Windshield Repair Services

Windshield Repair Services

Do you have a chip or crack in your windshield? If so, it is highly recommended to deal with the issue right away to minimize cost and damage.

Most vehicle owners would prefer to repair a windshield than have it replaced, if at all possible.

Repairs are obviously quicker and less costly than a replacement, and often repairs are covered by your auto insurance policy.

So, how do you know if you need a windshield repair or replacement for your windscreen?

Assessing Windshield Damage

An initial assessment you can do on your own, just to get a better idea of what will be needed to solve the problem.

The first task is to figure out the type of chip or crack that exists on your windshield.

Some of the most common types of windscreen blemishes include:

  • Surface chip
  • Bullseye
  • Half moon
  • Star
  • Angel wings (combination crack)
  • Star Burst
  • Straight line
  • Extended bullseye

Surface Chip

A small surface chip is the most common type of windshield blemish. This is typically a superficial nick that does not penetrate the surface of the glass.

A surface chip can be fixed with a minor repair, as long as it is attended to promptly.

Bullseye Chip

A bullseye is an impact chip that is usually the result of a rock or stone coming off the road and hitting the glass.

A bullseye is a circular chip that has a cone shaped whole dig out of the outer layer of the windscreen.

A bullseye chip can be mended with a repair, if:

  1. The diameter of the chip is an inch or less
  2. There is no dirt lodged in the chip
  3. The chip is not directly in the driver’s field of vision

Half Moon Chip

Much like a bullseye chip, a half moon chip is often caused by impact from an errant stone or pebble.

You can think of a half moon as a partial bullseye chip that is not fully circular in shape.

Half moon chips can also be repaired if the diameter is small enough and the blemish is not in the driver’s eyeline.

Star Chip

A star chip or break is caused by a point of impact, and generally has several small cracks coming out from the center to form a star shaped design.

A star chip or break can go either way when it comes to repair or replacement.

Star chips can often be repaired if they are the size of a looney or smaller. If the chip is larger than a looney, or you can feel it on the inside of your windshield, a replacement will most likely be needed.

Angel Wings (Combination Crack)

An angel wing chip is also sometimes referred to as a combination break. Angel wings may be a combination of a bullseye chip with cracks spreading outwards from opposite directions.

If the entire diameter of a crack of this nature, including the body and the legs, does not exceed 2 inches, then a repair may be possible.

Star Burst Chip

As the name suggests, this type of blemish is a star chip that has escalated or covers more surface area than a regular star chip.

This type of chip must be taken care of immediately. An expert will be able to assess if a repair or replacement is required.

Straight Line Crack

This type of damage can be caused by either impact or pressure.

If a straight line crack is caused by the impact of a stone or debris, then it can possibly be fixed with a repair if it is small enough, does not reach the edge of the windshield, and is not in the driver’s line of vision.

If a straight line crack is caused by pressure, rather than impact, then a replacement will be mandatory.

Extended Bullseye

Like an angel wing chip, an extended bullseye is an enlarged or magnified version of the original.

This is another issue that needs to be dealt with urgently.

Driver’s in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and Vaughan should contact the auto glass repair experts at Valvoline Express Care for professional UniGlass windshield chip and crack assessment.

 

Rust Check Method for Superior Rust Protection

Rust Check Method for Superior Rust Protection

The Rust Check rust proofing method is a proven approach to providing optimal rust protection for your vehicle.

The Rust Check product was first introduced way back in 1973 and vehicle owners have been reaping the benefits of protection ever since.

The Rust Check method is so effective because the Rust Check spray has enough viscosity to provide excellent protection, but it is not as thick as most rust proofing sealants which don’t penetrate small cracks and hard to reach areas.

Preventative rust proofing is the recommended approach, to stop rust before it has a chance to start.

Once rust has begun to from, it can be contained and managed, but the process cannot be reversed.

Don’t wait until you spot rust on your car to begin rust proofing treatments.

What is the Rust Check method?

The Rust Check method involves using a light oil-based spray that contains active additives that prevent the formation of rust and corrosion.

