Having a chip or large crack on your windshield is a great cause for concern, but what you do between the damage occurring and taking your car for a repair or complete auto glass windshield replacement can help minimize the effects of the crack, keep you safe longer, and get maximum benefits out of your new windshield. To help you, here are some precautions to keep in mind when taking your car for an auto glass replacement in Oakville.
Cover the Crack and Clean the Glass
When you notice a small crack or chip on your car’s auto glass, clean it properly and cover it immediately with clear duct tape that does not leave a sticky residue. This prevents dirt from collecting in the crack until you can get it repaired. As soon as you notice the crack, give your windshield technician a call to avoid the crack from growing larger and further damage from accumulating when left unattended, resulting in the need for an auto glass replacement.If the damage is extensive and compromises your safety by affecting your line of sight, it’s in your best interest to stay off the road in Oakville. Instead, call your technician, and certainly, a good auto glass replacement company will come to you for a mobile repair or replacement, or pick up your car to take to their shop.
Choose the Right Auto Glass Company
Your auto glass replacement will only be as good as the company and professional that performs it. A top quality auto glass replacement company uses only original components and industry-recommended adhesives and resins. Likewise, a quality company only employs technicians who are NGA or AGRSS certified. Professional auto glass replacement technicians have sufficient experience, are trained in the industry’s best practices, committed to providing you with safe and expert installations, and do not use shortcuts that compromise safety in Oakville.
Decide Between Repair and Replacement
Decide on what your car needs to get the best view of the road in Oakville and ensure your safety while driving. Repairs are an option for small cracks on the glass that did not land in critical zones, or do not directly impair your line of sight. For larger cracks and those that directly affect your view, an auto glass replacement can be recommended and decided by your windshield technician.
Check for the Right Auto Glass Replacement Procedure
An auto glass replacement should make use of the right resins, and cured for a sufficient period of time to ensure the effectiveness of the repair. During the replacement, the technician will have to ensure that the seal and fit of the new auto glass is as close to the original as possible. The old glass should be removed without causing damage to the pinch weld panel, the adhesive applied perfectly, and the glass placed with enough pressure to ensure its fit. After the auto glass replacement, make sure to check that small fragments of the old, damaged glass are completely removed.
Check the Wiper Blades
It also helps to check if your car’s windshield wipers are damaged. If so, get them replaced as well as these can cause streaks, smears and possibly even light scratches on your new auto glass, essentially shortening its usable life.
Avoid Washing the Glass
Do not wash the auto glass 24 hours before and after the replacement is done. This helps avoid stress breaks that result from temperature and pressure fluctuations on the glass, causing damage. However, gentle rain or moisture in Oakville will not cause any damage, if unavoidable.
Do Not Cover Your Car
Keep your car uncovered and leave a window slightly open for 24 hours after your auto glass replacement. This prevents air pressure inside the vehicle from building up and causing a leak through the adhesive.
Avoid Driving
After the auto glass replacement, try to keep your car indoors in your Oakville home for 24 hours. This allows a sufficient amount of time for the adhesive or resin to cure, and increase the bond. Their full strength is achieved only after 24 hours, so keeping off the roads for a while greatly ensures the effectiveness of your replacement, and your safety as it works in the long run.
Make your car’s auto glass replacement work for you with maximum safety and road visibility. Book an expert and professional replacement in Oakville today. Call us at 905-339-0339.
