Caring for Your Auto Glass is Important
Auto Glass Care
Your auto glass is always there to improve your sight lines and to protect you from dirt, pebbles, and other debris while you’re driving. It’s especially important during heavy rain, snow, and other inclement weather.
How much time do you spend caring for your auto glass each year? Chances are, not much, but taking the time to learn about your car’s auto glass is important for every car owner. Broken, scratched, or cloudy auto glass can impair your visibility on the road and quickly becomes a safety hazard, not to mention a traffic violation. By following basic auto glass care tips, you can save yourself some time, money, and hassle in the future.
What is Auto Glass?
The Anatomy of Your Windshield
Your windshield isn’t just a single layer of glass. It’s actually made up of three layers to form what’s known as “laminated glass.” The two outer layers are made of plate glass that is curved and then cooled quickly. This is a process called “tempering” and it strengthens the glass to prevent it from breaking easily.
The outer layers of tempered glass form a sandwich around a layer of clear plastic laminate. If your windshield is struck by something, this inner layer is what keeps the glass from shattering to pieces. You may have seen a busted windshield that’s cracked, but still more or less in one piece. That’s why. It’s designed for your safety!
What are the Black Dots Around My Windshield?
Have you ever noticed how all cars have the same pattern of black dots around the edge of a windshield? It’s more than a design choice. Those black dots are called the frit, and they’re used to seal your windshield to the frame of your car. The frit provides a better surface for adhesives to adhere to, creating a better seal.
Windshield Cleaning and Maintenance
Windshield Maintenance and Care
Your windshield protects you every day from dust and debris on the road, so it’s important to keep it clean and maintained. Scratched, damaged, or dirty windshields can impair your driving, which can lead to accidents which would normally be avoidable.
To keep your windshield clean, follow these tips:
- Use glass cleaner or vinegar to remove dirt and grime from your windshield. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can dry out plastic and damage your window tinting.
- Replace your windshield wipers before they become too worn down, and be sure to remove any dirt or debris caught beneath them, as these can scratch the surface of your auto glass.
- Harsh and sudden changes in temperature can shock your auto glass and make small cracks worse. Park in the shade in the summer and allow your car to warm up gradually in the winter.
Is My Windshield Leaking?
No one likes to find water inside their car, but the seal around the edge of your windshield can become cracked or damaged over time and allow water to seep in around the edges. Signs of a possible windshield leak include discoloration, mold or mildew, and a damp or musty smell inside your car.
If you suspect a windshield leak, avoid driving during heavy rain, and park in a garage or under a carport if you’re expecting rain or snow. You can test for a windshield leak by pouring soapy water over the windshield, then have a friend spray an air nozzle around the edges of the windshield from the inside of the car. If there is a leak, the air will form bubbles on the outside, near the seal. Be sure to contact an auto glass specialist to repair the leak as soon as possible.
Give us a call and we can come to you!
Windshield Wiper Maintenance
Don’t forget to maintain your wiper blades! Extreme temperatures, debris, and frequent use can cause the rubber blades to break down, which can make your wipers less effective and cause an unpleasant squeaking or scraping sound. Maintaining your windshield wipers will improve your visibility and keep you safe in rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions.
- Replace worn out blades every 6-12 months, and check them regularly to remove pebbles and other debris which can scratch your windshield.
- Clear your windshield of ice and large debris before you activate your wiper blades to prevent them from becoming bent or damaged.
- Trico Flex wiper blades are an affordable option which offer advanced protection for your vehicle. In tests they lasted more than 1.5 million cycles, which means you’ll have to replace them less often. Their sturdy, aerodynamic design allows for smoother motion across the glass, so no squeaks!
Keep Your Windshield Clear with Aquapel Glass Treatment
Your visibility is crucial to driving safely, especially in bad weather. Consider having your windshield treated with Aquapel to increase your visibility in rain, snow, and sleet. Aquapel treatment bonds to your auto glass and causes water to bead on the surface so it slides away easily. It also makes cleaning bugs, pollen, and other dirt away easier, and the treatment lasts for months!
Winter Auto Glass Care Tips
Keep your windshield wipers down during a snowstorm. Some people prefer to lift their wipers to prevent the rubber from freezing to the glass, but this comes with a greater risk for damage to your wiper blades.
