Auto glass is not only there for aesthetic purposes. But, it is also crucial to keep the car and its passengers safe from debris and other outside elements when travelling. Unfortunately, there might come a time when your auto glass might sustain damage.
Luckily, Valvoline Express Care offers a speedy glass and reliable auto glass repair service. If you are interested in knowing more about it, continue reading the article.
Types of Auto Glass Damage
There are plenty of types of damage that can happen to your car. At Valvoline Express care, their professionals will first assess the damage on your auto glass with the following classifications:
Surface Chip
Surface chips are one of the most common types of windshield damage. It refers to a surface nick that does not fully puncture the surface of the glass. These types of chips are fixable with minor repairs as long as it is immediately addressed.
Bull’s Eye Chip
A bull’s eye chip happens due to an impact caused by stones or rock from the road that hit the glass. Characteristically, it is circular in shape with a cone-shaped hole on the outer layer of the windshield.
This type of auto glass damage is fixable with repair if the chip is less than one inch, there’s no dirt on the chip, and if it is not in the driver’s field of vision.
Half Moon Chip
Half Moon chips are similar to bulls-eye chips because they are both caused by impact from rocks or stones. The difference is that they are not fully circular in shape hence their name. This type of chip is repairable as long as it’s not in the driver’s eye line and it is not too big.
Star Chip
Star chips are caused by impact and usually have small cracks from the center, creating a star-shaped design. This type of chip can be repaired if it is smaller than a looney, but you will need to have it replaced if it is not.
Angel Wings
Angel wing chip is also known as a combination crack. It is possible to repair this if this chip’s diameter does not exceed 2 inches.
Star Burst Chip
This chip is similar to the star chip, except it has escalated and covers a wider area. If not taken care of immediately, it might need to be replaced.
Straight Line Crack
Unlike other chips caused by impact, this one can result from too much pressure. It is fixable if it’s not too big and does not affect the edge of the windshield or the eye line of the driver.
Extended Bulls Eye
An extended bull’s eye is a magnified version of the bulls eye chip. It usually requires replacement because of its gravity.
Repair or Replace?
Not all types of auto glass damage are fixable, like massive extended bull eyes, angel wings, star chips, or other types of chips left alone for an extended period of time-. When fixing it is not an option, you might have no other choice but to have it replaced entirely.
In case your auto glass is in need of a replacement, Valvoline Express Care also provides replacement services. Just like with their windshield repair service, you can expect speedy and reliable results at a reasonable price.
Final Words
Regardless of what type of auto glass damage your vehicle has, Valvoline Express Care can help. Just bring it in to have it assessed by their expert professionals. These professionals can also help you replace it if it is deemed unfixable.
When it comes to driving a car, the windshield is your first protection against wind, bugs, and other elements that may come your way. However, your windshield is prone to wear and tear and can sometimes get damaged or cracked. Whichever the case, you need your damaged or cracked windshield fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
For most car owners, it can be challenging to determine whether they need to get their windshield to be repaired or replaced entirely. In this case, there is a need to consult an expert since not all damage is the same.
Generally, windshield damages differ in location, size, and severity. While some cracks may only require a quick fix, others require the whole windshield to be replaced. Usually, damages that are in line with the driver’s sight will need to be replaced to prevent causing an accident. Whatever the crack on your windscreen may be, it is always best to get the advice of an expert to avoid any problems later on.
In this article, you will learn the difference between repairing and replacing a windshield and under which circumstances each should be applied.
When Will a Windshield Repair Suffice?
Unlike replacing your windshield, repairing a damaged windshield is more cost-effective. However, several things are considered when determining whether a windshield can be fixed with a simple repair. Generally, a repair company’s ability to fully repair your windshield can depend on the damage’s size, location, and severity.
Size or Extent of Damage
In most cases, a simple repair will suffice if the damage in your windshield is smaller than 40mm in diameter.
Location of Damage
Another thing to keep in mind is the location of the damage. It is easy to repair windshield damage if it is not in line with the driver’s sight.
Depth of Damage
Something else that repair companies take into consideration is the depth of damage. If the crack or chip is shallow and has only penetrated a single layer of glass, it can be repaired. However, it may need replacement if it has penetrated both the inner and outer glass layer.
No matter how small the damage to your windshield is, you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, the damage may deteriorate, and you may need to replace it instead, incurring extra costs.
When do You Need a Windshield Replacement?
