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Prevent Windshield Cracks
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Saturday, September 30
Proven Windshield Repair & Safety
by
Alan
on Sat 30 Sep 2006 09:18 PM CDT
For sometime I have made statements that windshield repair was a better and safer choice than replacement. The reasoning was that when possible, windshield repair preserved the factory seal. With news reports, including ABC's 20/20, stating that 70% (7 out of 10) of the windshields are improperly installed. Fox Undercover, in Denver, Colorado in Feb. 2005, found there were problems with all the installations they taped, including one where the wrong adhesive was used. In April of this year, an investigation by the Louisiana Speaker Of The House showed problems were common among installations. Other reports and surveys have shown similar problems.
With the above said, last Monday I met Ashley G. Of Moore, OK, and she told me of an accident that she had been involved in. I found it significant because less than a week earlier I had repaired the windshield in her 2002 Camaro. The repair was a large 1-1/8" combination chip (about 1/2 dollar size) with a large impact point. While this repair was not cosmetically the best due to the large impact point, I was able to get a complete fill on the repair. The repair was made in accordance with NGA and NWRA recommendations.
When I asked Ashley if I could share this information on my blog and website, she said, "yes, everyone needs to know how important a windshield is when the vehicle is in an accident." She stated that on Friday, Sept. 22, she had been in an accident with the Camaro I had repaired the windshield on a few days earlier. Upon impact the air bags deployed, with the passenger side deploying against the windshield. She stated that the factory windshield had stayed attached to her car and while badly damaged, the safety system worked correctly and the repaired chip had held up. Finally she told me that at that point the body shop was trying to get the hood open, so they could determine how much engine damage had been done, which would determine if the Camaro would be totaled.
A picture of Ashley's Camaro, note the bubble shape on the windshield, caused by the airbag. Photo courtesy of Ashely G.
A close up shows the chip (mark) in the center of the picture. Note the crack that runs past the chip, an inch or so to the right. Photo courtesy of Ashley G.
This is the first time that I have had one of my windshield repairs subjected to an airbag impact. However it is the fourth vehicle that I'm aware of in which the vehicle has been in a serious accident. In the other 3 situations the repairs have held up, even though the windshields in 2 of the accidents were cracked. One from a side impact that broke the dash in two pieces, and the other from a head-on crash in which the engine was partially shoved through the firewall.
For the strongest and best windshield chip repairs.
Sunday, September 24
Used Car Windshields
by
Alan
on Sun 24 Sep 2006 09:23 PM CDT
When buying a used car the consumer would be wise to inspect the windshield. You would be surprised at the number of calls I get about windshield damage, only to find when I get out to the vehicle that nothing can be done. In many cases an attempt has been made to repair the chip damage, with only a partial fill of the chip or the resin used was of a poor quality and has turned yellow.
When purchasing a used vehicle look at the windshield from both inside and out, do this from both the driver's side but also the passenger side.
If you find any damage, negotiate a lower price.
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Don't let any dealer give you the line we will fix it. Take any small reduction in the price for the chip damage. Why, because in most cases they have either a company that does the repairs cheap or they do them in house to save even more. I've heard of dealers using super glue, nail polish, even clear coat (paint) for windshield repairs. That's not saying all dealers would do this, but when they look for the lowest price anything is possible. It's going to be your car, once it's sold it's your problem. By choosing who does the repair you have more control.
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Don't let any dealer tell you that they will replace the windshield that's cracked. Again the dealer usually contracts this out; to the cheapest shop. In an ABC 20/20 report they warned of this situation. The windshield is one of the most important safety devices on your car. You and your family's life may depend on it in an accident. I've lost track of the number of calls I've taken about leaky and loose windshields, caused by replacements that were replaced as part of the purchase price. I even heard one story that 4 months after the truck had been purchased, with a windshield that had been replaced as part of the deal, that all that was holding it in was the chrome trim. Apparently the primer had been skipped. When you replace the windshield it may cost you more, but again you have control.
Finally, if the vehicle you own and needs a windshield replaced, do yourself a big favor. Don't take it to the dealer, choose a glass shop. As stated above most dealers contract this out, then add a percentage on to cover handling. Save money and keep control of your safety.
