Windshields: The Ins, Outs, and In Betweens
Discovering damage to your vehicle, big or small, is never a good feeling. You start to think about the costs of repair, whether it’s worth it to repair it, how it will impact the look of your ride. It’s never a fun situation to be in, but when it comes to any damage to your vehicle, it’s important to know what to do. The windshield typically takes the brunt of the damage, ergo repairs and replacements are quite common. If you have damage to your windshield, it’s critical to understand what precautions to take next. Our Mississauga shop deals specialized in <windshield replacement and repairs>, and can help you get your car back on the road, looking good as new!First of all, is repairment an option?
In some cases, it’s obvious that a full replacement is necessary. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident and your entire windshield blew out, the only option is replacement. However, if you have a minor chip or crack, determining what route to take, repair or replacement, is a little trickier. If the crack is shorter than the length of a bill and localized, it’s repairable. In terms of a chip, if the chip is smaller than the circumference of a quarter and localized, it too can be repaired. However if the damage is larger than the aforementioned criteria, not localized, in the driver’s line of sight, goes straight through every layer of the glass, and/or is above a heating element, replacement is recommended.Understand your insurance policy
While windshield replacement/repair is typically on the lower side of the cost-scale when it comes to vehicle fixes, it’s still not something anyone REALLY wants to pay for. It’s one of those, I don’t want to but I have to, type of expenditures. Before you go forking over your hard-earned cash, review your insurance policy. Most auto insurance companies will cover a portion of or the full cost of a repair/replacement. Of course, this all depends on the type of coverage you have. If your auto insurance doesn’t cover it, speak to an agent and see what options are available in terms of changing your policy to avoid having to pay for such fixes out of pocket.Speak to a professional in the matter
One thing is for sure, you don’t want to delay when it comes to repairing or replacement. It’s important to speak to a professional asap. Keyword: professional. Some people want to skip out on the labour costs and install their new auto glass or attempt to repair it themselves. If you know how to do this process with no issues, then all the power to you! However, if you don’t have any experience in doing so, it’s best to get it done by a trained professional. An improperly installed windshield can compromise the safety of the overall vehicle and the occupants in it. If you install the windshield glass wrong, you will more than likely have to take it to a professional and the entire process actually becomes more costly in terms of time and money. It’s best not to attempt to DIY when it comes to something as significant as windshield repair or replacement!Consider aftercare of your vehicle
You just got your damaged windshield fixed – what a great feeling. You drive out of the shop and let out a sigh of relief. Your ride looks so much better! However, it’s important to not dismiss any aftercare when it comes to your vehicle. A windshield repair/replacement typically doesn’t require a set of rules laid out after the process. In fact, once the repair/replacement is done and everything has dried, you can drive your vehicle right out of the shop. Aftercare post windshield repair/replacement simply means doing your due diligence. After all, you probably DON’T want to go through the process again. There are a few things you can do to maximize the longevity of your windshield and minimize the chances of damage, including:- Being mindful of where you park. Construction zones, under trees, high-traffic areas are all areas you need to be cautious about due to the surrounding elements.
- Don’t overwash your windshield. You may want to protect your new auto glass and keep it looking new, but there is no need to wash it so often. Doing so can eat away at the glass and weaken it over time.
- Understand how weather elements impact your cars auto glass. The sun’s powerful rays can warp auto glass whereas extreme cold/ice can make it more susceptible to damage. If possible, avoid leaving your car outdoors for long periods of time in extreme heat or cold.