Several things will make a windshield replacement the only solution. This means getting rid of your old windshield and getting a brand new windshield altogether. You can simply replace your windshield when you experience any of the following damage:
You have an old windshield with several scratches or pitting.
Your windshield got hit by a large rock, and it punched a hole through it.
If your windshield has multiple chips in it beyond the recommended size of repair.
If the glass is tempered and not laminated.
Cracks in your windshield can be solved by simply replacing them rather than repairing them. Cracks will grow over time, and they also weaken the overall integrity of your windshield, making it necessary to replace your windshield.
Conclusion
Again, no matter how small the damage to your windshield is, it is always advisable to get it fixed or replaced as soon as you can. The last thing you want is to get into an accident because of poor visibility caused by a crack or chip on your windshield. Ensure that you research the best windshield repair company near you to evaluate the damage and advice you on the best possible solution.
You likely don’t give your windshield a second thought when you are out on the road; you unconsciously rely on its protection to keep you and your passengers safe. That is, until an unexpected problem arises such as a chip or crack in your windscreen from a rogue stone or pebble flying up off the road.
Even the smallest blemish in your auto glass can escalate into far more serious issues if not addressed in a timely fashion.
What benefits does a fully intact windshield provide?
Aside from protecting your vision and keeping you physically safe from oncoming debris, your auto glass delivers other unseen advantages.
Structural Support
An undamaged windshield contributes to the stability and structure of your entire vehicle. If auto glass is cracked or broken in any way it offers far less protection in the case of an accident. A damaged windshield is not only more likely to shatter during a collision; it may also result in a collapsed roof and the risk of severe injury.
Blemishes in your windshield pose a far greater problem than merely an aesthetic eyesore.
What happens to a chipped windshield over time?
Ignoring any sort of blemish on your windshield is inadvisable as it will only continue to become more of a problem over time. The more it spreads the more expensive it is going to be to get it fixed.
External Factors
There are several factors that may contribute to the acceleration of the damage. For example, weather conditions and temperatures can have an effect on auto glass issues. Extreme weather can cause the windscreen seal to become loose, especially if the cracks extend to the edge. High winds can cause undue pressure on already compromised windshields to impose a greater safety risk and further damage.
A crack or blemish within the driver’s line of vision can affect how sunlight plays off the reflection of the glass. This can result in impaired visibility and a higher risk of accident and injury. Night vision can also be diminished and a similar reaction to sunlight can occur with bright or flashing lights making it difficult for drivers to see through a damaged windshield.
Driving infractions and Fines
Driving in Ontario with a damaged windshield may result in a driving infraction that you could be fined for. That just adds further expense to auto glass repair that could have been avoided if dealt with accordingly.
Why go to an auto glass repair expert for advice or service?
Most importantly, getting any sort of damage taken care of immediately, no matter how small, is highly advantageous for both cost of repair and the health of your vehicle. Getting the job done quickly may prevent the need for a full windshield replacement.
Tools and Skills
Advancements in auto glass repair technology have come a long way over the last several years to provide vehicle owners with more choices. Repair options have become more flexible, affordable, and faster so you don’t have to worry about downtime while you wait to get your vehicle back.
Windshield Repair Brampton
The auto glass experts at Valvoline Express Care Brampton can help determine the specific type of damage to your windscreen and present the best possible course of action to remedy the situation. a repair will be the first solution if it is possible to fix the blemish to allow full driver visibility and passenger safety.
Some of the benefits of taking your car to Valvoline for windshield repair are:
Save time and money
Improve safety and performance
Be environmentally responsible
Save Time and Money
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that a windshield repair is considerably less expensive than a replacement. The reward for taking the initiative to handle the problem as swiftly as possible is substantial cost savings.
Getting auto glass repairs done by a professional is also a great way to save time and money, ensuring it is taken care of properly the first time to avoid further problems and the need for a full replacement.
Improve Safety and Performance
Better driving visibility and a safer overall structure for your entire vehicle are two excellent reasons to address windshield damage immediately. Get peace of mind and sustain the value of your vehicle with auto glass care at Valvoline Express.
Environmental Responsibility
Every time a windshield is replaced the old one is destined to sit in a landfill with the rest of the damaged auto glass. Having your windshield repaired instead of replaced eases the burden on the environment with a considerable reduction in waste.
Most car owners spend a considerable amount of time in their vehicles. The majority of people also have passengers in their cars on a regular basis, driving kids to school, sharing a commute to work, getting to appointments, or just getting out for some fun and excitement. Some drivers are extremely diligent about the care and maintenance they provide for their vehicle, while others are more negligent.