The Rust Check spray is able to penetrate deep into the gaps and fissures in your car to expel moisture and prevent it from getting back in.

Moisture is one of the required ingredients for rust formation. The other is oxygen. If the metal components of your vehicle are exposed to the combination of oxygen and moisture for too long, rust and corrosion could soon strike.

What does the Rust Check method protect?

The Rust Check process ensures that all exterior metal trim and electrical connections and components are full rust protected.

This include things like:

  • Door posts
  • Front cowling
  • Trunk and perimeter
  • Trailer hitch and any attached wiring
  • Hood and inner panels
  • Fenders and bumpers
  • Tail lights
  • Wheel wells
  • Headlights
  • Door panels
  • Undercarriage

These are a few examples of the kind of comprehensive coverage the Rust Check method provides.

Rust Check Employs a 2-step Process

The proven Rust Check approach involves two main steps to ensure full protection from rust and corrosion.

Step 1 – Rust Check

The first product used in the Rust Check method is a lighter oil-based spray that is applied to all the hinges, bends, folds, and cracks that are found throughout the vehicle.

Step 2 – Coat & Protect

The second step involves using a thicker oil-based spray that is applied mainly to the undercarriage of the vehicle. This provides exceptional protection without sealing in moisture which can cause rusting.

Benefits of the Rust Check Method

There many great advantages to be gained by regularly protecting your vehicle with Rust Check.

Some of the main benefits are:

  • Versatile and effective protection
  • Does not dry out or crack
  • Does not damage the finish
  • Good for new or used vehicles
  • No offensive odours

Versatile Protection

Rust Check rust proofing is so effective because of the versatility the two-step approach provides. The combination of distinctive sprays provides a much more through protection than your average rust proofing sealant.

Doesn’t Dry or Crack

Unlike rust proofing sealants, the Rust Check spray never dries out, so you don’t have to worry about cracking or peeling off.

No Paint Damage

If the spray gets on the paint job during the rust proofing process, it is easily wiped off with no lingering effects.

New or Used Vehicles

Rust Check provides outstanding rust protection for vehicles, whether they are brand new or have seen a lot of miles.

Although no rust proofing method can reverse the rusting process, Rust Check prevents the spread of rust.

No Odour

Rust Check spray does not have a strong odour like many sealants do.

Rust Proofing Brampton

For experienced and effective rust proofing service, employing the Rust Check method, Valvoline Express Care is an ideal choice for rust protection.

Keep your car protected against Canada’s extreme weather conditions with regular rust proofing.

The Rust Check method is suggested at least once per year to provide maximum protection.

Get Your Vehicle Geared Up for Winter with an Oil Change

Get Your Vehicle Geared Up for Winter with an Oil Change

One good way to get your vehicle ready for the upcoming winter season is to give it some fresh oil.

Your car depends on clean oil to operate effectively and maximize performance.

This is particularly important entering the winter season in Canada. Canadian winters can be especially cruel to your beloved automobile.

Harsh elements like snow, ice, slush, snow, and salt can make your car engine work harder than normal. Plus, new oil responds better in cold weather conditions and extreme environmental changes.

You caneven take it one step further and use a specialized oil like SynPower Full Synthetic motor oil by Valvoline.

SynPower Full Synthetic oil offers your engine optimal protection against high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter.

Oil Change Brampton

For reliable oil changes, and any other automotive maintenance you may need in the Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto area, Valvoline Express Care is a highly recommended solution.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

Valvoline Express Care is an experienced and dependable automotive service provider for drivers all across the GTA.

For expert services from oil changes to rust proofing, you can count on the expert technicians at Valvoline Express Care for quality assistance every time you visit.

With well over 20 years experience in automotive care and support, Oil Change Brampton services will keep your car running at optimal performance levels.

Why Change your Oil for the Winter?

