Auto Glass Repair

Auto Glass Repair AND REPLACEMENT

What is an auto glass and why does it matter?

You’ve probably seen just how easy it is for a house window to shatter, but a vehicle’s glass? Much tougher to crack. This is for good reason. Not only is it exposed to the elements, but it’s also more likely to come in contact with external forces such as rocks or even other vehicles. This doesn’t imply that the auto glass is impenetrable, it just means that it’s different and so should your treatment of it be.

What is an auto glass and why does it matter?

Laminated Glass: This is made from a layer of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) which is placed mechanically and chemically between two layers of glass. It’s used for the front windshield of the car. This windshield helps the airbag deploy properly and also prevents the occupants of the car from being thrown in the event of an accident.

Tempered Glass: This is used for the side and rear windows. It is heated and cooled rapidly to create tension. This makes it much stronger than conventional glass. It offers extra protection to the occupants of the car.

Auto Glass REPAIR SERVICES

If you didn’t know any better, you’d probably assume auto glass cannot be repaired. It’s important to bring it in when it’s still just a chip, otherwise, it could get worse until nothing other than a replacement can be done.

Are you in need of an auto glass repair?

A car is a well-oiled machine that uses many different components in order to work properly. Every part has a role to play, from the engine to the taillights. 

Windshield Repairs

This is best done by a qualified auto repair expert. It’s relatively easy to do since most modern windshields are designed to be repairable. One way to do this is via a single resin (polymer) injection injected into the cracked area using some special tools. This resin (polymer) is allowed to dry and the area smoothed to make the imperfection close to invisible.

To determine whether you repair or replace your auto glass, consider the following:

• Most times, a crack of 3 inches or smaller can be easily repaired. Anything more, and a replacement is the safer, more viable option.
• Location matters. A crack that sits directly in the driver’s line-of-sight vision must be given immediate attention.

Why does it matter?

Windshield Replacement

It helps that this auto glass replacement is covered under the comprehensive portion of Auto Insurance Policies. This encourages drivers to replace the damaged glass at all costs. However, if a driver doesn’t have this coverage, the cost varies depending on location, make and model of vehicle, and the glass used.

A big problem here is that some installers use low-quality glass that meets few or even none of the required standards. Some of these windshields could have optical distortion that is very distracting to drivers.

Pro Tip: Before the glass is installed in your car, do a quick test for integrity. Hold a piece of graph paper perpendicular to the glass. If you notice a significant ripple on the paper, take that as a sign of low quality.

The benefits of auto glass repairs

Quality Work – When it’s pertinent that the windshield is replaced, this is to be done by a qualified auto repair technician. You can also go for this because it ensures the structural safety of your glass, visibility is greatly improved, and of course aesthetics. The success of this job depends on the tools, the resin, and the expertise of the repairer.

Visibility – A vehicle’s rear window has an important part to play in the overall safety of the vehicle or the driver’s experience. It helps to provide maximum visibility for the driver.

Other Services

Side mirror replacement

These play an important role in vehicle safety by providing you with an enhanced view of the road around you. Side mirrors are rather “delicate” because they extend from the body of the car. Even if the car is parked on the side of the road, a motorist or cyclist could hit it. In this case, it should be replaced.

Back Glass replacement

A rear window replacement takes simple steps, including preparing the vehicle, removing the old glass, and preparing the new glass. Primer and bonding glue work great here. Finally, the installation of the new window with special tools takes just a short time.

Power window repair

It can be rather frustrating when windows develop any type of issue, especially if you’re in the middle of sending them up or down. Such issues could be caused by a blown tube, a faulty gasket, a misaligned window track, or even loose bolts. Fortunately, they can easily be repaired by an auto repair shop.

However, if the problem is not with the power window mechanism but with the glass, then it may require a complete replacement. It could also be the motor of the power window that has the issue. Leave it for the experts to determine and fix the problem.

Why auto glass repair or replacement is important

Without intact auto glass, the following could happen.

• The driver and passengers are at risk of serious injury in case of a collision.
• The airbag integrity is compromised. In this case, the airbag may deploy outwards instead of inwards.
• It makes it difficult for a driver to see the road.

If you’ve got a car, your car has auto glass on it. Try to keep this glass in pristine condition. It’s there for your own good. If for some reason, you need some auto glass repair, don’t hesitate to contact us at TLC Auto & Truck Repair. You’ll receive excellent auto glass repair services from our fully insured and certified technicians.