Do’s And Don’ts Of Car Windshield Repair
If you have spotted a crack or chip on your car’s windshield, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible. When the windshield or another auto glass is damaged, your safety on the road can be at risk. Therefore, to avoid mishaps, crashes, and collisions, ensure that the glasses of your car are in excellent shape at all times.
If the windshield or car glass damage is not severe, it can be repaired to ensure your car, SUV, van, or truck will not pose a safety hazard on the road. Thanks to modern technology, car window repair, and windshield replacement procedures can be carried out accurately and swiftly with the help of experienced technicians. This article discusses windshield repair service tips to follow.
Windshield Repair Service Tips You Should Know About
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Here are some dos and don’ts you should follow to make sure the windshield repair is performed successfully.
Recommended Do’s for Windshields
When it comes to windshield repair, there are certain steps that should be followed to ensure the process is completed successfully. Following these steps is crucial to successful repairs. Moreover, the quick repairs will go a long way in preventing further damage to your auto glass, which can end up costing you a lot of money in windshield replacement.
Below are the recommended do’s:
1. Evaluate the Windshield Damage
Not all windshield damages are the same. Therefore, determine the extent of the damage before taking any action. A professional technician can evaluate the damage to determine if it can be repaired or whether the windshield should be replaced.
For example, a crack that is smaller than a dollar bill can typically be repaired. Even small chips can be repaired as long as there aren’t too many. However, if the windshield has larger cracks or multiple chips, then you will likely have to replace it.
Assessing the extent of damage on the windshield is crucial in determining the appropriate course of action. However, only a professional auto glass technician can accurately measure and assess the size of the damage to determine whether a repair or replacement will be the best course of action.
2. Prepare the Windshield Chip Area
Before performing a windshield chip repair, the damaged area must be properly prepared. Failing to prepare the area correctly will result in an inaccurate repair. This is why it’s crucial to hire a professional auto glass repair technician to help you.
A professional auto glass technician will take the necessary steps to ensure that the chip area is cleaned. Any moisture or debris present in the chip can compromise the repair efforts. If the repair is carried out without properly cleaning the chip, the windshield may end up having a cloudy spot. Professional technicians use specialized cleaning solutions specifically designed for this purpose. Therefore, ensure that the technician you hire takes the time to thoroughly clean the chip area for optimal repair results.
3. Apply Windshield Resin
There are two main methods used to repair a chip or crack in a windshield: Windshield Patch and Windshield Resin.
Some car owners may try to use a DIY repair kit to fix a small damage. This method is known as the Windshield Patch. Here, a patch will be cut to the required size and applied over the area of damage.
The DIY patch method only holds the chip or crack together to prevent it from getting worse. Therefore, this method is not as effective as professional repair and inevitably results in a visit to the auto glass shop.
On the other hand, professionals typically use the Windshield Resin method to repair chips or cracks in a car window glass. After cleaning the affected area, the windshield resin is injected into the broken spot. The technician then uses a heating tool to heat up the resin, which hardens and restores the strength of the auto glass.
4. Handle Your Car with Care
After getting your car’s windshield fixed, be extra careful when operating it for the first 24 hours. The repair is still in a delicate state and needs time to fully cure.
For the best outcome, drive at a slow speed and avoid rough roads. Sudden jolts and vibrations from bumpy roads can compromise the auto glass repair. This is something to consider in the winter season. Also, be mindful of how you shut the car door since slamming it shut can also put stress on the glass.
It’s important to handle your car with care during this critical period to ensure the auto glass repair is successful.
5. Alter Your Driving Patterns
After the chip or crack in your car’s windshield has been repaired, take other steps to prevent further damage. One of the most effective ways to do this is to change your driving patterns.
There are various reasons why a windshield may crack or be damaged. These include bad weather, storms, vandalism, among others. Regardless of the cause, it’s wise to take a different route when navigating the city. For instance, opt for roads that are smooth and well-lit. On the same note, avoid routes that are exposed to harsh weather conditions.
By being mindful of your driving patterns, you can help preserve the integrity of your windshield and keep you and your passengers safe.
6. Always Seek Professional Help From A Certified Auto Glass Shop
Fixing a broken auto glass is not something that you can easily handle on your own. Whether it’s a repair or replacement, attention to detail is crucial to repairing the damage correctly.
To accurately fix a damaged windshield, you need to be proficient in using various repair tools. Therefore, a DIY repair should be considered a non-option. To be on the safe side, hire a professional technician with the necessary experience to do the work for you. This will help you save both time and money.
What to Avoid with Windshield Repair
The don’ts for windshield repair are just as important as the dos. If you have a damaged windshield, it’s important to know what to avoid to ensure proper repair and your safety.
