Tag Archives: Auto glass repair

Cracked Windshield Risk

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 for when you make this very important purchase.

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.

Protecting your Windshield in Summer

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Did you know that your car can really take a beating during the summer? Summer temperatures can wreak havoc on your windshield, which is why you should always take steps to protect summer windshield damage.

At 7 Stars Auto Glass, we know that when you’re driving, you’re only as safe as your car’s weakest link. If that happens to be your windshield, you should have it repaired promptly to protect the integrity of your vehicle. And if your windshield is in great shape already, then we have a few tips to help you keep it that way.

Park In the Shade

Whenever possible, park in shaded areas to prevent your windshield from excessive heat. When you leave your vehicle parked in the sun for prolonged periods, high temperatures can render your windshield unstable. If this occurs, even a tiny chip or crack can quickly grow into a much larger problem. A parking garage or some type of covered parking is your best bet as it prevents your entire vehicle from sun exposure. If you do find a small nick or crack in your windshield, take it to your local auto glass repair shop to prevent it from spreading.

Use Caution When Washing

If you do notice chip or crack while washing your windshield, the heat of the day can cause the damage to spread. Spraying cold water on hot, cracked glass creates a sudden temperature difference that causes the glass to react suddenly. As the glass expands and contracts under changing temperatures, even the tiniest chips can become large cracks. If you must wash your vehicle before you have your windshield repaired, wait until evening when the temperature drops. Similarly, avoid automatic car washes where machinery may place pressure your windshield.

Adjust the Air Conditioning Gradually

Drastic temperature differences can wreak havoc on your windshield, so try to avoid them at all costs. Even though it may be sweltering outside, use caution when adjusting your air conditioning. When you start your vehicle, your windshield may be well over a hundred degrees. Immediately turning the AC on high will create a temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the vehicle, compromising the strength of the glass. Just imagine dropping a few ice cubes in a room temperature drink. Can you recall the noises those ice cubes make? That’s how your windshield responds when you immediately crank up the AC.

Your Auto Glass Repair Experts

When you notice chips and cracks in your windshield, we are here to serve you. We specialize in auto glass repair and replacement, and all of our technicians are certified. If you can’t come to us, our mobile repair team will come to you. To schedule a service appointment or an estimate, just give us a call.

Windshield Damage Prevention

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While you can’t avoid your auto glass from getting damaged by things out of your control, you can take care of your car’s glass so that it stays in the best shape and doesn’t easily get damaged. The following 5 precautions will help you with windshield damage prevention.

#1 Make Sure Windshield Wipers Are in Working Condition When you have the time, examine your car’s windshield wipers and make sure they are working properly because the blades play a big role in keeping auto glass sturdy and in tiptop shape. If the rubber on the blades look old and worn out, you need to replace them with new ones. Generally, you should examine your windshield wipers every few months (particularly every six months) and especially take a look at them when they start scratching the glass and creating screeching noises against the glass. If the wiper blade’s rubber has cracks in it and is starting to fall apart, you should replace the wipers as soon as you can, preferably right away to avoid driving in a bad storm with improper wipers. By keeping the wipers in a good condition, you would avoid having to go to a San Diego windshield repair shop.

#2 Regularly Clean Auto Glass Another precaution that you can take to protect the glass and avoid having to go to a San Diego windshield repair shop is to regularly clean your auto glass. A clean windshield is less prone to damage and the reason for that is that without any dirt, the windshield wipers stay in shape and don’t scratch the glass.

#3 Don’t Use Sponges or Towels to Wash Glass Most people use sponges or towels to wash and dry auto glass, but doing so can damage them. While sponges are used to clean around the house, they aren’t ideal for auto glass. Sponges are meant to scrub, not gently clean. So when they’re used to wash cars, sponges can scratch the glass. While signs of scratches don’t appear on your car right away, over months of use, you’ll be able to see how using a sponge ruins your windshields and windows. Likewise, using a towel is just as bad for the windshield and should be avoided.