Vehicle maintenance is about than just the value and performance of your vehicle, it is also about the safety of you and your passengers, as well as other drivers on the road. One of the aspects that can compromise the safety of an automobile that a lot of drivers are unaware of is windshield damage. Keeping your autoglass in tip top shape is crucial for road safety and vehicle integrity.
What does a crack in your Windshield mean?
To the average car owner, a small chip in the windshield means very little. As long as it does not affect direct line of vision to the road, they typically think nothing of it. However, a tiny crack can lead to much larger problems if not handled properly in a timely fashion.
Considering the amount of time spent in your car, you probably want to make it as comfortable and safe to drive in as possible. This often includes regular cleaning, oil changes, and tune ups to keep everything running smoothly. However, there are other little details that can affect safety, performance, and expenses. One of those details is autoglass care.
Why is immediate action so important?
You are not doing yourself any favors by letting chips and cracks linger in your windshield. You may feel like you are saving money by avoiding repair. No matter how small a blemish, it should still be addressed as soon as possible. Even if it does not inhibit your visibility as a driver, windshield cracks can still be dangerous. Autoglass chips inevitably spread over time, it’s just a matter of how long it takes.
Fixing a crack as soon as it happens is a relatively inexpensive and quick repair. On the other hand, letting it go until it can no longer be ignored will likely end up with a costly Windshield Auto Glass Replacement. Plus, it is more hazardous for everyone around you. A crack may not directly impede your straight on vision, but it can play tricks on your peripheral vision for items and obstacles around your vehicle.
For instance, even a slight impairment in visibility can result in an accident. Getting into an accident with a cracked windshield does not offer the same safety as fully intact autoglass. Small fissures in the glass can result in the integrity of the windshield being jeopardized, easily shattering on contact. Serious injury to you and your passengers can ensue, all because of a neglected blemish in the windshield.
Quick Auto Glass Windshield Repair
Another concern you may have about getting a chip in your windshield fixed is downtime without your vehicle. Choosing a proven and reliable windshield repair service like Valvoline Express Care Brampton ensures downtime is minimal, getting you back on the road quickly and safely. The experts at Valvoline Express Care can swiftly assess the damage to your autoglass and recommend the best solution.
If you get on top of the problem immediately, there should be nothing to worry. Just a quick repair and you will be on your way. When it comes to autoglass windshield repair it is much wiser to err on the side of caution to avoid expensive replacements, accidents, and injury.
Neglecting any sort of blemishes on your windshield, regardless of size or severity, can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. A lot of drivers may notice a tiny crack in the windshield and think nothing of it. If the chip does not affect their field of vision, or pose an immediate threat, many vehicle owners will put off fixing it until it becomes a bigger problem. The main concern with the ‘wait and see’ approach is that it will eventually become a much larger issue, that much you can count on.
Minor blemishes in your windshield can be quick and easy to repair if handled in a timely fashion. When cracks are small and superficial, they are quite easy to fix. However, if seemingly insignificant damage is ignored, over time the problem will inevitably spread. As these cracks extend from the initial point of contact, they begin to compromise the integrity of the entire windshield. This now jeopardizes the safety of you and your passengers, as well as all the drivers around you. Not mention that a quick repair is no longer an option, and the only fix now is an expensive full windshield replacement.
The main take away here is to stay vigilant with your autoglass windshield repair to avoid further damage, costly replacements, and safety risks.
Reasons to Stay on Top of Autoglass Windshield Repair
There is an assortment of convincing reasons to practice responsible windshield care. Some of the biggest factors include:
Safety
Cost
Time
Performance
Environmentally responsible
Safety
For all practical purposes, the number one to stay vigilant with your autoglass windshield care is safety. As a driver, your chief responsibility should be to optimize safety for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers in your vicinity.
Windshield blemishes compromise safety by hindering driver visibility as well as weakening the strength of your windshield should you get into an accident. There are enough hazards on the road already for drivers to be cautious about; there is no need to further contribute to danger with a damaged windshield.
Cost
As prices for virtually everything around us are continually on the rise, people are constantly looking for ways to save money to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this results in people cutting corners in certain areas to save money. Neglecting chips in your windshield is not a recommended cost-cutting solution. You may think you are saving money by forgoing small repair expenses to get a chip fixed. However, this will inevitably cost you more money in the long run. The blemish is not just going to go away or repair itself. It will continue to spread across your windshield, and if ignored for long enough, will result in a more time-consuming and expensive windshield replacement.