Tuesday, September 19
Winterizing Cautions
by
Alan
on Tue 19 Sep 2006 09:26 PM CDT
When getting your car or truck ready for winter, you should be aware of how extremely poisonous both windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze are.
The key ingredient in windshield washer fluid is Methanol, as little as 2 table spoons can kill a child if they drink it. As little as 2 ounces can kill an adult.
The biggest problem is that the windshield washer fluid comes in colors like blue, pink, orange, green, purple, and yellow, just like fruit or sport drinks. If left where a child can get to it the results could be deadly, if they think it's their favorite drink. Keep these products locked up and away from children, further store it only in what it came in. Don't put it in cups or anything that it can be confused for a refreshment.
Finally give our furry friends a break. If you change your anti-freeze, keep it away from dogs and cats, they are attracted to it. This includes anti-freeze that has been mixed with water, new or old. What is a sweet drink for them, will insure them of a long painful death. Call local authorities for proper ways to dispose of the waste anti-freeze.
Saturday, September 16
Passenger Side Airbag Failure And Windshield Replacement
by
Alan
on Sat 16 Sep 2006 09:28 PM CDT
I just read an article by Celeste Stewart, titled "Windshield Replacement Could Cause Passenger Side Airbag Failure", 5/23/2006.
While I've known about the results of an airbag blowing out a windshield, Celeste points out the fact of facial injuries from the passenger striking a dash with an open spot where the airbag had been. As I see it that could mean a face that could be scarred for life.
Of course by repairing windshield chips and maintaining the factory seal it eliminates this hazard.
Wednesday, September 13
The Windshield Chip Behind The Mirror
by
Alan
on Wed 13 Sep 2006 09:30 PM CDT
Yesterday I did a windshield chip repair for Angela, she had told me she didn't know when she had gotten it, but there it was a 7/8" star, that from the driver's seat was hidden. It seems she had given a friend a ride who noticed it and told her about it.
This story highlights something I've said for sometime; when you fuel your vehicle, check your windshield. On 3 occasions I have found chips on my windshield and repaired them. Yeah, even the windshield repair guy gets windshield chips. In regards to that, my wife's last car had 2 windshield repairs on it, we sold it with 141,000 miles on it and it still had the factory windshield.
I did a little price checking and found Angela's windshield was a cheap replacement. The average price I found was $170. When you take the $40 windshield repair and subtract it from the replacement cost, you have a SAVINGS of $130.
Other benefits include:
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Since the factory seal isn't broken, if the vehicle is involved in an accident, the windshield will perform its safety functions.
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The risk of a leaky replacement is eliminated.
Checking your windshield when you fuel up your vehicle seems cost affective. What else can you do for that for a few minutes that could save you $130. Anyone that has a Chevy HHR might want to pay attention. While I know that no one pays the list price for a windshield, the list price is $3000, on an HHR.
Today's tip, when fueling your vehicle remember the 3 C's.
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Check your windshield for chips.
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Check your windshield wipers; no rips, no tears, no scratches.
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Clean your windshield. A clean windshield provides a safer vision and I find it reduces driving stress. Clean your windshield last, as any liquid used to clean the windshield can fill the chips, and thus hide any damage.
Saturday, September 9
Windshield Repair Second Opinion
by
Alan
on Sat 09 Sep 2006 09:40 PM CDT
The other day I took a call from Robyn who works in Moore. It seems she had gotten a chip on her new windshield, that had recently been installed on her 325i BMW.
When she called she told me she was looking at the Glass Aid website and had some questions. She had taken her car to a local glass shop for a windshield repair, where she was told that the damage couldn't be repaired. She stated that they had told her that if they tried to repair her windshield that it probably would crack out. They suggested that she either wait until the windshield cracked and then replace it, or just replace it right away.
She described the damage as a small crack, but it had some dots. Further it appeared like a picture on the website.
When we got together I was surprised. The damage was small and she was right it looked like a picture on the website. The dots were just some small pits (impact points) near the chip. Below is a before and after picture of a chip similar to what Robyn had on her windshield.
