When it comes to your vehicle’s windshield, even the smallest chip or crack should not be taken lightly. Not only can these damages impair your vision while driving, but they can also compromise the structural integrity of your windshield and put your safety at risk. With that said, it becomes crucial to address these issues promptly and make an informed decision about whether your auto glass needs repair or replacement. In this blog post, we will examine the importance of windshield integrity, factors to consider when deciding between repair or replacement, and the role of professional auto glass services in maintaining your safety on the road.
The Importance of Windshield Integrity:
Before delving into the repair vs. replace dilemma, it’s essential to understand the significance of windshield integrity. Your vehicle’s windshield is not only a barrier that protects you from wind, debris, and other elements, but it also contributes to the overall structural strength of the vehicle. In fact, depending on the make and model of your car, the windshield can provide anywhere from 45% to 75% of the structural integrity in the event of an accident or rollover. This means that a compromised or weakened windshield may not be able to uphold its structural duties and could drastically increase the risks to you and your passengers.
Factors to Consider for Repair or Replacement:
When faced with a chip or crack in your auto glass, several factors should be considered before deciding whether to repair or replace it. These factors include the size of the damage, the depth of the chip or crack, its location, and the duration it has been left untreated.
Size:
The size of the chip or crack is a significant consideration. Depending on advancements in repair techniques, certain damages can be repaired if they fall within specific size limits. As a general guideline, chips larger than the size of a toonie coin or cracks longer than 7 or 8 cm may require a complete replacement. On the other hand, smaller chips or superficial cracks that do not penetrate the inner layer of glass can often be effectively repaired without needing to replace the entire windshield.
Depth:
Most windshields consist of two or three layers of glass sandwiched together with a laminate interlayer. If a crack or chip penetrates the innermost layer of glass, it cannot be adequately repaired, and windshield replacement will be necessary.
Location:
The location of the damage is another crucial factor to consider. If the crack extends to the edge of the windshield, it compromises the structural integrity and will require a replacement. Additionally, if the damage is directly within the driver’s line of sight, it can impair visibility and necessitate a replacement. Furthermore, some cracks may interfere with the car’s automatic systems or sensors, making a replacement the only viable option.
Duration:
The longer a chip or crack remains untreated, the more likely it is to spread and worsen. It is crucial to address windshield damage promptly to minimize the risk of needing a replacement. Acting swiftly can often result in a successful repair, saving time and money.
Auto Glass Repair and Replacement for Safety:
When it comes to repairing or replacing your auto glass, the safety and quality of the work should be your top priority. In many cases, it is recommended to consult with a professional auto glass service to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
At Valvoline Express Care and Oil Change in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and Vaughan, their team of highly skilled technicians specializes in windshield repair and replacement. With years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to accurately assess the damage and provide professional advice. They use top-quality materials and advanced repair techniques to ensure that your windshield is restored to its original strength and clarity.
Conclusion:
When it comes to auto glass chips and cracks, it is crucial to take immediate action to maintain your safety on the road. Although repair is often favoured, the decision to repair or replace depends on several factors, including the size, depth, location, and duration of the damage. To make an informed decision, it’s advisable to consult with professionals such as Valvoline Express Care, who prioritize their customers’ safety and provide expert advice. Remember, ensuring the integrity of your windshield is not only essential for your protection but also for the well-being of others on the road. Don’t compromise on safety—choose a trusted auto glass service and maintain your peace of mind while driving.
Safety is always a priority in driving. To do that, car parts need to be in perfect form to avoid accidents or unfortunate events. Windshields are among these parts you need to check. They are subjected to major damages that might cause problems while driving. Cracks, visibility issues, chipped parts or shattered glass are just some of the common issues car owners encounter in their windshields.
Some ignore simple damages. However, it can lead to bigger problems and worsen the safety of the car and the people riding it. Thus, repairing it as soon as possible is necessary.
Repair services provide the utmost care for windshields, ensuring that the owners can use them again. Valvoline Express Care caters to excellent quality repair services for windshields. It ensures that vehicles with damaged windshields will experience satisfying services. Assessments are made to identify problems and give adequate solutions. Services like this are important because car owners seek a trustworthy institution for their windshield problems.
Here are some of the assessments of the windshield that Valvoline Express Care does, as an auto glass repair service, to distinguish the damages:
Bull’s Eye Chip
This type of windshield damage is caused by rocks or stones hitting the car’s glass when travelling on the road. The crack that the bull’s eye makes can be characterized by a cone-shaped hole. It chips out the outer part of the windscreen of the car.
A repair is possible for this blemish when the size of the damage is less than or exactly an inch big. Also, there should be no debris clogged inside the hole to seal the chipped area properly. Another is that the crack should not be in the driver’s area. It’s because it will affect the visibility of the windshield that might jeopardize the vision while driving.
Star Chip
It is a blemish forming star-shaped holes on the windshield from the name itself. These cracks can only be suggested for repair if the sizes are just small. If they surpass the set diameter, they are most likely in need of replacement.