If your windshield is covered in ice, don’t pour hot water on the glass to clear it! The sudden temperature change can shock your auto glass, causing it to crack. Allow your windshield to warm up gradually by turning on the heat inside, then remove the ice with a scraper.
Windshield Repair
When can a windshield be repaired?
Your windshield faces wear and tear on a daily basis, so scratches and nicks are to be expected. Unfortunately, there are plenty of hazards out there such as bad weather, auto accidents, and larger road debris that can cause more serious damage to your windshield. Thankfully, a damaged windshield doesn’t have to mean a full replacement. Take a look at the type, placement, and size of the damage.
Click here to learn about some of the most common causes of windshield damage.
TYPE
Chips and cracks are usually caused by impact from rocks, hail, and other large debris. Surface cracks and chips that only affect the outer layer of glass can usually be repaired.
SIZE
Most chips will be small–about the size of a quarter. These chips can be repaired if they don’t penetrate the inner layer of glass. Cracks or chips covering an area greater than 2 inches across usually aren’t repairable.
PLACEMENT
Damage too close to the edge of the windshield is more vulnerable to vibrations from your car when you’re driving or opening and closing doors. Replace your windshield if the damage is within a few inches of the edge or if it blocks your sight while driving.
When assessing your windshield’s damage, ask yourself these questions. If you answer “yes” to more of them, you could be eligible for windshield repair.
- Can I cover the damage completely with a quarter?
We can usually repair small chips and cracks, saving you money on a replacement. - Does the damage only penetrate the outermost layer of glass on my windshield?
If you can feel the crack from the inside of your car, it’s time for a replacement. - Is the damage located toward the center and away from the edges of the windshield?
Cracks located too close to the edge can compromise the integrity of your auto glass.
What happens during windshield repair?
Your auto glass technician will start by inspecting the damage to your windshield to make sure it can be repaired safely. If so, the repairs can usually be started right away.
- First, the auto glass specialist will use a drill to clear away broken glass. Much like a tooth filling, the drill is used to make sure the resin can reach every crevice and completely seal the damaged area.
- Next, a tool called a windshield repair bridge is secured to your windshield. The tool uses suction to force resin into the crack or chip while removing air bubbles.
- The final step is to harden or “cure” the resin. This can be done using a UV lamp, or your auto glass specialist may allow it to cure naturally in the sunlight.
Most windshield repair sessions take about an hour or less, but this can vary based on the size of the damage, the temperature, and the weather. Want to learn more about how a windshield is repaired? Click here.
If the damage is too large or located in an area which compromises the integrity of the auto glass, you’ll need to replace your windshield.
Windshield Replacement
When Does a Windshield Need to be Replaced?
A damaged windshield is more than just an eyesore. The size, type, and even location of a crack or chip in your auto glass could threaten the integrity of your windshield, making it a hazard while you drive.
If you need your windshield replaced, start by calling a local auto glass specialist. A mobile auto glass replacement company will be able to send someone to you to inspect your windshield. They’ll examine the damage and determine whether your windshield should be repaired or replaced.
Typically, a windshield must be replaced if it meets the following criteria:
- The damage is on the inside of the windshield
- Both layers of auto glass are penetrated
- There are multiple cracks or chips
- The driver’s vision is impaired by the damage
- The damage is close to the edge of the windshield
Can I Ignore a Damaged Windshield?
Cracks or chips which block your line of sight while driving should never be ignored. This hazard puts you and your passengers at risk while on the road.
So is it safe to drive with a damaged windshield even if the damage doesn’t impede your vision? The short answer is no. It’s always better to have your windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Most times, your auto insurance carrier will fully cover the costs. You auto glass specialist may even file your claim for you.
It can get worse
Even if a crack or chip in your windshield starts small, there are plenty of ways it could grow and get worse over time.
Sudden or extreme temperature changes can cause the auto glass to expand and contract, which can make a crack grow.
If the damage is close to the frame of your windshield, the integrity of the auto glass may be compromised and will be more likely to develop more cracks.
Hitting potholes or driving over rough terrain can shake your car and aggravate the damaged areas.
