For years windshield repair supply companies have cited that windshield repair was earth friendly because there was no way to recycle a windshield. That said, each windshield that had to be replaced, rather than repaired, meant the old windshield would end up in a landfill. In at least some parts of the country, this space is at a premium. With this in mind, with each windshield that is repaired, landfill space is preserved.

But there is more to this story. Currently depending on the source, each year here in the US somewhere between 12 and 15 million windshields are replaced. Think about how a windshield is made; material is heated to thousands of degrees to make molten glass. How much energy is needed to manufacture one windshield? I don't know, but I'll bet it is no small amount. Then multiply that by 12 to 15 million. Further think about the carbon dioxide that is generated, which they say may contribute to global warming.

By regularly inspecting your windshield for chip damage (let's say each time you fuel) and repairing the chips when you find them, you may be doing more than saving money and improving the safety of your car. You may be helping the environment.

The bill made it's way to the Louisiana Senate where opposition defeated the bill.

With that said I thought it would be a good time to give some explanation for this problem. These ideas are based on my observations and what others in the business have given for this problem. However keep in mind that the main reasons for windshield repair are to prevent the windshield from cracking thus saving you money, and preserving the factory seal which experts believe is as important as seat belts; along with eliminating the risk of a leaky replacement.

• Cleanliness - many times we find the most difficult and problem repairs are chips that are contaminated. Among other things dirt that has gotten into the chip blocks areas so the resin can't completely fill the break.
• Resin - not all resins (that's the stuff that bonds your windshield back together) are created equal. One thought is that a resin that cures perfectly clear can not eliminate reflection. Some samples I have tried in the past, I have rejected due to severe reflection. Another thought is that while some resins may fill the chip they can't fill all the micro cracks. As a result shine or reflection can't be eliminated. Several companies are now selling tinted resins (amber, green, gray) to reduce or eliminate reflection. The idea behind this is that color absorbs light, if the light is absorbed, it can't be reflected. The problem with these is that in the impact point of a chip where the resin is the thickest and as such the impact point has the color of the tint.
• The Angle Of The Crack - Unfortunately sometimes a crack will be at an angle that in the right light it will reflect; no matter what has been done. Yes, even we have had this on occasions.
• Not Completely Filled - a good repair should be completely filled or at least 97 or 98 percent filled. Many times we have found that cracks have not been completely filled, or filled at all.

So what does a good repair look like? Generally the impact point looks like a water spot, the rest of the damage should be next to invisible. (If you look for it you will find it.)

The bottom line is that the vehicle owner largely controls what the final repair looks like, by simply repairing in a timely fashion and by keeping the chip clean until the area can be repaired.

Today I was at one of my fleet accounts doing a windshield repair, when the weather began to quickly change. For anyone not familiar with this area (Oklahoma City), the saying if you don't like the weather just wait a few minutes it'll change, was very true. When I had started the windshield repair it was sunny, however I ended up finishing the job in the rain.