Auto Glass Chips and Cracks: Repair or Replace?

Auto Glass Chips and Cracks: Repair or Replace?

by | Aug 20, 2019 | Auto Glass Windshield Repair

Do you have a chip or crack in your windshield? No matter how small, any blemish on your windscreen should be attended to immediately to prevent spreading and further damage.

For any type of chip or crack in your windshield, the damage will need to be assessed to answer the big question: Repair or Replace?

Obviously, you will want to try to fix any windshield issues with a repair if at all possible, as it is much less involved and expensive.

How Do I Know if a Repair or Replacement is Needed?

That all depends on the size and nature of the chip or crack on your windshield.

In most cases, it is best left to the professionals to decide. The integrity of your auto glass is a huge factor for staying safe in your vehicle.

Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, the strength of your windshield is responsible for providing anywhere from 45% – 75% of the structural integrity of your entire vehicle, should you get in an accident.

If you do happen to get into a collision and your car rolls, the windshield is relied upon to handle around 60% of the weight to keep the cabin of the automobile intact.

For the continued safety of you and your passengers, it is recommended to visit a reliable and speedy auto glass service, like Valvoline Express Care in Brampton.

Factors to Determine Repair or Replacement

To make an informed decision about which route to go to fix the blemish on your windscreen, it is important to consider several factors.

Some elements to consider about the chip or crack on your windshield, are:

  • Size
  • Depth
  • Duration
  • Location

Size

The first factor to examine is the size of the chip. Auto glass repair is becoming more efficient and effective all the time, so bigger chips are now being able to be properly fixed with a repair instead of a replacement.

The general rule of thumb is that if a chip is bigger than a toonie, a replacement will likely be required. Cracks longer than 7 or 8 cm will also probably demand a full replacement.

Superficial chips or small cracks that don’t penetrate to the inside of the glass can often be fully repaired without having to replace the glass.

Depth

Most windshields are made up of 2 or 3 layers. Some windscreens are double-paned glass, while others have three layers. Two layers of glass sandwiching a layer of plastic.

In either scenario, if the crack penetrates the inside layer of glass, it is time for a replacement.

Location

The location of the chip or crack is also critical for deciding on repair or replacement.

If a crack extends to the edge of the auto glass, then that windshield’s days are finished. There is too much risk to the structural integrity of your vehicle for cracks that hit the edge of the window.

If the crack or chip is directly in the driver’s line of vision, then a replacement is recommended. Most repairs end up leaving a little bit of distortion which can impair a driver’s ability to clearly see everything on the road in front of them.

Also, some cracks may interfere with one of the car’s automatic systems or sensors. If this is the case, then it is replacement time.

Duration

The longer a chip or crack has existed in your windshield, the more likely a replacement will be needed instead of a repair.

It is best to take care any windshield issues promptly, before the situation gets out of hand.

Auto Glass Repair and Replacement for your Safety

The number one concern for any nick, break, or slinter in in your windshield is safety. Safety for you and your passengers, and also for other drivers and pedestrians in the area.

The Uni Glass windshield replacement experts and repair experts at Valvoline Express Care have been fixing windshield issues in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and Vaughan for decades.

Stop in anytime for damage assessment.

The Various Options and Benefits of Rust Proofing Brampton

The Various Options and Benefits of Rust Proofing Brampton

by | Aug 8, 2019 | Rust Proofing Brampton

Most car owners are searching for the most cost-effective method for protecting and maintaining their vehicles. Many drivers are not willing to invest money up front, even it means avoiding steep mechanic bills in the long run.

One aspect of auto maintenance that is crucial for protecting the value and structure of your car is rust proofing. Rust can cause irreversible damage to your vehicle.

Rust coating and rust proofing services help prevent oxidation from occurring on the metal components of your car. For oxidation to happen, metal must be exposed to oxygen and moisture for a prolonged period of time.

Rust and corrosion can cause issues if it starts to form on the chassis, which is particularly susceptible to rust because of dirt, slat, water, and debris it is constantly coming into contact with.

Brampton Auto Rust Proofing

A great option for professional rust proofing services in Brampton and the surrounding areas is Valvoline Express Care.

When it comes to rust protection, prevention is the best method. This is why it is so important to have your car rust proofed immediately after purchasing it.

Rust proofing is most effective when applied to a clean vehicle. If you are having rust proofing done to a used vehicle,is essential to makesure it is clean first. Otherwise you are just applying a coating overtop of the existing dirt and grime.

Different rust protection techniques can be used, depending on the state and age of your vehicle, as well as the level of protection desired.

Rust Proofing Techniques

There are various rust protection approaches available for different situations.

Some of the techniques offered are:

  • Electronic rust protection
  • Dripless oil spray
  • Drip spray (oil or tar based)

Electronic Rust Protection

An electronic module is installed on your car that sends pulses through an electrical current to disrupt the oxidation process, preventing rust from developing.

Dripless Oil Spray

An oil-based spray is applied to the car by drilling holes in the doors and fenders to cover then entire body and undercarriage. The spray hardens as it dries, leaving no drips or mess on the ground.

Drip Spray

The drip spray method tends to be more effective than dripless because the spray is less viscous and can easily access all the hard to reach nooks and crannies.

Rust Protection Process

To effectively rust proof any vehicle, certain steps must be taken. The first step is to diligently clean the body and undercarriage of your vehicle. Any existing rust can be removed with sandpaper or a grinder. A very fine grade of sandpaper is required for the job, at 220 grit or higher.

For cars where a substantial amount of rust has been removed, the chassis should be primed and painted afterwards.

Once the primer, and then the paint, has dried, the next step is to coat the entire body and undercarriage with rust proofing spray. Ensure your vehicle is dry before application.

The rust proofing technicians at Valvoline Express Care can handle the entire process.

Getting your car rust protected as early on as possible is highly recommended. Once rust and corrosion has begun to spread, it is difficult to curtail.

It is always advised to go with an experienced rust proofing professional, like the ones available at Valvoline Express Car Care Brampton.