Tag Archives: auto glass repair el cajon

Cracked Windshield Repair

There are several reasons for not replacing the windshields. Little do they realize the risk they’re putting themselves and their families in by not having cracked windshield repair el cajon.

Excuses vary. Some say their insurance has a deductible that they currently can’t afford. Some say the crack doesn’t obstruct their view, while others say they just don’t see the necessity if it’s not shattered. It’s hard not to roll my eyes at all these answers. The purpose of this article is to tell you why it’s so important to have a good windshield on your vehicle and to give you some tips.

The Purpose of Your Windshield

Believe it or not, front windshields serve a much bigger purpose than just allowing you to see outside of the car when you’re driving. They also protect you from the rain, snow and other elements of weather. More importantly, however, are the safety features provided by your car’s windshield such as the 3 bullet points below.

It Acts As A Shield For Air Bags – Cheap, low-quality glass is more likely to crack or pop out, which can cause incorrect deployment or improper inflation of your air bags.
It Prevents The Roof From Collapsing – Many people don’t realize that the windshield of the car provides from 30% to 60% of the car’s structural strength. In a roll-over crash, a cheap windshield can cause your roof to collapse, which can be life-threatening to you and your passengers.
It Helps Prevent Ejection of Passengers in a Crash – Your windshield can also keep you from being thrown from your vehicle in the case of a collision. With the exception of seat belts, the windshield provides the most safety from being thrown from your vehicle. These are some of the many reasons why OEM glass is required by car manufacturers.

Safety Comes First

Purchasing auto glass for any part of your vehicle is more than just opening the phone book and choosing the first provider with the cheapest price. Safety should always be the #1 concern when we’re driving. Here are four safety questions you should ask windshield replacement service providers before you choose which one to use.

How Qualified are the Technicians Replacing Your Windshield?

While windshield replacement service providers, also referred to as auto glass technicians, are not required to be licensed, they should be highly trained, experienced and knowledgeable of the whole process. With so many makes and models of vehicles around today all having different types and shapes of auto glass, windshield installation and replacement can be complicated. Ask your auto glass technician to provide proof they are certified. Do some research before hiring someone to do the job. Are they reputable? Will they take care of insurance paperwork for you? Check credentials while comparing costs!

What Type of Glass & Adhesive Do They Use?

If your auto glass technician states he can get you a windshield cheaper than average, you should definitely question what type of glass is being used. Is it OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass? OEM glass is safer, sturdier and less prone to cracking. If you’ve gone so far as to require OEM glass, you will want to ask if they are using OEM adhesives as well. Low-quality adhesives do not work as well in wet or cold climates and take much longer to dry or cure. This can be a real problem if the car is used too soon after installation. In other words, the windshield may leak with the slightest impact if you start driving around before the urethane has time to dry.

How Soon Can You Drive Your Car After Installation?

With the busy lives we all lead today, we seldom have the time to sit at a garage waiting for a new windshield to be installed. Auto glass providers often come to our home or place of business and do the work while we do our work. This is extremely convenient, but can be dangerous if we’re unknowingly driving the car before it’s ready. The glass and urethane need time to properly cure to the car in order to prevent future problems. This is known as “safe drive away time” and is listed on each bottle of urethane. Question your windshield replacement service provider on this safety issue, as well as if there are any precautions that should be taken a couple days after installation.

What Type of Warranty Do They Provide?

If you’re like many others who have waited almost forever to finally replace your windshield, you’re going to want to make sure it last and, if it doesn’t, that they’ll replace it free. If you’re offered anything less than at least a 1-year warranty, question the type of glass that’s being used. Some companies may offer a lifetime warranty. If this is offered, you can almost assume they’re using high-quality OEM glass.

Windshield – Replacement or Repair?

As much as you may want to put off spending money on your damaged windshield, it’s very possible you may only need a repair. A good rule of thumb is that if the crack is at least as long as a dollar bill, it should be replaced. Even if it’s shorter than a dollar bill, it should be replaced if it extends to the edge of the glass. If the chip or crack is smaller than a dollar bill and it’s not extended to the edge of the glass, it may be able to be safely repaired. Additionally, if the crack is in your line of vision, it needs to be replaced.

While all the glass on your car is important, the front windshield is most important in terms of having it fixed when it’s damaged. Something to consider, insurance companies often will pay to have a windshield repaired because it may prevent a larger expense if it shatters completely. Also, some insurance companies require a deductible be paid for replacements, while others may waive the deductible. Contacting your insurance company could save you money! That being said, the main concern here is safety and hiring a certified technician will ensure the job is done correctly whether you’re saving money through your insurance or not.