While on extremely rare occassions I have had a chip crack out, I have never had one this small spread. Robyn and I both agreed that the glass shop was only trying to sell a new windshield.
When I asked Robyn, if I could share her story with others on this matter, she replied yes that it could save them money if they got a second opinion.
My final comment on this subject at this time is generally glass shops prefer to replace windshields not repair them. If they have a guarantee it is that if the repair fails they will credit the amount paid towards a new windshield. There is no incentive for a quality repair.
One shop here in Oklahoma City, a few years ago said windshield repair was unsafe. Then they changed and said damage on the passenger's side, less then dime size was repairable. However if the chip was on the driver's side it was unsafe to repair. As time has gone on now they can repair anything that can be covered with a dollar bill. Of course if it fails or you're not happy they will credit the amount paid towards a new windshield. Unfortunately they can't quote you a repair price, no matter what size of chip, until they know the make and model of vehicle that needs the repair. That way I guess they'll be ready to replace your windshield.
Windshield Chip Repair & Insurance Part 2
by
Alan
on Sat 09 Sep 2006 09:32 PM CDT
On July 2, 2006, I posted information on windshield chip repair and insurance. I cited that State Farm's policy of windshield repair was being eliminated and that one reason was that it no longer saved them money. Further I stated that the consumer would be wise to pay for windshield chip repairs out of pocket, due to the possibility that rate increases could take place. That said, I now have more information involving this. The companies involved in recent incidents will not be listed as I don't need a visit from their attorneys. However consumers should pay attention to these latest incidents, before filing claims, and do their homework.
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Early this week I had a gentleman with a chip on his windshield. He wanted his insurance to pay for the repair. This company has stated with their premiums that they would pay for windshield chips. I have witnessed this. Based on talks with a number of their agents, few trust this policy and consider that the result of the company paying for chips, increased rates. In talking with a retired adjustor for this company, also shows the distrust. In fact when I did a repair for him, he paid cash, inspite of taking advantage of the so called free repair that he was entitled to. With this said, once I called in this information for the gentleman, he was informed by their representative that this was a claim and it could not be guaranteed that he would not see a rate increase.
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In a story ABC's 20/20 reported back in 2000 and we have seen this information else where, it was stated that individuals should not count on their insurance company for help getting their windshield replaced. They reported that insurance companies in some instances preferred to route their insureds to a glass shop that had cut special deals with them and that these so called good deal could put your safety at risk. We are now seeing this happen frequently. In talking with a lady this week she said her husband had chosen the insurance company's only listed shop. They then spent time fighting to get leaks repaired, with the windshield finally having to be removed and replaced. If calling your insurance for a windshield repair or replacement ask for a list of shops. If checking online and you are given only one choice. STOP, do some homework and choose a shop yourself. Your life may depend on it.
Under Oklahoma law you have the right of choice, as to who repairs or replaces your windshield. Click on the link, pay attention to section "H": Oklahoma State Law.
Be aware of 2 tricks we see the insurance companies playing. 1) They may tell you, "The shop you have chosen is not on the list and their work can't be guaranteed". Ask the shop you wish to use if they have any guarantees, any reputable shop will stand by their work. 2) "If you choose that shop you may need to pay more out of pocket." Again most reputable shops will work with you.
If the insurance company won't work with you, call the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner.
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Finally, if you are asked to provide the milage of your car or truck to get a windshield repair, you may want to reconsider. Many insurance rates are based on the mileage you drive. Like how far do you drive to work. News reports I have seen from around the country in the past, have shown insurance companies finding ways to get accurate mileages of insureds and when they appear higher the premium is increased. When you provide them your mileage with a windshield repair you may be inviting a rate increase.
Simply put if filing a glass claim use caution. If your insurance company only gives you one choice or insists you must use their shop, paying cash out of pocket may be your best choice.
Monday, September 4
Mini Windshield Repairs
by
Alan
on Mon 04 Sep 2006 09:46 PM CDT
Friday I did a windshield repair on a Mini Cooper owned by Deb. She owns a sharp looking saphire blue Mini. She is a member of a Mini Club here in Oklahoma City and this car was voted mini of the month earlier this year. Below is a picture of her Mini.
