How to avoid 3 most common causes of auto glass damage?

Everyone is on the go these days and no one has the time to spare for auto glass repairs. But if your auto glass gets damage you simply have to make time for it.

No matter if you have the option for a mobile auto glass repair or not, you still have to set aside a big part of your day to have it done. And let’s not forget all the other stuff you need to do like schedule an appointment, talk with your insurance company and rental car that you can use while your auto glass damage is being repaired. As if your ‘to-do’ list isn’t long enough. So I order to minimize the hassle and potential avoid auto glass repairs, here’s how to avoid the main 3 causes of auto glass damage.

Auto glass damage caused by accidents

Some of you live in neighborhoods where children play outside and some of you even have children that participate in various sports activities like basketball or baseball. Auto glass damage most frequently occurs due to flying objects that collide with your windshield or car window. In order to avoid this, we highly recommend that you park your car at a safe distance from sporting events.  And if your neighborhood has a lot of children playing outside, parking in a garage is your safest bet.

Tailgating as a cause of auto glass damage

While on the motorway, make sure that you don’t tailgate i.e. follow the car in front of you too closely. Vehicle tires can easily kick up road debris and launch it at your windshield. You might think that you can avoid this. Well in some situations you can, but if your cruising at higher speed, there’s no chance that you can see the debris on time, not to mention avoid it safely. So damage is imminent.

Instead, try to follow the three-second rule (we’ve all heard about it once or twice). When you have three seconds of time (at least) between your car and the car in front of you, it’s safe to assume that you’re at a safe distance. You have enough time to avoid collision In case you need to and you can stop your car in time.

Outdoor parking

A lot of people have a garage where they can park their car but they use it to store unnecessary stuff and use it as a storage shed. No matter if you’re forced to part outside or you decide to park outside because your garage is full, you’re putting your auto glass at risk. But in what way?

Well the first risk of auto glass damage is direct sunlight. Direct sunlight causes the outer edges of the windows to expand more rapidly than the inner parts. And if the heat is extreme, this can even cause auto glass damage. So instead of parking your car at direct sunlight, why not park it in a shaded area?

The second thing that can cause auto glass damage is falling debris like branches, sticks etc. that can fall when you park under a tree. Parking in the shade is a good idea, but see if you can park under covered structure like a car tent, parking garage or carport. Avoid parking under trees.

Hail is yet another culprit of auto glass damage and this can cause some serious damage on your auto glass. Of course this depends on how big the hail is, but still. During a hail storm, your auto glass won’t get hit by one chunk of ice. It will be repeatedly hit by hail and many of those pieces will cause more than just a crack.

And finally, we come to temperature fluctuations. When the auto glass experiences sudden and rapid temperature shifts, it expands / contracts (depending on whether the temperature is hot or cold) very fast. If the switch between hot and cold is rapid enough, the auto glass can’t cope with it and it cracks. So if you park your car outside during cold weather, warm up your car gradually. And if you park outside during hot weather, instead of cracking up the AC, crack open a few windows, let the interior of the car cool down while you drive and then gradually increase the AC.

We hope that these tips will help you avoid unnecessary auto glass damage. In case you do get auto glass damage, feel free to contact Auto Glass Express and schedule an appointment.

The post How to avoid 3 most common causes of auto glass damage? appeared first on Auto Glass Express: Windshield Replacement & Repair | Auto Glass.

source https://autoglassexpress.com/how-to-avoid-3-most-common-causes-of-auto-glass-damage/

Impacts of auto glass claims on your insurance

We all know that damages to various auto components generate insurance claims. However, did you know that from many components, auto glass damage is one of the most frequent reason for an insurance claims?

Because of this, we strongly recommend that you choose an insurance policy that also covers auto glass repair or replacement. But that doesn’t mean that you should always file an insurance claim when your auto glass needs replacement or repairs.

How do auto glass claims impact your insurance?

Insurance claims usually cause your insurance provide to raise your insurance rate. Of course, one insurance claim won’t cause a rate increase, but frequent insurance claims could cause your monthly insurance rate to spike.

For example, if the auto glass damage is your fault and you file a claim, that will most likely lead to increase of your insurance rate. This is because the insurance company sees you as a greater risk for its business. Let’s face it, insurance companies need to take care and protect their business and with your irresponsible behavior, you jeopardize the business so they need to protect themselves.

