A bad windshield wiper is probably the number one way a windshield is scratched. With the use of something other than an ice scraper being number two.

This windshield was scratched by a bad wiper blade.

Regular inspection of your windshield wipers and replacing defective blades can prevent windshield scratches. By insuring your windshield wipers are in good condition you will be insuring good visibility in rain, snow and sleet. Likewise a scratch in your windshield can distort your vision, making for a dangerous situation. It has been found that 90% of driving decisions are based on vision.

When inspecting windshield wiper blades, don't forget to check your windshield at the same time for chips and damage.

Here are some pictures showing what to look for when you inspect your wiper blades.

Replace your wiper blade at the first sign of cracking or tearing. Once they start it takes only a short time to get as bad as this windshield wiper blade.

If the frame of the wiper blade is bent, do not bend it back to shape, replace it. Damage like this can be caused by ice or a car wash.

If you find the rubber popped out like this replace the wiper blade. Bending the metal back in place weakens the metal, resulting in this situation being repeated. This blade caused the damage to the windshield in the top photo of this post.

In a follow up of my post on why you should not file windshield chip repairs with your insurance, I found this article in Business Week.com.

Great article by Alex Halperin; and I strongly agree with comments by, financial planner Jeffrey Bogue of Bogue Asset Management. After reading this article I think the day of the low deductible is gone. I know some will disagree with me, but with the high cost of insurance it just makes sense to raise your deductible. As an example ask yourself, when was the last time I replaced my windshield? Was it several years before that time when it needed to be replaced? Many people go years without the need of windshield replacement. That said the savings from a higher deductible could easily cover a replacement. Let alone a chip repair.

I've seen people that think everything that goes wrong with their auto, the insurance should pay for it. I can remember talking with a customer who told me his insurance had just gone up. One day when he complained to his agent he was told, that if he continued to file claims for every door ding, scratch and chip your insurance will continue to climb. From that time on he eliminated the cheap claims and his insurance premiums dropped. Mr. Bogue's statement, "If you nickel-and-dime the insurance companies with these small claims, you may get socked with a premium hike or they may say 'we're not going to insure you'," rings true.

The only thing I question about his advice would be having a $1,000 deductible. A $500 deductible would probably work with most people's budget.

The article can be read by clicking here: Car Insurance Take The High Road

Last fall I made several posts about letting insurance pay for your windshield repair. They are listed under "Insurance Info", in the right column.

Today I met with Elmer, he had requested my service. He's a very nice person who works in north OKC. Unfortunately his windshield was beyond repair.

In talking with him he asked me what I thought about turning windshield chip repairs into an insurance company. Or as it is advertised here "free windshield repair". It seems not long ago he had another chip on his windshield. Another person was getting their windshield repaired by one of the national glass shops that also owns an insurance glass claims management company. (He didn't know the latter.) Anyway they convinced him to get his windshield repaired and turn it into his insurance. The tech told him; "It Won't Count Against You On Your Insurance".  Guess what! When Elmer, received his insurance premium, it had gone up. When he inquired as to why, he was told "Because You Filed A Claim".  The only claim he had was for the chip repair.

It seems I hear this more often these days. Before you file any insurance claim here's some things I've said before, but I feel they should be repeated.

Never Call Your Insurance Company Or Agent First - Most windshields are under $500, call a few glass shops to get prices. An AGRSS certified shop should be your choice. If the windshield cost is under your deductible just pay it out of pocket. If it is more than your deductible you should decide if the risk of a rate increase is worth the additional savings. Remember: What your insurance company and agent don't know means you won't get a premium increase.

CBS last July warned that just contacting your insurance to ask about filing a claim could be reported as a claim and that includes your agent. The story is also linked to the right.

Myth: Windshield Chip Repair Isn't A Claim And It Won't Hurt You - Anything turned in for payment is a claim. A $10 claim is the same as a $25,000 claim in their eyes. A claim is entered on your C.L.U.E. report, stays there for 5 years and can affect your rates for 3 years.

Some insurance companies that state they won't charge you for a chip repair claim, will when you turn in a dented fender. I know of one person I turned in their chip repair. Months later they slid on ice into an object. They were told that since you have 2 claims in a year, you are canceled.

While there is a few that will accept paying for a chip repair and not hurt you. If you decide to switch insurance companies, you may be limited in your choice as some may reject you since you have a claim. You could also face a higher quote since you have a claim on file, if they decide to quote you a rate at all.