Time
There is no disputing that repairing a small crack in your autoglass takes considerably less time than a full replacement would. A simple and speedy blemish fix means minimal downtime for your vehicle. A windshield replacement is a more demanding and labor intensive fix, meaning your vehicle may not be available for you to get to work or other important appointments.
Performance
Getting blemishes fixed as they occur helps ensure that your field of vision is unhindered, and your driving visibility is optimized. This enhances not only safety, but also performance. When cracks are professionally repaired on your windshield, it strengthens that area in the glass to improve overall durability for longer lasting performance.
Environmentally Responsible
When a windshield replacement is required, it means having the entire windshield removed and it will most likely end up in a landfill. Getting repairs done as needed prevents this process, which is beneficial to your bank account as well as the environment.
Staying on top of windshield care for your vehicle is the best thing you can do for enhancing safety, reducing expenses, improving performance, and minimizing environmental impact.
Do you have a substantial chip or crack in your windshield? Perhaps what started out as a small blemish has now taken over the safety of your windscreen? Whatever the case, getting your car in for a professional assessment is the best next step forward. If the crack is small enough and caught in time, you may be able to get away with a simple repair to your existing windshield. However, if the damage is extensive, or the chip has been left to fester too long, an auto glass replacement is likely the only viable course of action remaining. Even the most cautious of drivers can fall victim to a damaged windshield. It can happen out of the blue when you are least expecting it. Chips and cracks can be caused by anything from errant debris flying up off the road to an accident with another vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the most prevalent causes of windshield damage.
Common Causes of Auto Glass Damage
Damaged windshields are generally a freak occurrence that can happen for a variety of reasons, and can come in all shapes and sizes. Analyzing the size and location of the blemish can usually determine whether a repair or replacement is needed. Some of the more frequent causes of windshield harm, include:
Road debris
Harsh weather
Severe temperatures
Changes in pressure
Improper installation
Low grade glass
Automobile accidents
Road Debris
One of the most common causes of a cracked windshield is small stones or rocks flying up off the road and contacting the glass. Typically when this happens the damage is only to the outer surface and can be taken care of with a quick repair. However, when small blemishes like this are left untreated they can quickly blossom into a more serious and costly issue.
Harsh Weather
Storms and other tough weather conditions can also result in damage to your windscreen. Of all the dangerous types of weather to drive in, it is generally hail that ends up causing the most problems for auto glass. The major concern with hail is that you don’t even have to be driving for it to play havoc with your vehicle. High winds can also be problematic, blowing tree branches or other debris into your windshield.
Severe Temperatures
Another detrimental aspect of Canada’s harsh weather conditions is the extreme temperatures that can fluctuate considerably from day to day. Windshield damage can occur in severe weather swings due to the properties of glass that cause it to expand when hot and contract when cold. Granted, most auto glass is specifically designed to withstand heavy thermal strain, but when glass is continually exposed to severe temperatures it can weaken over time.
Changes in Pressure
Just as is the case with severe temperatures, rapid changes in air pressure can result in windshield damage. Traveling at high speeds or exposure to high winds can cause stress cracks. Excessive speeds or extremely strong winds put undue physical weight on the windscreen, potentially causing it to crack under the pressure.
Improper Installation
If you have installed the windshield yourself, or perhaps got the work done at a questionable establishment, it may not be tight enough to offer sufficient protection. When the windscreen is too loose, you will likely notice heavy vibrations while driving. It is probably no surprise that a loosely fitting, vibrating windshield is more susceptible to cracks and damage. Ensure proper installation with a trusted professional like Valvoline Express Care.
Low Grade Glass
Again, it should not come as any surprise that the lower quality of glass your windshield is comprised of, the higher the risk of something going wrong. Low quality auto glass is more likely to have manufacturing defects which can cause weak spots in the windshield making is more vulnerable to chips and cracks. Valvoline Brampton, partnered with Uniglass Plus, offer a Securi-Clear® lifetime warranty on your windshield, meaning you never again have to worry future repair costs.
Automobile Accidents
Car accidents are another serious concern for auto glass safety, and can result many different types of damage to your windscreen. Of course, there are accidents where the entire windshield is shattered, leaving no mystery of whether or not a replacement is needed. But, even a minor fender bender can inflict small cracks or excess pressure from a bent frame. After an accident it is always a good idea to get a professional assessment, even if the damage to your windshield seems insignificant.