Regular oil changes are a necessary part routine vehicular maintenance. How often your oil needs to be changed depends on a number of factors, such as:

  • Type of vehicle
  • Type of oil used
  • Driving conditions
  • Age of vehicle
  • Duration of long trips
  • Driving frequency
  • Engine temperature

Opinions on how often your oil should be changed can differ immensely, depending on who you are talking to. It is recommended to follow the guidelines set out in the owner’s manual of your vehicle if you are having any doubts.

Many experts would agree that the frequency of required oil changes increases during the winter.

Reasons Oil Changes may be Needed More Often in the Winter

The oil change Brampton services offered at Valvoline Express Care may be required more frequently in the winter for a few different reasons.

One of the main reasons is increased contamination of your engine’s oil in the winter months.

These elevated contamination levels are caused by two main factors:

  1. Water
  2. Fuel

How does water accelerate contamination?

Water gets into the lubrication system of your vehicle more easily in the winter due to a build up of condensation on the engine block in cold weather.

This problem occurs when the engine doesn’t get enough time to warm up while you are driving. This problem is inflated if you are taking short trips in your car on a daily basis.

If too much water gets into the oil, the oil ventilation system can seize up and freeze, causing an oil leak.

How Does Fuel Get into the Lubrication System?

Another problem the lubrication system faces in the winter is the possibility of fuel getting in and mixing with the oil.

This can happen with fuel injected engines that create too rich a mixture in the cold weather, injecting small amounts of fuel into the lubrication system with the oil.

Unburned fuel can sometimes trickle down into the oil pan in low temperatures.

Too much fuel mixed in with the oil decreases its viscosity, making it a less effective lubricator for the engine.

Problems with too much water or fuel mixing in with the oil can lead to serious engine damage and hefty mechanic bills.

Oil Change Brampton to Prepare for Winter

Get ahead of winter’s damaging effects on your vehicle with an oil change at Valvoline Express Care.

Windshield Replacement Services

Windshield Replacement Services

Valvoline Express Care and Uniglass Plus have partnered up to offer effective solutions for auto glass replacement. Both companies have long histories of providing the ultimate security and protection for your windshield.

With a heavy focus on customer satisfaction, the goal is always to offer impeccable service and outstanding results.

When does a windshield need to be replaced?

Sometimes it may be difficult to determine if a windshield can get by with a quick repair, or an auto glass replacement is necessary.

Some factors that can help verify if a replacement is needed might be:

  • Chip size and description
  • Where is the chip?
  • How long has the chip been there?

Chip Size and Description

The first step will be to assess the size and type of chip in your windshield.

Is the chip just a superficial scratch on the surface of your windshield? If the chip appears as a small star shape or bullseye, smaller than a looney or toonie, then you can likely get away with just a repair.

However, if the chip or crack extends across the windshield or looks like a sizeable spider web, then a replacement is likely required.

Chip Location

The next factor has to do with where the chip is located on your windshield.

Chips or cracks that impede your field of vision will probably end up needing a windshield replacement. The same is true for cracks that extend to the edges or corners of the glass. Cracks that reach the edge of the windscreen compromise the structural integrity of the glass.

Length of Time

The longer the chip has been there, the more likely the windshield will need to be replaced.

To avoid the need for auto glass replacement, chips and cracks should be attended to as soon as possible.

What happens to chips that are not dealt with quickly?

Chips that are not addressed in a timely manner can quickly turn into extended cracks or fissures.

Overtime, there are a variety of factors that can impact a chip and escalate the issue. Some of these factors include:

  • Temperature changes
  • Pressure changes – outside air pressure
  • Debris, dirt, and stones hitting the windshield
  • Rain and water pressure
  • Windshield wiper activity
  • Pressure from the inside of the windshield

Impact vs Stress Cracks

Impact cracks are caused by something like a rock or stone hitting the windshield and causing a chip or crack.

Stress cracks are often caused by other elements, such as:

  • Changes in temperature
  • Structural irregularities
  • Changes in atmospheric pressure

Windshield Safety

Aside from protection from outside elements, and a clear field of vision, an unblemished windshield is also relied for other safety features.