Damaged Windshield San Diego

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Every car eventually will suffer a cracked, chipped, or damaged windshield. Depending on the severity, it isn’t safe to drive. If the damage is in the line of sight, it will be a distraction for the driver putting him and other passengers in danger. At 7 Stars Auto Glass San Diego, we will beat any price and offer a warranty. We also have a mobile repair option where we come to you.

You can schedule an appointment at your convenience.

A trained technician will evaluate the damage and do the repairs. The main things is to evaluate whether a repair can be done or a full windshield replacement. Dings and chips can be filled usually. If cracks are caught soon enough, they may be repaired instead of a full windshield replacement. Therefore, it is important even to have the smallest chip repairs promptly before it turns into a large crack. This can happen at any time but especially if you go over a bump.

At the shop or on the road

For your convenience, you can choose to drop your car off at our shop or have us come to you at your home or office. Mobile repair is convenient as you can go on about your day while we are working to make your vehicle safe. Either way, we will give you the best service.

No matter if it’s a chip or crack, a windshield repair or a full windshield replacement, we at 7 Stars Auto Glass in San Diego will give you the best advice on what to do next.

At 7 Star Auto Glass San Diego, we are your source for high quality auto glass in San Diego, California. We have been in the auto glass repair and windshield replacement business for over 20 years. We provide quality windshield repair and auto glass replacement services wherever you are and whenever you need it. We carry a large inventory of windshields and windows. We use only original parts. To date, we remain one of the largest independent retail glass shops in the United States. We service all types of vehicles including domestic and foreign as well as semis, trucks and RVs. Our reputation is the highest not just for windshield service but also for any other types of glass needs including power windows, mirrors, sun roofs, and side glass. Other services include in-house tinting at discounted prices!

Auto Glass Damage

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Not every car glass repair is done the same. Why? Because not all car glass damages are the same. Every damage is unique. They come in different shapes and sizes. Some are more dangerous than others. Some barely affect the glass. So, these damages must not always be treated the same.

Types of Auto Glass Damages

There are many types of windshield damages, including chips, cracks, scratches, and more. These damages dictate whether you need a repair or a replacement. A few damages to consider:

If the damage is within the driver’s line of vision
Is larger than a quarter
There are multiple chips in the windshield
The damage extends through more than one layer of the windshield
The inside layer of the windshield is chipped or cracked
If the spot of the damage is crushed
Depending on the above damages, an auto glass technician will recommend the best repair or replacement option for you.

Damage in Respect to the Driver’s Line of Vision

When the driver is in the car, does the damage affect his driving? For instance, is the chip or crack in the driver’s line of sight? If so, then a windshield repair is probably out of the question. A car glass repair, even if the damage is small, will still leave behind a mark that will blur the driver’s visibility. In that case, a windshield replacement is the only option possible. It will ensure that the entire glass is removed and a new one installed to guarantee that the driver can see the road without anything in the way.

The Size of the Damage

The size of the damage should also be taken into consideration. If the damage is bigger than a dollar bill, then car glass replacement is necessary. A damage that big makes a car glass repair too difficult. On the other hand, if the damage is smaller or is as big as a dollar bill, things change.

Location of the Damage

Another way to see if the damaged windshield needs a repaired or a replacement is to figure out the location of the damage. Other than the chip or crack being in the line of sight of the driver, if the damage is in the corner of the windshield, that is an indication that the entire glass needs a replacement. The reason for this is the fact that a damage in the corner can cause the windshield to break or shatter. Thus, a windshield repair for this issue is not an option.

These factors shape the type of car glass repair you will need. A car glass repair is always as unique as the damage. Knowing what kind of damage your car glass has will help you determine how the repair will be done. Call Car Glass Repair El Cajon for your repair or replacement.

Preventing Windshield Damage

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Taking a good care of your car does more than keep it pretty. In fact, washing your car preserves its value. A great example of that is your auto glass. By washing it, you can prevent windshield and window issues, like scratches and even chips in the glass. And preventing such damages can help you dodge getting an auto glass replacement San Diego.

Why Is Cleaning the Glass Important?