It's Not Against The Law In Oklahoma - I have checked with the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner's office. It is not illegal for an insurance company to promote paying for chip repairs. It is also not against the law for them to state to you that you won't get a rate increase. Then enter a claim on your C.L.U.E report, that most insurance companies use to determine your rate. Further they can increase your rate or combine it with another incident to show 2 claims on your record. This appears to have been done in New Mexico. See the link in the right column.

It Isn't Free - While it may not cost you anything, your insurance is paying. They many times no longer save money by paying for these chip repairs. Simple math; you have a $500 deductible, your windshield costs $250, when they pay for your repair, they just lost money. Unlike the old days when a windshield cost say $600 and you had a $100 deductible.

Keep in mind most insurance companies have contracted out their glass claims management. As your claim moves through the administration process the cost is tacked on. A repair shop many times is paid $50 for a repair. The reason so your claim can be electronically processed and carried on their books. I've priced the electronic programs at over $1000 per year. Of course that can be contracted out for a charge as I have done. At each step the price charged goes up until your chip repair nearly doubles in cost.

Be aware that each claim paid out, whether it is for a windshield repair or what ever is a loss. Losses are passed on to the consumer as rate increases.

Finally, by turning in your windshield repair in, you risk loosing your no claim discount. 

I have noticed lately with all the slop many vehicles like my mini van have a back windshield wiper. Besides mini vans, this includes SUVs and autos. While the rear wipers are handy, here is some words of caution.

Scratched Glass - If the back window has gotten nasty, you might want to get out and clean it with some glass cleaner. Do that instead of turning on the windshield wiper and washer to prevent scratches. I find many times the wiper blade may make a couple of sweeps before the washer kicks in. During that time the dry wiper is performing like sand paper on the glass. The result I've seen is severely scratched glass.

Check Your Rear Wiper Blade - While the front wipers are easily seen and checked, the rear blade many times isn't. Studies have found that the front blades are replaced twice as often as the rear. Just like in front a bad rear wiper will quickly scratch and destroy a rear glass.

Finally I found a blog with art work on the back glass. This is cool what this guy can do with a dirty car window. Link: Dusty Windshield Art

The article by Jay Stevens, titled "Repairing Your Broken Windshield", makes appoint that many don't know about, that being the importance of their windshield.

While the windshield pictured at the top of his story can't be repaired, as many as 75% of windshields replaced could be saved. If only the car owner checked for chip damage as shown below and got it repaired.

In an accident most passenger side airbags deploy against the windshield and are also held in position by the windshield. Also in a front end crash the windshield is structure that works with the vehicle body to absorb the energy of impact; protecting occupants.

In a roll over accident the windshield represents 30% or more of roof strength. Further it is part of the Safety Restraint System (SRS), designed to keep passengers inside the vehicle.

With news reports showing 7 out of 10 windshields or more being improperly replaced, repairing your windshield to preserve the factory seal, is a safer choice.

If you live in a state like Florida, that requires a zero deductible on insurance for windshield replacement, again repair is still a better choice. Since you would be preserving the factory seal. Besides with most repairs running $35 to $60, paying for it out of pocket would be smart since you wouldn't have any claim on your record. Thus a reason for them to increase your premium. Even if they don't count it against you, if you wish to switch insurance companies you could be quoted a higher rate or be denied coverage due to the claim on your record.

While many glass shops advertise windshield chip repair, many use it as a means to sell you a new windshield. The only guarantee you have with most of them is that if you aren't happy or it cracks out they will credit you towards the replacement. Choosing a shop that only performs repairs is a better option.

The windshield repair business has exploded. Salt trucks apparently dumping gravel and roads being broken up by the thaw and freeze cycles has I think been the leading causes. Unfortunately the weather hasn't helped. While I can dry out chips filled with water, it does take extra time. It doesn't help that I must allow a little extra time also to cure the resin. Of course there are times you just can't work due to the sleet, snow, freezing rain, fog or just plain rain.

With calls coming in at a rate of every 5 minutes or less, for an hour or more at a time, I'm trying to meet the need. I have also warned about rushing repairs and windshield replacements and what can happen. Unfortunately some haven't heard or have ignored my words.

The photo below is of a repaired chip that wasn't dried out. As a result what could have been repaired, has now been turned into a windshield that most likely will crack out, besides looking ugly. The cost of replacement is around $235.

