and some stickers. When an object strikes your windshield and either chips or cracks it, cover the break with clear tape. If the break is in your direct frontal vision cover with tape as soon as you reach your destination to keep moisture and dirt out. You must repair chipped or cracked windshields correctly the first time as you can't repair that same spot over again if it didn't come out looking good, your stuck with it. Repairs must be done right the first time. When you see the guy that claims five-minute repairs look out as you can't even set up the equipment in five minutes! With this in consideration call for a mobile windshield chip and crack repair specialist for a quote and ask a few questions about their equipment and the resins they use, and if they guarantee their repairs. How long it will take, it should take between a half hour to forty-five minutes if they don't know or are not sure call another windshield repair company.

Q. What customers should know about the trade? And Some secrets to share?

A. Make sure the equipment used to repair your windshield is of professional quality and not a $9.00 do it yourself kit and some kid claiming high quality repairs. Quality windshield repair kits cost a thousand dollars or more. Make sure the technician doing the repairs has the skills needed and has at least one year experience in-house under supervision. The windshield repair industry requires 80% visual improvement. Most repair specialists strive for 95% plus visual improvement. The reason for this is that once a repair is attempted and not done properly the first time your stuck with that repair, as you can't do it over again! I have seen repairs where a drop of glue placed over the break, cured and called good. Someone paid for that repair that will likely fail and crack-out.

Q. What makes a good windshield repair company?

A. When customer satisfaction is the number one goal of the company and guaranteeing repairs for life,being a perfectionist at repairing windshield chips and cracks is always a good thing. Pride in quality repairs and stopping a rock chip from cracking out saving costumers hundreds of dollars on windshield replacement. What concerns me the most is safety, cracked windshields that have not been properly repaired are dangerous. Say you are driving down the freeway at 70 mph, and another rock smacks your windshield in the same spot, what do you think could happen? God forbid your driving the family with that cracked windshield and get in an accident where the air bags deploy. A cracked windshield may not support the pressure from the air bag and the windshield breaks out and the airbag can't give proper cushioning for you or your passengers! Safety is number one which brings us back to customer satisfaction. When a windshield is beyond repair they should not even try to repair it and recommend windshield replacement for safety reasons.

Q. What do good mobile windshield repair techs thrive on?

A. A satisfied customer is what makes you feel good and when after a repair is complete the customer says I can't even find the repair, along with the knowledge of restored integrity and safety. Glass is very fragile and volatile and takes a gentle hand when working on chipped and cracked auto glass to prevent cracking out. Every repair is different and presents a new challenge to overcome. The freedom of not being tied behind a desk and interaction with different people, providing safety to their windshield and making new friends along the way is what most mobile windshield repair technicians thrive on.

Mark is in the mobile Windshield Crack Repair business and gives advise on how to save yourself some time, trouble and money. Come read more about Mobile Windshield Chip Repair.

Windshield Replacement: 4 Things You Should Know

Many windshields are replaced as a result of accidents. Others may be replaced as a result of a chip that grows into a shatter or simply for cosmetic reasons. Regardless of what has brought you to the decision to replace your windshield there are 4 main things you should keep in mind.

1. A Windshield Is More Than Just a Window.
Some people consider their windshield to be nothing more than a car's front window. In reality, windshield provide protection to the driver and passengers and are also built to be aerodynamic. Early windshield were made using plain window glass but that resulted in serious injury when an accident would occur. This changed in 1919 when Henry Ford began using the French method of laminated glass for windshields. Today, the glass used for windshields is made up of two separate pieces of glass with a special safety plastic in the middle which makes it harder to break.

2. Can It Be Repaired?

The technology surrounding windshield repair has come a long way. Insurance companies now often refuse to cover replacement costs of windshield unless it has been deemed necessary by a repair company. Windshield repair is done by filling the chipped or damaged area with clear epoxy resin which dries and then is cured with ultra-violet light. Once this has been done, the chip is gone and both strength and clarity are restored.

3. How to Protect Your Windshield

Protecting your windshield is the best way to avoid costly repair or replacement. This can be done by following safe driving rules, particularly if you are on a loose gravel road. Drive slowly to avoid throwing stones up and if you find yourself behind a truck that appears to be throwing stones, back off or change lanes. Window tinting can also offer added protection by acting as a first line of defense against chips, stones and other debris. The tinting film also does double duty in an accident and works to keep broken glass in place.

4. The Importance of Timely Maintenance.

If you discover a chip in your windshield it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Chips can splinter, especially in extreme weather. The cold air outside can react to the heated interior of your car, making the chip splinter into a crack which can then spider-web its way across the whole of your windshield effectively turning a rather minor problem into a big one.

Replacing your windshield can be a pretty hefty investment. Once you've spoken to a windshield specialist as well as your insurance company you will know where you stand on what repairs or replacement services will be covered. This is also a good time to consider after-market options such as window tinting which may help reduce the chances of needing to repair or replace it again in the near future.

Kelly is a freelance writer and is currently working for a company specializing in offering a variety of car window tinting solutions. In her free time she enjoys reading and hosting parties.

Smack Then Crack - Windshield Repair or Windshield Replacement?

As you are driving down the road, it happens. You hear that dreaded sound. Your car windshield gets hit by a rock or debris and a crack appears. Sometimes the crack is gigantic and sometimes only a teeny tiny crack appears. Cracks and chips of all sizes are not only unattractive, but they can make driving unsafe too. When you hear the sound of something hitting your windshield, in comes the dread and so does the fear of what it's going to cost to replace the complete windshield or get a windshield repair begin to set in. Will it even be necessary to have a complete windshield replacement?

Without saying, any major damage received that causes huge cracks or shatters to any part of the windshield or the entire windshield, yes, definitely, a complete replacement is necessary. However, newer cars have windshields installed that are regulated by the government and in some situations it may be better to have the windshield repaired instead. Keeping as much of your vehicle in original condition is best for resale value and safety.

As well, many insurance companies are referring their customers to have windshield repair done now instead of a windshield replacement. You may wonder why, right? Well this alternate method is not only less expensive than a complete windshield repair, but there is less time where you are without your car. So the insurance company has to pay less to get your car fixed and maybe even eliminate the need for a rental car too.

For you the driver, repairs to your windshield will hold up as well as the replacement too. The quality is just as good, you won't even know it by looking. If your insurance doesn't cover windshield damages, you certainly want to go the less expensive way out and repair versus replace is the right choice in this situation.

You may wonder if it is absolutely necessary to have a professional do your windshield repair. You've noticed the do-it-yourself windshield repair kits at your neighborhood auto parts store and looks like it would be simple enough, right? Well, think again, it is not that simple. Taking out the old and popping in the new takes special tools and techniques that the professionals have been trained for.

At the first sign of damage, it may not be as clear if repair or replacement is best and a professional is trained in knowing whether a repair is even feasible and will be successful. Not to mention that if trying to do this yourself at home, it could lead to a serious safety issue. Keep in mind also, that with a professional mobile auto glass service, there will be a professional, in flesh and blood, in your driveway or work parking lot that you can tell if they are being straight with you or not.

For the sake of safety and convenience, instead of taking your car to the shop, always consider using a mobile service instead. There are mobile auto glass services in the Virginia area now with experienced trained professionals. No need to try to drive with a busted windshield or a huge crack running across the drivers' view!

So the next time you hear that shuttering sound of a rock hitting your windshield, don't panic! A phone call to a mobile auto glass service will get you a windshield repair or windshield replacement in no time.

For mobile auto glass service in Northern Virginia and Washington DC, call Lucas Auto Glass for all your windshield repair or windshield replacement needs.