Surface chip
A surface chip definitely requires only repair. It can be observed in most damaged windshields. The damage is not too problematic, so it is easy to resolve. The chip does not push through the surface. Instead, tiny nicks can only be observed.
Straight Line Chip
This type of damage happens due to two reasons. It can be a result of an impact or because of great pressure. If an impact causes it, it can be solved through a repair, given that it is small and superficial. When the chip results from pressure, replacement is more likely to be applied.
Half-moon Chip
A half-moon chip can be compared to a bull’s eye chip. But, the difference is that in a half-moon chip, the damage is only half in relation to the bull’s eye, which is circular. It is also acquired when stones hit the windshield. Similarly, the repair is conducted if the chip is only small and does not affect the windshield in front of the car where the driver sits.
Angel Wings Chip
Also known as a combination crack, this type of windshield damage can be identified through the rays of cracks in an outward direction. It can be repaired if the cracks are 2 inches or less.
Final Words
Valvoline Express Care gives importance to these types of damages as it aims to provide the best service for the customers. The assessments that they do can give ideas whether the damage will need only windshield repair or windshield replacement. Once assessments are made, it would be easier for them to solve the issues and secure the safety of the owner and the passengers.
A windshield chip results from a heavy impact on the windshield by a small object or rock. This will cause a small spot on the damaged area and, at times, seems insignificant damage. It won’t be easy to recognize from a distance, but several factors may worsen it.
The damaged part on the windshield will attract dirt, dust, and debris. The outside pressure, like from rain, water will force dirt into the chip. Failure to repair the exposed chip on time will worsen the situation, becoming more challenging to repair the windshield crack. The following are necessities why one should repair a windshield on time.
Chip to a crack
Crack formations are often caused by common factors like driving, unfavourable weather, and fatigue. Extreme temperatures also add up the problem. On the other hand, extreme hot or cold, either interior part or exterior, causes expansion and contraction of the glass. This will cause the chip to become bigger than average. In some situations, hailstorms may worsen or form chips on the glass.
Furthermore, some minor activities playing loud music or slamming the door may worsen the breakage. Extreme vibrations and nasty jolts may cause cracks in the glass where chips are formed. High pressure on the glass forces the chip to stretch and expand, causing rupture. The crack extends further, affecting vision hence endangering the lives of the passengers on board. Some windshield cracks may reach a situation where it cannot be repaired, forcing the owner to replace it.
Compromising vision
A crack or chip on the windshield draws total attention every time, regardless of ignorance. Majorly the one on the drivers’ side may lead to a fatal accident if ignored. Chip and crack obstruct the driver’s view carrying away attention from the moving vehicle on the road. Furthermore, it causes poor vision and sometimes reflects sunlight.
Disgusting appearance
The more dust, debris, and dirt access damaged areas forming a huge layer, the more difficult the windshield is to repair. If repair is done, the outcome may seem cloudy or form a dirt patch on the surface of the windshield. Some may have opted for an old fashioned remedy of tape on-chip. They have not realized the appearance of the car for the worse.
Safety at risk
During a tragic rollover or collision, the windshield shields the roof from curving in or collapsing. It further protects the passengers from getting thrown out of the vehicle during an accident. A weak windshield puts the passengers at higher risk as well. If it shuts out during an accident, it can cause more hazardous injuries. The windshield is cheap to repair rather than replace. Getting a new windshield costs more than half the cost of repair. When left neglected, small nick will expand further due to external stressors worsening with time until a state where it will be unfixable. Another reason is the time taken during the repair. You can get speedy glass repair in less than an hour, a windshield replacement takes can take few hours or days. Windshield repair will save you a lot in terms of money and time.
Lower market value or the car
Like any other asset, physical appearance is an important indicator when determining quality. The poor condition and unfriendly physical appearance may not attract more buyers during resale. The value of your car will reduce if your windshield is damaged. The windshield is considered an essential structure of your vehicle, and therefore it is essential to maintain it in good condition.
Small seeming more minor nick can compromise passenger’s safety, lower the vehicle’s worth, and cost you a lot of money on restoration. You need to ensure that there’s no single damage to your car, even if it seems minor.
One vehicle part that rarely grabs most people’s attention is the windshield. All that most people know is that windshields are made from glass. And also, virtually everyone can tell whether a windshield is tinted.
However, the truth is that there is so much to a windshield – it is more than just a simple vantage point for you as you drive your car. The materials used to make a windshield are specific and designed with strict industry-standard safety measures.
Windshields keep a car’s occupants inside in the unfortunate event of an impact, increase the roof’s strength when a car rolls, and facilitate airbag deployment during an accident. This makes windshields one of the most important safety features in a car. Windshields are very important and should always be kept intact.
The Basics of Windshield Glass
The federal government has set standards for any shop that deals in windshields. They ensure that your car’s windshield is not made from just about any glass. This means that your windshield is not simply made from regular glass.
For glass used to make windshields, heat and chemicals are applied to the glass during its production—the process results in a type of glass that is known as tempered glass. Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) is also added to enhance the ability of the glass to absorb energy during a collision. PVB also provides resistance from damaging objects when you are in a collision.