Below are some important don’ts you should know about:
7. Delaying Windshield Repairs
Ignoring a cracked or damaged windshield can put you and your passengers in danger. The windshield is an essential safety feature of your vehicle, and any damage on it should be addressed as soon as possible. Putting off repairs, even for a day or two, can make the damage worsen and potentially lead to the need for a full replacement.
Procrastinating repairs can also end up costing you more in the long run. Even small chips or cracks can spread and cause further damage. To ensure your safety on the road and avoid costly repairs, address windshield issues as soon as they occur. If you’re unable to drive to an auto glass repair shop, consider using a mobile repair service that can come to your location. Simply hop on the internet and search for auto glass repair services near you. Remember to read reviews of various service providers before settling on one. For those in the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, and the neighboring area, be sure to call Liberty AutoGlass.
8. Attempting to Fix Your Windshield Yourself
Attempting to fix a damaged windshield on your own can be a risky move. The repair process requires a combination of specialized skills and equipment to ensure a proper fix. Therefore, DIY auto glass repair should not be something you undertake. For your safety, let a professional handle the auto glass repair for you.
In a bid to save on costs, you may be tempted to try and repair a damaged windshield yourself. However, this route can end up being costly in the long run. For example, using a DIY repair kit may not result in a satisfactory repair and could lead to further damage. For this reason, it’s best to leave the repair or replacement to the professionals. A professional auto glass technician has the knowledge and expertise to complete the repair correctly the first time. This means you end up saving money and avoiding hassles in the future.
9. Using Inappropriate Auto Glass Repair Tools
When repairing a crack or chip in your windshield, you need the right tools for the job. The essential tools for repair include sandpaper, primer, sealant, and a squeegee. Some complex damages may require additional tools.
A professional auto glass technician has access to a wide range of specialized tools that are designed for windshield repair. These tools include those for cleaning the area around the damage, as well as for injecting and curing the windshield resin.
Before hiring a technician, find out what tools they use for repairs. At the very least, the technician should have the basic tools and know how to use them correctly. If a technician does not have the correct car glass repair tools, it is likely the damage may not be repaired correctly. In some cases, using the wrong tools can actually worsen the glass damage and cause it to spread. Be sure to work with an auto glass shop that has trained and certified technicians.
10. Attempting Repairs on a Dirty Windshield
One of the first steps in windshield repair is to thoroughly clean the damaged area. It’s crucial to start repairs on a clean windshield. Working on a dirty surface can prolong the repair job.
If the repair is attempted on a dirty windshield, the final result will not be satisfactory. Your windshield may also end up providing poor visibility. Driving a car with reduced windshield visibility and be dangerous both to you and other road users, especially if the affected area is in the driver’s line of sight. To ensure the best possible outcome, never begin the repair process until the technician has thoroughly cleaned the damaged area.
11. Using Inferior Windshield Repair Materials
When it comes to windshield repair, it’s crucial to use high-quality materials. Using low-grade resin will not only compromise the repair’s effectiveness, but it will also impact visibility. Reduce visibility increases the risk of getting into accidents.
Cheap resin cannot properly restore the strength of the auto glass after repair. Additionally, it may lead to the formation of bubbles in the damaged area and can also become darker or fade within a couple of months. All these means putting your life and that of your passengers at risk while on the road. You should be aware of the potential consequences of a quick, low-quality repair job using subpar materials and avoid them.
12. Not Allowing Adequate Curing Time
To end up with a successful windshield repair, you not only have to use high-quality resin but also allowing adequate time for it to cure. Don’t make the mistake of rushing the curing process.
The resin needs about 15-20 minutes to properly cure. During this time, avoid exposing the windshield to extreme temperatures, cold, or rain. If the resin doesn’t fully cure, windshield problems are likely to occur in the future. Examples of common problems resulting from inadequately cooled resin include swelling due to excessive heat. Such a problem can lead to poor visibility on the road.
To ensure the resin has cooled properly, you need to use specialized tools, such as a UV ray lamp. Professional auto glass repair technicians usually have such tools.
When your car windshield is broken or cracked, it is important to get it repaired right away. Do not risk driving your vehicle with a windshield that does not offer good visibility. Hiring a professional auto glass repair technician is the best option to ensure your windshield is repaired correctly and in a timely manner.
For Superior Auto Glass Repairs, Call Liberty AutoGlass
Liberty AutoGlass offers auto glass repair using the highest quality materials and the most advanced auto glass technology to repair your auto glass correctly and quickly. We offer mobile services so we can repair your damaged auto glass at the convenience of your home or office. This means that we come to wherever your vehicle is parked, and you can go about your day as you would normally. We fix windshields, back glass, door glass, vent glass, and quarter glass. We also can handle your insurance claim from start to finish, making the process easier for you! Call Liberty AutoGlass today to find out more!
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-7787 or (877) 90-GLASS if you have any questions. Click here to view our complete mobile auto glass service area in Pennsylvania.