A fully intact windshield offers such safety measures as:

  • Keeping passengers inside the vehicle in the case of an accident
  • Providing support for the roof if the vehicle rolls
  • Successful deployment of the passenger side airbag

The windshield is considered to be the third most important safety component in a vehicle, after seatbelts and airbags.

What can happen if your drive with a cracked windshield?

Not only does driving with a cracked windshield compromise the safety of you and your passengers, it is also illegal and can result in a hefty fine.

Leave Windshield Replacements to the Experts

Replacing a windshield is not something most car owners feel comfortable doing, and with good reason.

With advanced technology, the structural role of the windshield in vehicles has become progressively more complex.

For most vehicles, around 70% of the structural integrity of the entire vehicle is held in place by the windshield.

That is not something you want to mess around with if you don’t know what you are doing, for your own safety and the wellbeing of your future passengers.

Insurance & Warranty

Valvoline and Uniglass Plus will take care of the insurance details on your behalf. Partnerships with most auto insurance companies in Ontario make the insurance process simple and convenient.

A lifetime Secure-Clear Warranty offers coverage against future repairs needed for chips and small cracks.

Book an Appointment

Contact Valvoline Express CareBrampton today to arrange an appointment for windshield repair, assessment, or replacement.

How Does Rust Proofing Protect Your Vehicle?

How Does Rust Proofing Protect Your Vehicle?

Driving hazards are not limited to unfavorable road conditions. Living in Canada, we are exposed to a variety of harsh weather and environmental elements.

In the winter we have to battle with snow and ice, in the summer we must concern ourselves with the effects of the baking sun. The winter roads are covered with salt to make driving conditions more favorable, but this road treatment can also have negative effects on your vehicle.

This is why it is crucial to protect your vehicle for potential rust and corrosion. Rust is formed when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen for a prolonged period. Road salt accelerates this process.

An unprotected vehicle is vulnerable to serious rust damage.

Rust Proofing Brampton

If you are looking for an exceptional rust proofing service in the Brampton area, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is just the spot.

The experience and qualified rust proof technicians at Valvoline offer 6 good reasons why rust proofing is worth the investment.

6 Strong Reasons to Rust Proof

There are many compelling reasons to have your car rust protected on a regular basis, here are 6 of them:

  • Preserved value
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Appearance
  • Longevity
  • Reduced mechanic bills
  • Safety

Preserved Value

There is no disputing that unsightly rust and corrosion can diminish the value of your car. When it comes time to sell, a rust-free vehicle will sell more quickly, and for a higher price tag.

Valvoline rust proofing services in Brampton will help preserve the value, whether you are trading in or buying a new car.

Environmental Concern

A rust-free vehicle will obviously last a lot longer than one that has been rusted out. Keeping your car on the road longer means the longer it will avoid the scrap heap. The helps prevent overflow at the scrap yard, which is detrimental to the environment.

Adding a few extra years to your car’s life is not only good for your bank account, but also the environment.

Appearance

Rust proofing is one of the best ways to maintain the structure and appearance of your vehicle. Rust holes are not only unattractive, but they can also compromise the structural integrity of your car.

Longevity

An automobile is a considerable expense. Yes, there maintenance costs that come with every vehicle, but the biggest charge is when you are buying a new car.

Rust proofing is a great way to prolong the purchase of a new vehicle. For example, regular rust proofing could be the difference between buying just one car over a 10-year period, instead of two or three.

Fewer Mechanic Bills

Rust proofing is one the best types of maintenance to reduce repair costs. Rust proofing will help protect the body, frame, brakes, electrical components, and the undercarriage.

A small investment in rust proofing can save a lot of money in the long run.

Safety

If rust goes unchecked for long enough, it can begin to cause serious structural damage to your vehicle. This can compromise the safety of you and your passengers.

The experts at Valvoline Express Care will ensure your car is well protected and safe to drive.

Valvoline Express Care

The most effective and reliable rust proofing in Brampton can be found at Valvoline Express Care.

Keep your vehicle feeling safe and looking new with regular rust protection.