She had been referred to me by her friend Bob, whom I did a windshield repair for earlier this year. He owns a classic red Mini that had a nasty break in the lower center portion of the windshield.
Thanks again to both of you for your patronage.
Saturday, September 2
We Are Not The Only Ones With Windshield Trouble
by
Alan
on Sat 02 Sep 2006 09:51 PM CDT
I found this news article from 8/31/06 that I can relate to here in Oklahoma. In an article from The Hamilton Spectator, Ontario, Canada, they cite the problem with FREE Windshield replacements.
It seems a individual had some body damage on their car and the body shop offered to replace the windshield for free, by adjusting the work turned into the insurance. Kind of what I've seen here with shops waiving the deductibles for replacements.
Any way once the windshield was replaced, it cracked severely. The body shop refused to guarantee the work. In the article it was found that the wrong adhesive was used and that the windshield was really used not new.
Time and again I've seen these so called sweet deals. I've also seen warnings about these to good to be true stories.
Here is some information you should be aware of. To start with insurance companies have never liked these free windshield replacements. They view any gift as an increased cost, keep in mind each additional cost to them can result in increased premiums to policy holders. State Farm, went so far as to change contracts with vendors, that by waiving deductibles for replacements would be a contract violation.
As of Feb. 28, 2005 the prices paid by insurance for windshield replacements were slashed, on most part numbers 68 to 72 percent, most likely to stop free windshield replacements and control costs. Some states have also made it against the law to offer these gifts.
I've been asked by customers about this program, that said here is how I see it. Currently insurance companies have gone the route of paying a set price for windshield replacements. In short they won't pay what ever is submitted. With that said by waiving the deductible for windshield replacements, shops would either be taking short cuts that could put your life at risk or the insurance companies are still being over charged in which we all will pay for that with higher premiums.
How can they waive the deductible then? Here are some ideas:
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Close cutting, also known as short cutting, which leaves most of the old adhesive on your vehicle. Not recommend by manufactures and is more prone to leaks.
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Use of after market glass, not original equipment type and while it will meet government standards, the fit and finnish may not be the same.
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Reusing old moldings.
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Sliding the windshield under the cowling. Saves time but is great for creating wind noise.
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Skip pinch weld primer. Needed to prevent rust, but again saves time and money. I've heard several people tell me over the years about having another windshield replaced 3 or 4 years after it was replaced before. Only to be told the pinch weld is rotted out and the vehicle must go to the body shop.
All in all paying a fair price to a shop that does good work rather than a sweet deal may be the better route. A quality installation could save you or a loved ones life.
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Of course by repairing small chips in your windshield, eliminates the need for replacement 70 to 80 percent of the time.
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Repairing your windshield maintains the factory seal and in doing so means your car will perform as intended in an accident.
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Repairing your windshield is the sweet deal because most save $200 or more vs. replacement.
Winterize Your Windshield
by
Alan
on Sat 02 Sep 2006 09:49 PM CDT
Hard to believe Labor day is here, where did the summer go. Fall is coming and cooler weather. Now is the time to get your car or truck ready for the winter that will follow.
Many know to check their anti-freeze, but did you know that your windshield also needs attention?
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Any chips (small stars, cracks or bullseyes) should be repaired as soon as possible. Fluctuating temperatures, besides the winter cold can crack your windshield. Particularly if the defroster is turned on. By repairing now you will eliminate the rush I always see just before
the first freeze. You also will eliminate the contamination that affects
the appearance and strength of your windshield repair.
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Check your windshield wipers. Replace any that are cracked, torn, bent, damaged or just don't clean your windshield.
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Get out or purchase an ice scraper. You would be surprised at the number of calls we take about removing scratches from windshields, side and back glass. I've seen new cars with badly scratched glass that can't be repaired. It also amazes me what some use to clean the ice and snow off. Some of those items include, pop cans, spatulas, even a shovel.
Finally if you happen to be one who needs to have your windshield repaired and windshield wiper blades replaced, consider us as we carry windshield wiper blades for most vehicles. You could say one stop shopping.
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