#4 Use a Clean Microfiber Cloth When you wash and dry your windshield, use microfiber cloths that are clean. These cloths are gentle on auto glass and can help you avoid damaging your windshield.

#5 Park Away from Loose Tree Branches When you park outdoors, be sure to examine where you have parked your car. If your car is located beneath a tree with loose tree branches, consider moving your car to a safer spot. If that branch falls on your windshield, it could cost you a lot of money to repair or replace the glass. Besides, there is no way to know for sure whether a bad storm will happen while you’re away that would make that loose tree branch fall. So take that precaution seriously.

If you want to prevent car glass damage and having to go to a San Diego windshield repair shop, these five precautions will certainly help you.

Mobile Windshield Repair

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If you have a damaged windshield but you cannot drive to an auto glass repair shop for one reason or another, you have another option. What option? you ask. Well, you can call for a mobile windshield repair El Cajon service from 7 Star Auto Glass San Diego. Here are four reasons why you should: Continue reading →

Windshield Cracks

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There are several types of windshield cracks, the majority of windshield chips and cracks come from small rocks or debris lodged or picked up by the tires from the cars driving near you. These rocks and debris are then released from the tires and ends up hitting your windshield. Let’s look at some of the common types of windshield damage and whether repair or replacement would be a suitable course of action.

These are most common windshield crack types:

Ding/Chip/Stone Break – This type of windshield damage is one of the most common, it’s generally caused by a rock or debris striking the windshield while driving. A tiny to small piece of glass comes of the windshield creating the ding/chip. This type of damage can usually be easily repaired it’s known as a chip repair. However, if you do not have it repaired the it can crack and a replacement would be necessary.

Cracked Chip – This type of windshield damage is a single crack that is about the size of a quarter that has an impact point. In most cases it can be repaired.

Bull’s Eye – This type of windshield damage is also usually caused by a rock or debris of a larger scale. It is circular and a bit larger than a chip or ding. Often times it can be repaired depending on the size, if it is too large or too much glass has been removed a windshield replacement may be needed.

Combination Break – This type of windshield damage creates multiple kinds of breaks, such as dings, chips, and cracks. If there are only a few breaks and they are small and on the surface (not to deep) a repair can usually fix the windshield. If the cracks are too deep then a windshield replacement is necessary.

Edge Crack – This type of crack starts within 2 inches of the edge of your windshield or starts at the edge of your windshield. The crack usually forms immediately and is roughly 10 to 12 inches in length. A windshield replacement is usually required.

Floater Crack – This type of crack originates in the middle of your windshield. Depending on how deep and long the crack is determines whether or not your windshield will need to be repaired or replaced.

Stress Crack – Over time your windshield weakens and a stress crack can form. The weather both hot and cold play a major role in this type of crack. For example if your car is parked in the sun for several hours and you turn on the air condition, this can weaken (stress) the windshield. Some stress cracks can be repaired however, if the entire windshield is stressed it is highly recommended that the windshield be replaced to prevent more cracks and repairs.

7 Star Auto Glass is a family owned business, with over 25 years of experience. Their services include the following:

Auto Glass Replacement
Windshield replacement
Chip Repair
Windshield Chip Repair
Rock chip repair
Broken Auto Glass
Cracked Windshield

Reasons Your Windshield Cracks

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We know that when a rock hits your windshield from a dump truck in front of you, you see the windshield crack happen so you know where that came from. What about when you wake up, go outside, get ready to get in your car, and you notice a crack in your windshield. Where did that crack come from? At our location, we hear this from clients every day. “I have no idea how that happened.” There are several reasons this can happen. Here are a few.

Hail

Hail storms can occur in almost any season when the conditions are just right. Hail can cause small chips, which can lead to cracks over time. When hail strikes your windshield, bring your vehicle to an auto glass repair center to keep the cracks from spreading.

Improper Installation

Although it’s uncommon to see a poorly installed windshield from an auto manufacturer; it’s not so rare to see a defective windshield replacement. In some cases, a previous technician either ordered the wrong windshield or did not set it into the framework correctly. This can be dangerous at times when you need windshield protection during a collision.