Consult with your insurance agent

One of the easiest ways to determine will an insurance claim have a negative impact on your insurance bill, is to speak with your insurance agent. So before signing the contract, ask him or her directly. You can ask for information on how are auto glass claims handled, how auto glass claims will affect your policy both now and in the long-run.  This way you will get the information you need and there will be no surprises when you renew your insurance contract.

When is it smart to file insurance claims for auto glass damage?

The decision whether or not you will file an insurance claim for your auto glass damage is yours. However, there are times when filing a claim is a smart move and there are times when it isn’t so you have to pay out of your own pocket. In case that the cost of the repair is low and you won’t be able to meet your deductible, we highly recommend that you don’t file a claim. The insurance provide simply won’t pay out. But, there are situations when it’s wise to file an insurance claim:

Minor damages e.g. small chips or cracks – If the auto glass damage is smaller than a one-dollar bill, some insurance providers might waiver your deductible if you opt in for a repair instead of a replacement. But to be absolutely sure, make sure you speak to your insurance agent.

Someone else’s fault – If you were in an accident that cause the auto glass damage and the other driver is at fault, then his / her insurance should cover the repairs or replacement of your damaged auto glass. So in this situation, you won’t even have to file a claim with your insurance provider but you will need to collect the insurance information from the other driver.

Accident forgiveness – Some insurance providers offer accident forgiveness as an option. If you opt in for that as part of your insurance policy, it’s highly likely that your insurance rate won’t increase even if you were at fault for the auto glass damage. It’s best to consult with your insurance agent before you sign the insurance policy.

If you have a cracked or chipped windshield or auto glass and you’re looking to filing an insurance claim, stop by at Auto Glass Express and let us help you navigate the process.

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source https://autoglassexpress.com/impacts-of-auto-glass-claims-on-your-insurance/

How to remove sticky stuff from your windshield

You can find stickers and decals on various parts of your car. However, windshields are the most common places that look like a sticker collection.

You can deal with various types of stickers on your windshield: parking stickers, city stickers and not to mention those club membership stickers, oil change, AAA decals or sports team stickers. Most people that buy used cars or even inherit them from their relatives, have some type of stickers on them. Keep in mind that these things have some pretty strong glue on them and they really stick to your windshield. You can’t remove them that easily. Well isn’t that a sticky situation (pun intended)?

It doesn’t matter if it’s a parking sticker or maybe a ticker from your favorite fast food place…these stickers are meant to last for a very long time. Don’t even both spraying some cool water on them in hope to remove them easily, since most of them are water-proof. But don’t get discouraged. There’s a way to remove them and keep your car’s windshield nice and clean.

There are plenty of useful ways to remove stickers from your windshield without damaging it. Naturally, the adhesive is the most difficult part to remove, but it’s possible. So, here are some useful tips on how you can remove stickers from your windshield.

Window Cleaning Detergent

This is logical right. Window cleaning detergents are meant to clean all sorts of nasty thing off from windows, so you should start with this. What you do, is just spray a little bit of cleaning detergent on the sticker and let it set for a few minutes. Some stickers will look like they are going soft while others will begin to skid when you touch them. Next you’re going to take a razor blade, carve out the sticker gently without damaging your windshield. All done!

Alcohol

In case the window detergent failed you, the next thing you can do is use rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol. Alcohol is also a pretty good tool to help you remove stickers from your windshield easily. First, take some paper towel (make sure that it’s dry) and soak it with some rubbing alcohol. Then it’s only a matter of dabbing the sticker away. Just make sure that the entire sticker is soaked with the chemical.

Soon, the sticker will appear soft or crumbly and them all you need to do is the exact thing that you did with the window cleaning detergent (remove it with a razor blade). Once you cleaned all the sticker and the adhesive, take a clean paper towel, soak it in clean water, wipe the spot and that’s it.

Goo Gone

You most likely heard of Goo Gone. This is a simple, affordable non-toxic solution specifically designed to remove adhesive substances and stickers. It is very useful when removing wood glue, normal glue and other types of glues. Take some Goo Gone, spray it on the decal or sticker, leave it for a couple of minutes and remove it by hand. No need for razors, towels etc. A really simple way to remove stickers from your windshield.

Ice

We all know that ice has a very versatile purpose. It’s not only useful in removing chewing gum from your jeans (yes that works too) but it can also be used in removing stickers from your windshield. Take a piece of ice, put it on the sticker or decal for about 5 minutes and then use a razor (or another sharp object) to remove the sticker. Now, since you will be working with a razor, make sure that you di this part carefully in order to avoid causing damage to your windshield.