Clean glass not only helps clear your driving visibility, but it also protects the glass from damage. For instance, friction caused by the contact between dirt and the glass can ruin the windshield and windows, making you get an auto glass replacement San Diego. In the end, all this dirt and scratching will weaken the windshield and windows, leaving them vulnerable to getting chips and cracks and easily getting shattered. Additionally, having a dirty auto glass also means that your wiper blades are dirty, and this increases the chance of the glass getting damaged. Therefore, maintaining auto glass by cleaning it is crucial!

How to Properly Clean Auto Glass

To prevent an auto glass replacement San Diego, you must properly and effectively clean your auto glass. You can do so by following these simple steps:

If you have dusty or sandy windows and windshield, you should remove the dirt using a damp microfiber cloth. Wipe the glass only with a microfiber cloth, since it is soft and gentle on car glass, meaning that it will not scratch the glass.
If you have bird droppings, it is vital to remove them manually. People tend to use their windshield wipers when on the go to remove these droppings; though, doing so can dirty the wipers and damage the windshield by scratching it. Instead, soak your microfiber cloth with club soda and use it to wipe away bird droppings. Club soda makes this type of cleaning easy. Once the bird droppings come out, wash your auto glass with water and dry it off properly using a dry microfiber cloth.
You should clean your windshield wipers regularly to prevent getting an auto glass replacement San Diego. It is recommended to clean the glass at least once a week. You can do so by going to a nearby gas station and using their free windshield cleaning tools. Pay special attention to the surface underneath the windshield wipers, since that area hides a lot of dirt. You can also rinse off the wipers with water to get rid of any trapped dirt.

A Few Extra Tips to Go By

Although washing auto glass is a must, there are other things you should also do for your car, such as the following:

Be sure to replace old windshield wipers when the rubber starts to crack and when you hear screeching against the glass. In most cases, your wiper blades need to be replaced every six months or so.
Frequently refill your windshield washer fluid, as you might need it to clean the glass at some point while you are driving.

Washing your windshield and windows can help you avoid an auto glass replacement San Diego. By maintaining your car, you cannot go wrong.

What To Do After Windshield Replacement

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After you get a new windshield installed, you want it to perform well. Here are tips what to do and what not to do in the days following a windshield replacement.

Inspect the Install

Closely examine the installation. Look for gaps in the seal around your windshield. Make sure the gasket is correctly installed. Take your car for a test drive to listen for any air noise around the install.

Get Your Warranty Paperwork

Our technicians will provide you a receipt when the installation is complete. Warranty information will be included.

Take it easy

The first 24 hours is crucial for the success of your installation. Auto glass installation is fragile during this period. Try not to slam your doors. It’s a good idea to crack your door windows about 1/4 inch if you can to avoid pressure build-up. The first 24 hours is a good time for the gasket to seat and seal.

Avoid the Car Wash

Some car washes use cleaners or cleaning agents on the car during the first 3 days and those can damage the windshield seal. If the installers used a special tape to preserve the installation, do not remove for 24 hours. However, your installers probably told you that.

Check your Driving Route

As an added precaution, check your route to and from your office or other routes. Chances are, you windshield got damaged because of a random rock or road debris. If this is the case, you may want to take a different route if possible, avoiding construction areas or neighborhoods with road debris.

The first 24 hours might be the most important. By being careful during that time, your windshield will perform like new.

Need a new windshield. Let 7 Stars Auto Glass in San Diego install your new windshield. Our certified technicians will instruct you and the dos and don’ts for the first 24 hours. Call today.

Check Your Tire Pressure

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Proper car maintenance of your car can be important for its long life and safe operation. Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car and checking the tire pressure is important. Regular care and maintenance are crucial to the safe and reliable performance of your vehicle.

When to check the tire pressure

Tire pressure should be checked once a month when tires are cold. Tire pressure can vary 1-2 pounds per square inch (psi) for every 10-degree difference in ambient temperature. Also you should consider checking your tire pressure more frequently in the following instances:

If you run over a sharp object
If you strike a curb
If the weather suddenly changes from warm to cold

How to check the amount of pressure in your tires

Remove the cap from the air valve of the tire by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
Press the tire gauge against the open valve stem. You will hear a hiss of air (perfectly normal).
Read the air pressure gauge. The number will appear on the dial or digital screen of the tire gauge.
Compare this number with the recommended tire pressure, found on the driver’s side door jamb.
Add air or let some out based on the recommendation.
Replace the tire’s air valve cap by screwing it back on clockwise.