Temperature Fluctuations

If temperatures drastically change, it can affect the outer edges of the window. Leaving your car outside during the summer can also affect the glass if temperatures exceed 100 degrees.

Sunlight

One of the reasons temperatures fluctuate at an accelerated rate is sunlight. The sun’s heat on metal and other materials around the glass can cause the glass edges to expand faster than the middle of the glass. This leads to cracks along the surface and eventually through the center. Park your car inside or under a shade whenever possible.

High Winds

When it’s windy outside, dust, dirt, and debris, can slam into your car’s windshield. Over prolonged exposure, the particles can eventually penetrate the glass surface and cause chips.

Dependable Auto Glass Replacement

If you need a windshield repair or replacement, call us. We service all types of vehicles – domestic or foreign.

Car Care Products To Avoid

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We all make mistakes sometimes, but the important thing is to learn from them. One mistake most of us have done is using unsafe car care products on our car windshield and windows. The thing is, though, we did not know they were unsafe products. Today, we are going to highlight these unsafe products so that you can learn from your mistakes and keep your San Diego auto glass in tiptop shape. Let us begin! Continue reading →

Avoiding Windshield Glares

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Windshield glares are one of the most annoying driving problems to have. They block our sight, blind us while driving, and cause us to nearly get into car accidents (if we don’t actually get into one). Glares are a driver’s worst enemy. And since they can get us into car accidents, they can destroy our windshields. This, a good way to prevent an accident and a car glass repair is by eliminating those irritating glares. Obviously, you cannot get rid of the sun or streetlights, which are the culprits behind those glares. However, you can protect your windshield against those glares by doing a few things. Continue reading →

Recycling Windshields, A Win-Win for Everyone

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A common question many glass shops hear is “Can you recycle windshield glass? The answer is yes! Windshield glass is extremely strong and is designed to stay together when involved in an accident. The process has several steps. The clean glass can be recycled and turned into a wide variety of objects. Some glass recycling shops have kept them from landfills allowing the glass to be re-purposed.

Is Windshield Glass Different from Other Glass?

Windshield glass is also called “safety” glass because of its ability to withstand excessive amounts of force. Its ability to hold together after a car crash is due to the layer of plastic that is encased by two layers of glass. This plastic layer keeps the glass from shattering. Years ago, when a windshield broke, the small pieces of sharp glass would become deadly projectiles. With the introduction of this new type of windshield glass, the risk of death or injury due to the flying glass is dramatically reduced.

How Is It Recycled?

To recycle windshield glass, it must pass through several steps. The glass of the windshield must first be broken and separated from the plastic sheet that’s pressed firmly between the layers. Once the plastic has been removed, the glass is put through a processor that grinds it down to its original state. Once it has been ground down, it can then be used to create new glass or glass-based materials. While it may not be exactly the same as bottle glass, it can still be used for a variety of purposes and kept from clogging up the landfills.

Who Accepts Windshield or “Safety” Glass for Recycling?

If you have a windshield that you want to recycle, you can call your local recycling center or glass repair shop to find out who will take it. In most cases, the glass repair shop will accept it and put it in with the ones they have that are ready for recycling. Recycling centers have access to the recycling facilities that are able to break down the glass and turn it over to the manufacturers who can then re-purpose it.

How Can Windshield Glass Be Re-purposed?

Recycled windshield glass can be re-purposed into new windshields, bottles, bowls, vases, etc. Recycled glass is often used by multi-medium artists who use it as part of sculptures, mosaics, and window art. Tile companies are also using it as part of the mixture used to produce their product. Glass is one of the most versatile materials in use today. With the latest advancements in the manufacturing and production of windshields, the glass from a broken windshield can be recycled and re-purposed more efficiently than ever before making it one of the most affordable materials available.

With environmental concerns making recycling the norm instead of the option, glass repair shops are implementing programs that allow them to recycle the windshields they replace. The number of windshields being sent to landfills has started to drop considerably. The more windshields that can be diverted from landfills, the more cost-effective replacement glass will become making it a win/win situation for everyone.

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.