Other Auto Glass Care
Headlight Care
When was the last time you thought about your headlights? Chances are, you won’t think about them until something is wrong. But by keeping up with maintaining your headlights, you can prevent being stuck in the dark and avoid traffic violations for a broken headlight.
Don’t neglect your headlights! Avoid traffic violations and improve your visibility at night by getting them restored and repaired at Taylor Auto Glass in Greensboro.
Keeping Headlights Clean
Cloudy headlights can restrict the reach of the light, which can reduce your visibility at night. When you wash your car, wipe down your headlights with a clean microfiber cloth and either glass cleaner or soapy water.
Can Headlights Be Restored?
Dust and debris can scratch the surface of your headlights over time, causing them to become dim and cloudy. Headlight restoration is a process that involves sanding and polishing your headlights in order to return their original clarity.
Headlight Replacement
If you need to replace a cloudy or broken headlight, an auto glass specialist will be able to get the job done without damaging your car, and can ensure that the headlight is properly aligned during installation.
Don’t neglect your headlights! Avoid traffic violations and improve your visibility at night by getting them restored and repaired at Taylor Auto Glass in Greensboro.
Keeping Headlights Clean
Cloudy headlights can restrict the reach of the light, which can reduce your visibility at night. When you wash your car, wipe down your headlights with a clean microfiber cloth and either glass cleaner or soapy water.
Can Headlights Be Restored?
Dust and debris can scratch the surface of your headlights over time, causing them to become dim and cloudy. Headlight restoration is a process that involves sanding and polishing your headlights in order to return their original clarity.
Headlight Replacement
If you need to replace a cloudy or broken headlight, an auto glass specialist will be able to get the job done without damaging your car, and can ensure that the headlight is properly aligned during installation.
Door Glass Care
What’s a window regulator?
If you have power windows in your car, the window regulator is the motor that moves your door glass up and down at the push of a button. Power windows were first added to cars in the 1960s and are a standard part of vehicle designs today. Some of us still remember having to “roll” a window up or down using a hand crank!
The only downside to power windows?
The regulator can sometimes fail. This can happen as your car ages, but your window regulators can also break down after being used improperly.
Is your car covered in ice?
Don’t roll down a frozen window! Forcing a window to work against the ice puts excess strain on the regulator, which can cause it to break or get stuck.
What if the door glass falls off track?
Sometimes your door glass can slip off track, causing gaps between the window and the frame. Don’t try to reset the glass yourself! If the glass falls further, it could shatter. The auto glass specialists at Taylor Auto Glass will be able to reposition your door glass and fix any broken part that could be causing the issue.
Car Mirror Care
Side Mirrors
Your side mirrors are essential while driving, so it’s important to keep them clean and in good repair. You can clean your side mirrors using glass cleaner or soapy water.
Your car’s side mirror is just glass, and it can shatter or crack easily. It can also be knocked off while driving. If your side mirror breaks or falls off, fix it right away! Driving with a missing or broken side mirror is a traffic violation and will result in fines. Side mirror replacement takes less than 30 minutes at your local auto glass specialist. You can get your side mirror replaced at Taylor Auto Glass in Greensboro, or call us and we’ll send someone to you!
Rearview Mirrors
Rearview mirrors can become smudged or covered in fingerprints and dust. Clean them using glass cleaner or vinegar and a dry microfiber towel.
Your mirror is most likely glued to the interior of your car’s windshield using a simple adhesive. Excess heat and humidity can cause the glue to weaken, and a simple bump is all is takes to cause the mirror to fall off. You can reattach your rearview mirror easily using a strong adhesive, or take it to a professional for a more permanent fix. Auto glass shops will have a speciality glue designed to resist heat and humidity so your mirror stays in place.
Did you know?
The tab on the bottom of your rearview mirror is designed to help drivers minimize the glare from headlights in cars behind them while driving at night. If you’re squinting from someone’s high beams, just flip the tab!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
- Windshield Repair and Replacement |
- Mirror Replacement |
- Headlight Restoration |
- Door Glass Repairs |
- Windshield Wiper Installation
Your car’s auto glass protects you while you’re driving, so don’t take it for granted! If your auto glass needs repair or replacement, take care of it as soon as possible. Taylor Auto Glass is convenient to all areas of the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina. If you need auto glass services, we’ll come to you! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
