Driving down a smooth road in your comfortable and classy vehicle might be the highlight of your day. Don’t dampen that moment by having subpar windows. Dings and scratches can really cause your automobile to appear and function less than it should.
Let’s explore some helpful tips on how to maintain, repair and replace your automobile’s glass.
Maintaining
You want those windows to be spotless! Streaks and dirt particles that are clouding your eyesight might not only be unpleasant, they could hinder your driving abilities as well.
Keeping your windows clean is simple with a few cleaning supplies stored in the glove box. Remember, when buying products for your vehicle, it’s not wise to use ammonia-based glass cleaning products on tinted windows. Rather, use a soft damp cloth to clean your glass. In place of products which contain ammonia, soapy water can work just as well. Spray foam glass cleaners are also an option to clean tint material without streaking.
Keep a windshield sunshade handy for when you park your car in the sun. It might not protect the glass completely, but you’re car won’t be so hot, and it will prevent the sun from causing any fading.
Repairing
While cruising on a small street in that comfortable vehicle, you hear a loud engine rev and a truck zooms by. It sends debris and pebbles flying in its wake. You try to avoid them, but unfortunately one lands with a smack on your windshield.
Frustration follows, but know this – although a crack has been made, it can also be fixed. The rule of thumb is that if it’s smaller than a dollar bill, it can be repaired without having to replace the window.
You need to fix it before the crack becomes a huge spiderweb of lines racing across your windshield.
An epoxy, acrylic adhesive or filler could manage the ding and keep you from having to make any other major repairs, at least for now. These substances, or repair kits, can be bought at your local autoparts store. Although the process of windshield replacement might be in your future, you can buy a little time before you have to dive into that possible next step.
Replacing
Remember that auto glass damage is not limited to your windshield. A broken car window puts you at the mercy of the weather and exposes you to car to theft. Your valuables and car interior are not protected when using a temporary fix or patch. So if your car window is broken, not just dinged, from road debris or smashed in an accident, replacing it is necessary.
The best way to go about this is to first check your insurance. If you have comprehensive or full glass coverage, this could protect you against the cost of fixing or replacing a windshield. It depends on your deductible as well, but replacing your windshield doesn’t have to be difficult. Get a quote for your vehicle’s window to help choose a repair shop. You don’t want to pay too much or for your vehicle to receive inadequate repairs.
The good news about replacement? The entire process might take only one hour and most places clean up after themselves, so you can get back onto the road as soon as possible.