How to inflate the car tires

Follow these steps to successfully inflate the tires to the correct pressure:

When you pull up to the air compressor, be sure the hose can reach all four tires.
Remove the stem caps by unscrewing them counterclockwise and set them to the side or put them in your pocket.
Check your tire’s psi using your own gauge or the gauge on the hose.
Press the hose nozzle down on the valve stem. Air may flow automatically or you may need to press the lever. You should feel the air flowing or hear the tire inflating.
Check the tire pressure by removing the hose fitting or releasing the inflation lever. Check the gauge on the hose or with your own gauge.
Adjust the pressure in all 4 tires the same way.
Once each tire is properly inflated, replace the valve caps by screwing them on clockwise.

Windshield Damage Repair

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There are many ways to get a crack or chip in your windshield – If you are driving down the road and a rock slams into your windshield, if you get caught in a hail storm, or a branch hits your windshield during a windy day. Temperature changes can also cause a cracked windshield. Nonetheless, if you fail to have the crack repaired, the crack can grow. This can cause your windshield to go from needing a repair to a more costly replacement. However, you may be wondering how much time you have to get the repairs you need before more windshield damage sets in. Temperatures, vibrations and dirt can all affect the crack.

Temperatures Affect a Crack

Temperatures can cause a crack to get larger. When it is hot or cold outside, glass expands and/or contracts. This can cause a crack to grow in size or change direction. Driving your car in direct sunlight or letting it sit outside on an cold night can be all it takes to affect the crack. Repairing your windshield as soon as possible can prevent this issue.

Vibrations Can Cause it To Grow

Another thing that can cause a crack to grow is vibrations. When you drive your car, it vibrates. If you turn the radio up loud, your car vibrates. Your car can vibrate as you drive over a bumpy road, when you hit a pothole or when you go over speed tables. All of these things rattle your windshield around and can cause the crack to grow. And unfortunately, there is no way to avoid most of these issues while you are driving. This is why it is important to repair your windshield as quickly as you can.

Dirt and Dust Can Prevent Repairs From Working

The last thing you need to know about driving with a crack or chip in your windshield is that dirt and dust can enter the chip or crack. When this occurs, the resin that is injected into the chip or crack to fill it may not be able to bond to the glass as it should. Your repair may not take. The longer you wait to have your chip or crack repaired, the more dirt and dust can enter the area. Taking your windshield to be repaired in a timely manner is the best way to ensure dirt and dust don’t build up within your chip or crack.

When your windshield is damaged, it is important that the damage be repaired as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine just how much time you have until a crack or chip grows and spread. Repairing the damage quickly helps prevent further damage that may cause you to need to replace your windshield, rather than simply repair it. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

Auto Glass Replacement Reasons

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There are many reasons to have your windshield replaced but many drivers put it off until it shatters. Then it is a hazard for the driver and the passengers. There are some good auto glass replacement reasons.

The Purpose of Your Windshield

Your windshield does more than just look help you view the road. It acts as a backstop for your air bags. Incorrect deployment of your air bags puts your and your passengers at risk.
It also keeps your roof from collapsing. Many people don’t realize that the windshield provides the car’s structural strength. In a roll-over crash, a cheap windshield can cause your roof to collapse, which can be life-threatening.
It can prevent ejection of passengers in a crash. Your windshield can also keep you from being ejected from the vehicle in a case of a collision.

Safety First

Once you make the decision to have your windshield replaced, what questions should you know about the windshield replacement company.

The Qualifications of the Technicians – The technicians should be highly trained, experienced and knowledgeable of the whole process. Check their reputation.
The Adhesive is Important – OEM glass is safer, sturdier and less prone to cracking. Low-quality adhesives do not work as well, especially in wet or cold climates and can take longer to dry/cure.
How soon you can drive after installation – We are all busy and usually don’t have the time to sit waiting for a new windshield to be installed. Mobile windshield replacement service is convenient but it’s dangerous to drive the car before it’s ready. This is known as “safe drive away time”. Question your provider to take the proper precaution.
Warranty – If the auto glass replacement company offers a lifetime warranty, you can almost assume they’re using OEM glass, which is high quality.

Replace or Repair

In some cases, windshield replacement may not be necessary – only a repair may be needed. A good rule of thumb is that if a quarter can cover the crack, a repair may work instead of a full replacement. Even even that is true, if the crack is at the edge of the glass or if the crack is in the driver’s line of vision, a full replacement will be recommended for safety.

