Windshield Replacement Orlando is one of the most important safety features of a car. It’s also one of the most expensive parts to replace.
First, the glass professionals clean the area and remove tiny debris to prevent cracks from spreading. Then, they inject a clear resin into the chip or crack.
There is a definite difference between repairing and replacing your windshield. Chips and cracks can be repaired, but not all chips need a replacement windshield. The decision to repair or replace a windshield depends on the size, depth, and location of the damage. It is important to have any cracks or chips fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage, especially as moisture in the glass can contaminate the windshield.
Generally, chips or cracks less than 3 inches long can be repaired with a DIY kit that comes from most auto parts stores. Before attempting to fix the damage, clean the area well where you plan on applying the resin. Ensure there is no dirt, dust, or other debris in the crack, as this will affect the cure. Then, squeeze the crack to remove any moisture and air bubbles that could be trapped in it. Finally, cover the crack with clear tape to protect it from sprinklers or rain before you go to the shop.
Any chips in the driver’s field of vision should not be repaired as it will only get worse. This is why it is important to maintain a safe distance between your car and big trucks, which can throw up a lot of loose debris.
Common fractures include pits, bullseye chips, star-shaped, and combo cracks (pit and a half moon). Generally, any chip that hasn’t penetrated the plastic interlay section of your windshield can be repaired. However, any crack longer than a quarter should be replaced because it can weaken the windshield and cause a dangerous driving situation.
Windshield chips are small pits in your windshield due to debris and rock hitting the glass. A professional can repair these if they no longer have cracks extending from them, are less than an inch in diameter, and are not in the driver’s line of vision.
A windshield repair service starts by cleaning out the damaged area to ensure that zero dirt or moisture is present. The technician will also ensure that no debris is lodged in the chip, as this can cause the crack to spread or break apart.
Once the damaged area is cleaned, the technician will use a windshield resin injector to fill in the chip. The resin is a clear liquid injected into the outer layer of your windshield, then cured/hardened with UV light. This process prevents future cracks from forming in the bullseye chip and restores your windshield’s appearance.
Other forms of windshield damage include star breaks and floater cracks. Star breaks are characterized by tiny cracks sprouting from the centered point of impact, and they may or may not have crushed glass in their centers. Floater cracks are straight lines that run to the edge of your windshield, and they’re typically easy for a professional to repair using a crack-opener tool like the Ultra Bond Wonder Flexor. A combination break is a bullseye chip with a star break inside, and they’re usually more difficult for technicians to repair than pure bullseye breaks. However, they can still be fixed using a variety of techniques. Ensure that the professional you choose has experience repairing all types of windshield damage.
Windshields play a critical role in the safety and durability of your vehicle. They offer structural support and a clear line of sight for the driver to react quickly to changing road conditions and potential hazards. Having an obstructed view of the road is one of the leading causes of car accidents, which is why it’s important to get any crack or chip in your windshield repaired immediately. These cracks, called star breaks, can cause further damage and lead to a costly repair or replacement.
There are several different types of windshield cracks, each with distinct characteristics. Bullseye, half moon (partial bullseye), and crack chips are common damage forms. Typically, these cracks can be easily repaired by an experienced technician.
On the other hand, star breaks are more complicated to repair and may require professional assistance. Star breaks are characterized by a focal point of impact surrounded by tentacle-like cracks that extend outward from the center. This damage is often caused by small objects, such as pebbles or gravel, hitting the windshield with considerable force.
This kind of damage can be tricky to repair because it can lead to further cracks in the windshield if not addressed promptly. Luckily, a star break no larger than a quarter can be successfully repaired with the help of an expert auto glass technician.
However, if your star break is larger than a quarter or has legs that extend outside the focal point, it is likely time for a new windshield. It is also recommended that you check the status of your windshield regularly so you can catch any cracks or damage early on and get them repaired as soon as possible.
The quality of your windshield is a crucial component of your vehicle’s overall safety and functionality. It is important to ensure that the replacement glass you choose adheres to your car manufacturer’s standards for the original windshield. OEM replacement glass typically follows the same fabrication standards as the windshield that came with your car at the factory, ensuring a perfect fit and the proper thickness of your new glass.
OE or OEM windshields are made for your specific car’s make and model, meeting all the requirements for size, shape, color, durability, and embedding technology like cameras and defrosters. Usually, these windshields are made simultaneously as those destined for brand-new cars and put aside for replacement purposes. Because of confidentiality and copyright reasons, these specifications aren’t shared with aftermarket manufacturers. So, if you want to know whether or not your replacement windshield is a genuine OEM product, look for a stamp that says “OEM” near the top of your windshield.
If you need more clarification, ask your auto glass technician for more details or a list of approved windshields. It’s also a good idea to check your insurance policy for coverage on the cost of your replacement.
Some automakers, like Honda, now recommend or require that their vehicles be equipped with only OE windshields when replaced. This is because some ADAS systems have cameras or sensors on the windshield, and using a non-OEM windshield could cause these systems to malfunction. This is especially true if your vehicle has Subaru’s EyeSight advanced driver assistance system. The camera in the windscreen is used for features like automatic pre-collision braking and lane departure warnings.
If your customers have questions about their windshield replacement options, educating them about the differences between OEM and aftermarket glass is important. Customers will usually want to stick with OEM glass since it comes directly from their car manufacturer. This means that the glass has its vehicle manufacturer’s stamp of approval and will adhere to the standards set by that automaker. This also ensures that the windshield will have a perfect fit and won’t affect any connected features, like cameras or sensors.
OEM glass is more expensive than aftermarket glass. This is because the auto glass manufacturer that produces it has a contract with the carmaker and, therefore, will be paid by the company for their work.
This contract with the carmaker usually translates into a high-quality product. This is because they can use the information about the windshields originally made for that specific vehicle, including the size, curvature, thickness, tint, and durability specs. Due to confidentiality and copyright concerns, these specifications aren’t shared beyond the contract between the auto-maker and OE windshield suppliers. Glass companies make aftermarket windshields with no contract with the carmaker and may differ slightly in their construction, resulting in a slightly different thickness, tint, or color.
Many carmakers require or recommend OEM windshields for vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This is because these systems can be affected by a poorly manufactured windshield. These systems can include things like park assist, lane departure warning, heads-up displays, and cross-traffic alerts. By using an aftermarket windshield, these systems may not be able to function correctly, putting the passengers’ safety at risk.