Tempered glass is also used in windshields for its safety. You see, when tempered glass breaks, it disintegrates into thick, small shapes rather than the jagged shapes produced by the regular glass. And that’s not all there is for tempered glass; it also makes the installation of your windshield easy. Tempered glass is usually bonded to a polyvinyl interlayer which is flexible, clear, and exceptionally strong.
The Protection that Windshields Offer
Thanks to modern-day windshields, people now drive inside vehicles knowing that they are safe. At the turn of the century, drivers sometimes needed goggles or protective glasses on the road.
The main role of a windshield is to protect the occupants of a vehicle. When you are driving, countless flying debris keep hitting your car. Whether or not you are an exceptional driver, there is nothing that you can do about such flying objects because they are all over the roads.
It is important to note that your windshield should be strong enough to withstand both small and not-so-small impacts from materials on the road. Mostly, you will encounter dirt, bugs, flying rubbish, gravel, and small rocks.
Your windshield should remain intact in case you hit another vehicle from behind or find yourself in a fender bender.
Windshields and Airbag Deployment
The windshield of your vehicle has a lot to do with airbag deployment. The speed and strength of a deployed airbag allow it to first bounce off it before heading for the vehicle’s passenger. Your windshield should not detach in the event of an accident. If it detaches, the airbags might not deploy properly, leading to preventable injuries.
Windshield and Roof Support
Windshields are structured to offer support to the roof of your car. In fact, modern vehicles depend on the windshield to prevent the roof from collapsing if the car rolls over from the impact. When your car is involved in a head-on collision, the windshield contributes almost half the structural integrity to withstand the crash. A car could be crushed completely during a head-on collision without the windshield.
Bottom Line
Now that you know the importance of your windshield, you want to keep it in great condition. And that means ensuring that it is intact at all times. It is advisable that you contact your auto glass shop if a visible crack or chip shows up on your windshield. Even a small issue can reduce your car’s windshield ability to protect you during an accident.
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.
After the windshield replacement procedure, good maintenance and care will inevitably follow. This can provide long-lasting effects as well as maintain the appearance of your car. Additionally, caring for your new windshield will not compromise your safety in case the parts loosen.
You can consider the following tips to ensure your new windshield is always in good condition after installation. Here they are:
Do Not Drive Your Car Right After the Replacement Process
Actually, It has been a while since you took your car for a drive. You just got a cracked windshield repaired and can’t wait to take it for a road test. Unfortunately, you have to give your car some time to heal and for the adhesive to dry completely before driving again.
Avoid Slamming the Doors
During installation, professional urethane as an adhesive is used to repair chipped windshields or attach new ones. Slamming the doors can weaken the adhesive seal, which in return causes it to rupture. Therefore, always close the doors lightly on the first few days after repair.
Leave the tape on
The use of retention tape holds the windshield moldings in place and protects the seal from any weather components like dirt and debris. This ensures that the adhesive dries effectively and completely. Thus, it is better to leave the tape in place for at least 24 hours after replacement.
Avoid Taking Your Car to Car Washes
As much as you’d like to get your car cleaned by a professional, it can be extremely risky as most car washes use high-pressure jets and motor pumps. These cleaning methods can weaken the adhesive, especially if it is yet to dry completely. Moreover, if the car wash uses harsh cleaning detergents, it may later destroy silicon-based adhesives and sealants.
However, you can still wash your car at home with mild detergents then sprinkle water in a soft motion.
Open a Window
Air pressure can weaken the adhesive seal, as seen in point 4 above. Therefore, it is best if you roll down a window to at least an inch. Do this on the first day after replacement to ensure the adhesive dries optimally.
Clear Any Item Near the Windshield
Anything that is near your car can interfere with the drying of the adhesive. The item may push against the windshield and touch the wet urethane before it completely dries. Therefore, ensure you don’t use a cover or a sunshade on your car’s exterior and interior parts. Do this up to around 48 hours after the speedy glass replacement.
How to Identify a Poorly Installed Windshield
A poorly done windshield should not be taken lightly as it can cause risks and accidents. Thus, if you want to ensure safety, then consider checking out the following signs in case of a faultily installed windshield:
The Windshield Isn’t Flush
Flush means that the windshield fits perfectly into your car’s frame without the need for adjustments. Therefore, make sure your windshield is secured faultlessly after your speedy glass replacement procedure.
Uneven Frame Mold
Always examine any bumpy molding around your windshield’s glass frame. This will ensure long-lasting effects as well as prevent possible risks.
The Windshield Still Contains Intact Adhesives From Your Old One
If your windshield is properly done, then no adhesives should be left behind after repair.
Leaking Edges
A good windshield replacement method should not leak on the edges. Therefore, when getting your car after the repair, make sure you ask the staff to sprinkle water around the edges of the windshield. If the windshield’s interior shows signs of fogging or water leaks inside, then the windshield is poorly done.
Conclusion
Your new windshield is always vulnerable during the first two days after replacement. Therefore, make sure you have patience and commitment before resuming your car’s normal functions. Moreover, consider taking your car to a professional and prevent faulty results.
