The Do's & Don'ts of Automobile Glass Repair

Have you recently noticed a crack in your windshield while driving to work? Do you want to save as much money in your repairs as possible?

If so, then it is important that you follow certain tips for what you should and shouldn't do for glass repair. You'll need to understand the extent of the damage so that you apply the right tools and amount of fixing to avoid future problems.

Repairs will also require changing certain habits you have with your vehicle for the time being. With our knowledge of automotive services, you will get your car's glass back in shape.

Here are the do's and don'ts of automobile glass repair.

1. Do: Verify the Damage

The extent of automobile glass repair that you'll need will depend on how much damage you're dealing with. By measuring how big the crack is in your windshield, you can figure what to do to get your glass looking good as new.

If the crack is shorter than 12 inches, then you can fix the issue yourself. However, a crack that measures 12 inches or longer will require a replacement, which means more money coming out of your pocket.

You'll need to pay extra attention to chips in your windshield, as they will need to be smaller than a quarter to require solely repairs. Keep an extra eye on your whole piece of glass in case multiple cracks start to form.

2. Don't: Put Off Repairs

Repairing glass requires that you address the problem right away so that you can get back to worry-free driving. A small crack may push you to put off repairs to the next day or week, but that can produce problems in the long run.

Chips can turn into cracks if left unattended, and these cracks can spread out to the rest of the glass over time. What started out needing a quick fix could turn into a complete replacement of your glass.

By fixing cracks right away can help you do more than just spending more on repairs. Unaddressed issues in the windshield can make it harder to see while driving, which boosts your chances of getting into an accident.

3. Do: Consider Professional Help

Some of you may prefer to work on your cars yourself and think that no one knows your automobile better than you. However, when it comes to how to repair glass, an expert always knows best.

We recommend getting in touch with a professional who has experience fixing cracks and chips. These people can range from the local auto shop to a friend or relative in the area who has worked in the industry before.

Make sure that these professionals have the necessary certifications and references who can vouch for their services. It helps if they specialize in other areas of repair in case you face different issues in the future.

4. Don't: Wash Your Car

You should also know what activities to avoid, which may include those that you enjoy or are good for your car. That includes washing your car, as this can hinder the repair process.

Cleaning material that you use can have a damaging effect on the inside of the glass that it wouldn't on the outside. This can make it harder for the repairing agents to take effect and your glass to look brand new again,

We recommend waiting at least three days after your repairs before you wash your car again. It also helps to place special tape over the crack so that it fixes quickly and easily, which means a quicker wash.

5. Do: Change Driving Routes

What's the source of the damage? Some of you may have suffered damage from debris during the storm, while others may have had their cars vandalized.

In either case, changing the route you use to get around town may help you avoid future damage. This can save you money on a new windshield or getting your windows tinted before driving through a bad neighborhood.

If you receive reports of bad weather, use routes that provide more shielding from rocks and branches that can blow in the wind during a thunderstorm or hurricane. See if there are routes that get you to your house quicker, as well.

6. Don't Change Temperatures Drastically

The temperature inside your car has just as big an impact on the windshield's condition as the outside. With a balanced temperature, your glass repair will see better progress.

You can be increasing the cracks in the glass and don't even know it. These situations include high defrosting in the winter and blasting the air conditioning in the summer.

Keep temperature changes small so that the glass doesn't tell the difference. We also advise not changing the temperature if you don't need to.

7. Do: Take Extra Care

Since most auto glass repairs take at least a day to take effect, your glass will be in a sensitive state for at least 24 hours after completion. This is why you should take extra care when operating your vehicle.

Stick to driving on smooth roads so that sudden bumps don't make the cracks or chips worse. Make sure to close the doors gently so that you don't rattle the glass.

Your windshield can also face further damage with a certain amount of air pressure in your car. In this case, keep at least a quarter of an inch in the door glass to prevent leaks.

Our Take on Automotive Glass Repair

When it comes to glass repair for your car, you need to consider the extent of the damage and how you need to change your use of your car. This will allow the repairing process to move along quickly and without any issues.

You'll need to be extra careful with actions ranging from driving to simply shutting doors, and you must keep your automobile in a safe and comfortable environment so that it can avoid further damage.

With these tips, the glass on your car will look just as good as when you first bought the vehicle.

For more auto repair expertise, contact us today. We'll help you keep your car looking and operating in top form.