The rainbow of colors and silvery color is trapped water.

If you have gotten a chip follow the guidelines on our Windshield First Aid Page. If the vehicle has sat in a garage over night or for a number of hours on one of our few sunny days cover it with tape on the outside.

CAUTION: Before covering make sure it is dry.

DO NOT use Rain-X or any windshield treatment until the windshield is repaired. This includes washer fluid containing Rain-X or any windshield treatment. It can render the chip non-repairable.

For those that need their windshield replaced, every contact I have and some customers are stating they (the replacement shops) are booked days in advance. Make sure the replacement is done right. Here is a photo of a windshield replacement that was recently done. As you can see it wasn't done correctly. Rushing can make the replacement dangerous, as the windshield is a major safety component.

If you have a windshield that has a crack and it is on the outside layer of glass, you would be wise to wait until the shops catch up. While it is true that a cracked windshield is unsafe, a badly installed new windshield is more dangerous, since it can pop out in a crash.

For anyone needing a replacement I recommend you visit my other blog www.SafeWindshield.info before you purchase from anyone. There is a lot of information and links, so you can make a smart choice. Giving you the knowledge of what to ask and look for in a quality replacement.

Please remember, rushing windshield repairs can make junk; rushing replacements can be unsafe, dangerous and a killer in an accident.

This article from the Hillsboro Argus, reflects what I and others have been saying; that the windshield is a major safety item as well as structure. It cites government statistics which show that over 40,000 are killed each year and 5,000,000 are injured in auto accidents. Of those 30% are killed or injured as a result of being thrown from the vehicle or from a roll over.

Earl Baker, AAA Oregon Approved Auto Repair Coordinator; says "a windshield is a pivotal safety feature". He goes on to state, "if it's damaged or cracked, it can hinder visibility and compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle during a rollover accident". Further, "this suggests windshield integrity may be a crucial factor in crash survivability".

He and AAA recommend if you have a cracked or damaged windshield, that you get it repaired or replace immediately. That said repairing chips can prevent the dangers of a cracked windshield, improving safety and saving you money.

The whole article can be read by clicking on this link: Flying gravel causes windshield concerns - Hillsboro Argus - Oregon Live

As usual with this cold weather I have received a number of calls asking about long crack repairs. Over the years I have looked at the possibilities of repairing large cracks. At this point I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't work, that in spite of one caller this week who informed me I was full of sh--. So here is how I came to this verdict.

To begin with let me describe the type of crack repair that I don't believe in. The NWRA describes a long crack as a crack over 6 inches in length and a short crack as under 6 inches. I mainly work on windshield chip repair; small cracks, stars and bullseye damage that can be covered with a quarter, as shown below.

This type of damage can be repaired with nearly a 100% success rate. On the other hand with cracks, generally I find the longer they are the lower success rate. Even cracks that are under the 6 inch mark have a lower success percentage. To date I have only seen 2 long crack repairs that the vehicle owner declared them a winner. Both of those I found to be a failure as they had opened up and as such were a safety hazard.

Just stopping the crack growth dosen't restore the windshield's strength. It still is a weak point.

Okay, what do I call a successful crack repair? That would be a crack that has not extended or opened back up. By open up I mean look like it never had been repaired. It will still have the silvery or black coloring, in short it still looks cracked and has the same distortion. I've seen one of the national patented process crack repair companies (not in Oklahoma) advertising that if the crack opens up it isn't repaired and is unsafe. They claim only their process works.

Over the years I have seen many a failed crack repair. I'm aware of 2 cracks that had been repaired by different processes and companies. That while the cracks were on the passenger side, when they failed, the crack ran instantly through the driver's acute vision. One driver reported when it happened they were briefly blinded by reflection from the sun off the new crack. This could be dangerous if you are blinded on the highway at 70 mph.

The other day I took a call from a gentleman concerning a re-repair of a 6 inch crack on his late model Cadillac. From what I understood he had the crack repaired a couple of years ago, it had grown another 6 inches. He couldn't locate the shop that had performed the repair. The damage was on the passenger side of the windshield. The car had an airbag on the passenger side. As I have stated before, many airbags deploy against the windshield. If the airbag had deployed would it have worked correctly? I question that since the crack had grown just from temperature changes and normal stress. No independent study has been done to prove the safety of a cracked windshield repair and airbag deployment.