WD-40

We’ve all heard about this chemical. It’s most used as an anti-rust solution, but has a wide range of other applications. Spray some of it on the sticker, leave it for 3-4 minutes and simply wipe it off with a clean cloth. Now, beware because unlike Goo Gone, this is a toxic chemical.

Hot water

Some people use this method to remove stickers or decals from their windshield. Take a bottle of hot water, add a bit of liquid soap, shake it (not too much though) and pour it slowly on the sticker. The heat from the water will help soften the adhesive and the soap should help remove the sticker. After a while, check if the adhesive has gone loose. If not, then pour some more hot water on it and it should be good to go.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is the most versatile, non-toxic cleaning agent you can find any every household. It’s basically the safe alternative to WD-40 and it has ample of applications. What you do is mix some baking soda with a half cup of cooking oil. Then you soak a clean, dry paper towel with the mixture and soak the sticker. Then it’s only a matter of removing the sticker with your fingers.

You see, you don’t need to be an expert or spend too much money on removing stickers from your windshield. But, in case you are a bit careless when doing any of these methods, and damage your windshield, make sure to contact Auto Glass and have it looked at and repaired.

The post How to remove sticky stuff from your windshield appeared first on Auto Glass Express: Windshield Replacement & Repair | Auto Glass.

source https://autoglassexpress.com/how-to-remove-sticky-stuff-from-your-windshield/

Avoid windshield damage when on the road

Car owners from Phoenix, AZ know that they can count on Auto Glass express to have their windshield replaced or repaired, no matter if it’s just a small chip or a full bulls-eye crack.

Car owner’s and passengers’ safety is the top priority. And even though we cannot prevent windshield damage from occurring, we can do our best to minimize it or avoid it. If you’re keen on learning more how to avoid windshield damage, keep on reading.

Safe distance can protect your windshield

All car owners are annoyed when someone is tailgating them. So you shouldn’t do it to someone else, because they don’t like it either. Following too closely the car in front of you is unsafe. But also it puts your windshield at risk to damage. Imagine, cruising down the motorway and you’re tailgating a car in front of you. The car in front can kick up some rocks or pebbles straight to your windshield and damage your windshield. That’s why it’s always useful to follow the two-second rule at least. You can of course leave a much greater distance between yourself and the car in front of you. This is a good practice not only to avoid windshield damage but also to avoid collision.

Speed limits around construction sites

You noticed how the speed limit is much lower around construction sites? Well this is no surprise. The aim of the speed limit is to protect the construction workers as well as motorists. Around construction zones you can find various sharp objects and tools like stones, nails, bolts etc. These objects or tools can do some pretty serious damage to your windshield, and even crack it. So if your daily commute takes you through a construction zone, you might want to slow down. This way you will protect the property, people and of course your windshield.

Trucks and trains

It’s not uncommon that trains and trucks are surrounded by smaller (or mid-sized) rocks or pebbles. At high speed of trains or trucks, these rocks can easily become airborne. So if you see railway tracks, make sure that you stop your vehicle at the safe distance or that you don’t drive too close to the tracks.

On motorways you can come across tractor-trailers, dump trucks etc. Occasionally, these trucks and trailers carry gravel. When spot them, make sure that you keep safe distance. Trucks that have multiple tires and mud flaps that are too short or damaged by use, can kick up rocks or debris from the road which can then hit your windshield. Oh and let’s not forget trucks that carry loads which is not properly secured. These are a serious threat to ALL surrounding vehicles. In situations like these, you can either slow down or switch lanes and pass that truck or trailer.

Repairing windshield damage

Even with all the caution in the world, you can’t 100% avoid windshield damage. That’s just not possible. Windshield cracks or chips will happen.

When you suffer a small windshield chip, don’t dismiss it. A small crack can easily spread (thanks to weather, debris, dust etc.) and become an even bigger crack. If you notice a chip early, make sure you repair it right away. You will have a stable and structurally strong windshield and you will avoid having to replace the whole windshield.

Drivers that drive with damaged windshield not only put themselves at risk, but also their passengers and other drivers. Damaged windshields can seriously compromise your visibility and thus cause an accident. So if you notice even a small chip on your windshield, call Auto Glass Express and have it fixed.

The post Avoid windshield damage when on the road appeared first on Auto Glass Express: Windshield Replacement & Repair | Auto Glass.

source https://autoglassexpress.com/avoid-windshield-damage-when-on-the-road/