Seat Belts for Car Safety

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Car safety is important. Motor vehicle deaths are the major cause of death in the first three decades of an American’s life. By wearing seat belts and buckling children into age and size appropriate car seats and booster seats, people can reduce the risk of serious injury and death by half. Most drivers do follow the safety measures but there are still millions who don’t. This is a primary enforcement for seat belt violations, which means that a driver can be pulled over and sited just for not wearing a seat belt.

Certain strategies have been put in place to TRY to increase seat belt use.

Laws have allowed officers to stop and ticket someone for not buckling up. Some states only allow officers to give tickets when they have pulled the driver over for something else.
Increased penalties can be given resulting in higher fines or points on a driver’s license.
High-visibility enforcement – Combining law enforcement and media coverage is effective for reaching people who don’t use seat belts regularly such as men, teens, and young adults.
Programs are conducted at night to target people when seat belt use is the lowest and crashes are the highest.

Certain strategies can increase car seat and booster seat use

Child restraint laws require children riding in a car to use approved devices appropriate for their age.
Effective programs can help advertise car seat and seat belt use.
Distribution of car seats through giveaways or low cost rentals.
Incentive programs with coupons or prizes reward parents for correctly using car seats.

Some facts:

Among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat beltsreduce the risk of death by 45%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%.
Seat belts prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected during a crash.
People not wearinga seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash.

Seat belts protect people from needless death and injury. People are in a hurry, distracted, and simply forget. Many people don’t wear their seat belts, and thousands die as a result. BE SAFE AND BUCKLE UP!

For car safety and windshield repair, please call 7 Star Auto Glass in San Diego.

Preventing Auto Windshield Repairs By Removing Mold

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Mold can be a common occurrence in cars. It can be found in neglected vehicles left out in a humid, moist environment. However, it can also be found in cars where a water spill never dried properly. Food trucks can be easily susceptible to mold if not aired out and cleaned right. The good news is that mold can be dealt with to prevent auto windshield repairs. The bad news is that leaving it to spread throughout your car can be dangerous.

There are many types of mold, but all of them are generally the same. Mold is an organism that breeds quickly and decays whatever it can. Mold causes organic materials to biodegrade. That is why damp, undried areas, like car seats and carpets, are ideal candidates for this organism.

Nevertheless, mold is not completely bad. At this very moment, mold spores are in the very air we breathe. In fact, mold, a part of nature, is oftentimes used to produce some types of healthy foods (such as Brie cheese), medicine, and antibiotics. But too much of anything is never good, and that is certainly true when it comes to mold. More mold than is naturally in the air can cause allergic reactions if inhaled. Also, it can destroy (or eat) objects through biodegradation. If mold materializes in your vehicle, you should not ignore it. Mold could ruin various materials within the car including the glass, causing you to get an auto windshield repair.

What Causes my Windshield to Get Mold?

There are many reasons for the mold growth in your car. For one, if you left your car parked outdoors for months, mainly in a humid or moist environment, then that could cause mold to breed. Second, if you spilled water in the car and did not let it air out completely, that is another reason for the mold. Though, the scary part of all of this is that if this problem is not dealt with fast enough, the mold will spread throughout your car, going far into the glass and leading you to auto windshield repairs.

Windshield mold is very dangerous. As we have mentioned, too much mold can cause many health issues. However, mold in your car indicates there are an extreme amount of dirt and other untreated problems. Though, the most threatening aspect of mold increasing and feasting on your windshield is the fact that it could be eating at the window seals. Over time (a very short time, since mold grows and eats fast), your auto glass might even break from the damage to its window seals. Driving would become highly unsafe for you at that point.

Preventing Windshield Mold

If your car has mold, there are ways to combat it and prevent auto windshield repairs.First, you should always keep your car clean. Never leave trash, especially the sort that decomposes naturally (like food). If you spill a drink inside the car, wash it and let the damp area air-dry. Keep the windows down until the spill dries.

On the other hand, if you do not drive your car any more (maybe you are planning on selling it), then turn the AC on from time to time and roll the windows down. Letting the air move and refresh is important.

Though, if you notice that the window seals are cracking or there is mold on them, stop driving your car and do not attempt to clean the mold on your own. Instead, call a mobile windshield repair expert and have them replace that windshield with another one and clean the panel from the mold.

Mold is natural, but too much of it is bad. When found in your car, it can be dangerous and lead to auto windshield repairs if not removed fast. Never leave the mold to spread to your windshield and window seals. If that happens, call for a windshield repair immediately.