Winter weather can wreak havoc on our automobiles and disrupt routine daily activities. The component in an automobile most affected by severe weather is the windshield due to its vulnerable position and fragile structure. Most common causes of windshield damage are collisions on slippery roads, falling debris and tree branches, accumulated ice, and projectiles. Even during non-winter seasons volatile weather patterns resulting in tornadoes and hail can cause considerable harm to windshields. One auto expert from the Northeast United States reported that every winter, residents in the region end up spending thousands and thousands of dollars on windshield repair alone. Windshield is a critical safety component in an automobile; it shields the occupants and provides them a safe ride. Windshields must be maintained well and any damage must be attended to with urgency to ensure safety of occupants and other motorists on the road. This article provides people basic information on windshields, auto glass maintenance, and windshield repair. The intention is to help people safeguard their indispensible everyday utility and be least affected by frightful weather conditions.

Types of windshields

Traditionally, windshields were made out of toughened glass. Such windshields shatter on impact and can cause serious injuries. All modern cars are installed with laminated auto glass. Laminated windshields have two layers of float glass sandwiching a layer of plastic called Poly Vinyl Butyric. Laminated auto glass can withstand relatively higher level of mechanical stress and hold pieces of glass together without shattering. Laminated windshields typically come in two styles, factory finished and UV-tinted.

Windshield maintenance

To prevent scratches, chips and minor cracks it is advisable to use high quality rubber edged scrappers for snow removal and replace wiper blades every season. If a windshield has a minor crack or a chip and has accumulated snow/ice, it is best not to use the defroster or hot water to remove the ice. This is because a sudden change in temperature can extend the crack and make the damage more severe. It is good practice to park one’s car in a safe place before a storm. This prevents falling debris and tree branches from damaging the windshield.

Windshield repairs

Most windshield damages can be repaired easily without requiring expensive replacement. Repairable damages are classified into six types depending on their shape as follows: bull’s eye, bee’s wing, half moon, clover leaf, star, and a combination of two or more of the five types. A repairable damage is no more than 1.5 inches wide.

Windshield repair involves three major steps: cleaning the damaged region of debris and loose glass; injecting resin material into damaged region with a vacuum-pressure combination to ensure smooth flow of resin and firm packing; and finally letting the repaired region cure under controlled temperature. Though seemingly simple windshield repair is complex and requires the expertise of an auto glass professional to ensure quality finish and overall safety.

Finding an auto glass repair service

One can find the right repair center that meets their needs by looking up the US auto glass directory or by simply looking up the local yellow pages. Most automobile service centers do windshield repair and replacement. There are also several exclusive windshield repair and replacement companies with nationwide branches that provide door-step service, next day service, free assessment and claims handling.

For more information on Windshield Replacement Dallas or Auto Glass Repair Dallas, contact an auto glass specialist at Mobile Glass Co.

For more information on http://www.mobileglassco.com/cities/windshield-replacement-dallas-tx Windshield Replacement Dallas or http://www.mobileglassco.com/cities/auto-glass-dallas Auto Glass Repair Dallas, contact an auto glass specialist at Mobile Glass Co.

Author Bio: For more information on Windshield Replacement Dallas or Auto Glass Repair Dallas, contact an auto glass specialist at Mobile Glass Co.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: automotive, auto, windshield, windshield repair, auto glass repair, repair, replacement,