How can you tell if the damage to your windshield can be fixed with a minor repair or it needs a full replacement? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. There are an array of factors to consider that determine what is best for your vehicle, safety, and your bank account.

Determining Factors

Let’s take a look at 4 of the most prominent factors that will help decide the best course of action to take for your windshield. When assessing the damage it is important to consider:

• Severity
• Location
• Scale
• Stability

Severity

The actual size of the blemish on your windscreen can help shed some light on the best method of resolution. Any chip or splintering that is larger than a loonie or a toonie may cause for concern. If the damaged area is any bigger than a toonie then there is a pretty good chance a simple repair will not do it. It also depends on where the damage is located on the windshield.

Location

The location of the problem spot is also crucial to figuring out the next step. You may think that if the blemish falls in your line of vision while driving that would be the biggest concern for replacement. However, while that is usually true it is not always the case. A large blemish on the driver’s side in the direct line of view will likely call for a replacement because a repair may leave a mark that could impede visibility. A bigger problem is a crack or chip that reaches the edge of the windshield. If a crack extends to the edge of the windscreen it can affect the entire structure of the glass, making it unsafe for driving.

Scale

Much like severity, the scale of the damage also plays a role. How many cracks or chips are present on your windshield? If you have 1 to 3 small chips in various locations out of the driver’s range of vision then a repair is still a possibility. The more blemishes there are on your windshield, the greater chance there is of it shattering upon contact in the case of an accident.

Stability

The overall stability of your windshield will depend on a combination of all the above factors. How many cracks or chip are there? How big are the blemishes and where are they located? All of these elements will give a general picture as to whether your windshield is due for repair of replacement.

Tips for Managing a Windshield Replacement

If it has in fact been determined by the experts that a windshield replacement is in order, there are several precautions that should be taken after the replacement has been done to prevent the need for another replacement. Some aftercare suggestions that may be helpful include:

• Ease in
• Be gentle
• Hold off on the wash
• Blade replacement
• Keep the dash clear
• Weather considerations

Ease In

Give the new windshield time to set before driving it if possible. Even just a few hours can help the adhesives dry and allow the replacement to firm up and become stable.

Be Gentle

Once you are satisfied the adhesives have been set and sealed you can begin driving your vehicle again. Be careful of slamming doors or being too rough with your car as it could end up rupturing the seal which will need to be repaired.

Hold Off on the Wash

Again, avoid disrupting the adhesives from properly setting by prematurely washing your vehicle. Wait at least a couple of days before washing the exterior of your car.

Blade Replacement

If your wiper blades are rusty or damaged it is highly recommended to have them replaced before the windshield replacement or at least before you start driving your vehicle again.

Keep the Dash Clear

Avoid placing items on the dashboard, any outward pressure on the glass from the inside can also disturb the adhesive seal.

Weather Considerations

Keep your vehicle out of the rain and sun for at least 24 hours after an autoglass replacement. Both conditions can have harmful effects on the adhesive. It is recommended to avoid parking your car in the sun whenever possible as it is hard on your windscreen in general.

Autoglass Replacement Brampton

Valvoline Express Care Brampton has teamed up with Uniglass to deliver the ultimate in windshield care, repair, and replacement. The automotive professionals at Valvoline can help you assess your autoglass damage and help you decide the best way to fix it.

Sometimes windshield damage is simply unavoidable. Random accidents, rogue stones, or extreme weather can lead to circumstances that are almost impossible to prevent. However, there are some useful suggestions and recommendations to follow to help reduce the risk of having your auto glass replaced.

Preventative Auto Glass Care to Avoid Windshield Replacement

Your vehicle is a considerable investment, and you likely want to do all you can to prevent damage and destruction to it. Routine maintenance is an excellent practice to keep your car working in optimal condition, and to help preserve the value. There are also steps beyond the call of regular maintenance that can help sustain the quality and safety of your automobile.

Some useful tips to keep your windshield in pristine condition, might include:

• Keep your windshield clean
• Wiper blades and fluid maintenance
• Pick a good parking spot
• Store your car safely
• Practice cautious driving habits
• Get chips and cracks fixe immediately
• Professional auto glass care

Keep your Windshield Clean

Proper cleaning of your auto glass on a regular basis is not only beneficial to your driver visibility, but also for maintaining the quality of your windshield. Well-maintained windshields are typically stronger than neglected ones. It is also important to use the right tools and cleaning products when practicing responsible windshield care. Be sure to use a specifically formulated windshield washer formula, rather than using Windex or another household glass cleaner. It is also recommended to use a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching and damage while achieving a deep clean.

Wiper Blades and Fluid Maintenance

Windshield wipers need to be replaced regularly to avoid damaging your auto glass. Standard practice is to change your wipers every 6 months to 1 year, depending on driving frequency and conditions. As soon as you notice cracks or squeaky sounds coming from wipers, it’s time for a replacement. Old worn out wipers can scratch the glass, not only leaving unsightly marks, but making the windshield more susceptible to further damage.Ensure your wiper fluid is always topped up to a safe level.

Parking Spots

Anytime you are looking for a good parking spot, take a conscious approach to assess the area around you for potential hazards. For example, don’t park under an old tree that looks like it could crumble at any minute. Stay away from overhead construction areas, or any signs of activity that may jeopardize the safety of your automobile.

Safe Storage

The most important parking spot is where you park your car when it is at home, since that is where it will sit for extended periods. The most ideal spot would be in an indoor garage to protect the vehicle from outdoor elements. It seems most people use their garage for storing everything but a vehicle, even though the car is much safer indoors. Extreme Canadian weather conditions and temperatures can cause serious damage to your windshield, so indoor or at least sheltered storage is highly recommended if possible.

Cautious Driving Habits

Careful driving is a recommended practice in general for overall safety, but it can also help preserve the integrity of your auto glass. Being aware of your surroundings goes a long way towards damage prevention.

Some simple driving precautions to take, include:

• Follow at a safe distance, don’t get too close to the vehicle in front of you
• Keep an eye on the vehicle in front of you
  • Vehicles with large wheels are more likely to throw up large rocks
  • Vehicles with multiple back wheels have greater chance of kicking up debris
  • Watch out for large vehicles without mud flaps
• Go slow on gravel roads
• Try to avoid driving in heavy storms or severe weather conditions

Immediate Attention to Chips and Cracks

As soon as you notice a blemish on your windshield, get it fixed as soon as possible. Waiting on it only increases the risk of increased damage and expenses. The longer you wait, the more likely you will need an auto glass replacement, which is more costly and time consuming than an auto glass windshield repair.

Professional Auto Glass Care

When in doubt, seek advice from the professionals at Valvoline Express Care Brampton. Expert automotive technicians can assist with everything from quick repairs to auto glass replacements with a lifetime warranty.

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.