Another question I have is, if those 8, 10, 12, 15, 18 and 24 inch crack repairs work, how come I've seen many a crack repair company go out of business? If it works then why did one of the leaders of crack repair file a law suit against State Farm for not accepting the repairs? They cited they had lost franchises due to State Farm's policy against long crack repair. They lost their law suit. The price would surely by less than most deductibles. The chip repair business is a growing business, due to successful safe, money saving repairs. If long crack repairs work, why has there been little growth and many business failures?

Here are some other things that you should know.

Consumer Reports - Does not recommend repairing cracks. Here is a link: John's Toolbox Consumer Reports

Oklahoma State Law - In Oklahoma it is against the law to have a vehicle on the street with a cracked windshield. It is rarely enforced, however times may be changing. Late last summer I talked to a guy that received a $150 ticket for driving with a cracked windshield in Moore. I have received several calls where the person has told me they had to replace their cracked windshield so they could take their driver's license test. In talking with Mike at the Department Of Safety, he told me several things. First the test officer could refuse to perform a driving test if they felt the cracked windshield was a safety issue. When asked if a crack repaired windshield had opened up and looked cracked, would it be a safety issue? I was told even if they had an invoice showing the repair, it would still be considered cracked. Further a ticket could be issued for driving with a cracked windshield. In short if it looks cracked, it is cracked.

Connecticut - which has some of the strictest laws in regards to windshield repairs, limits crack repair to 6 inches. They also require repair people to be licensed. Oklahoma has no regulations.

Studies - No independent studies or tests have been done proving crack repair is safe or works. Keep in mind that the windshield represents 30% or more of roof strength. Triple A has stated that the windshield in an accident "is key to survivability".

Insurance - I don't know of any insurance company that will accept long crack repair. Windshield replacement is the number one glass claim. Acceptance would mean they would save millions.

Contamination - Repairable cracks started with chips. In many instances they have aged and dirt has entered them. Most calls for crack repairs come either during cold in-climate weather or immediately after. Dirt entering those cracks can't be removed. I recently read an article that cracks could be cleaned out with alcohol and compressed air. Years ago alcohol was used to dry out chips. It no longer is acceptable according to both the NGA and NWRA. Alcohol may damage the vinyl inner layer. Further any alcohol that gets on your vehicle's paint can damage it.

Guarantees - Virtually all crack repairs are done in conjunction with a replacement shop. If they offer a guarantee it is that they will credit the amount paid towards a new windshield. To me it appears to be just away to sell you a windshield replacement. In terms of replacement we find these shops don't meet the latest safety standard AGRSS, which we recommend. Here is a link as an example: Learn From My Mistakes 

All in all while I hate to turn away work, when it comes to safety I take a conservative approach. The consumer would be wise to check their windshield each time they fuel their vehicle and repair chips when they find them.

In a press release HB1584 is now in the Oklahoma House and needs your help. Currently auto makers have been fighting to keep small businesses from getting information to repair your car or truck. By doing this they have been putting the small independent shop in a position that only the dealer could repair your car.

According this press release HB1584 would allow the consumer more choices for auto repair. That said with increased competition this could lead to better service and prices.

Here is your link:

One question I have been asked repeatedly over the last couple of weeks is; does the cold weather prevent you from repairing windshields? Generally no, over the years I have learned to adjust. The big problem is moisture, chips with water or ice in them must be dried out. Also repairs can't be done in the same amount of time.

I remember a few years ago talking with Gene Curwick, creator of the resin I use. When I asked how cold I could go and do a repair, he replied probably colder than you want to be out fixing windshields. He told me that the first problem would be keeping the injector on the windshield. These are held on to the windshield with a suction cup. The answer is to switch from using glass cleaner like I usually use to alcohol.  This is just one example of making adjustments to the cold.

I consider Gene one of the fathers of windshield repair. He has pioneered some of the ideas used in windshield repair. Gene started his company in 1981, but had been in the business years before that.

Dealing with the cold personally is another situation. Having grown up in Ohio and spending 3 years stationed along Lake Huron in Michigan when I was in the Air Force, I know the problems encountered with extreme cold. Safety for myself is an issue. While I can wear gloves to keep my hands warm, some things just can't be done while wearing gloves. Frost bite is a problem, besides the ice on parking lots and driveways which can cause slips and falls. I have already fallen once this year, it wasn't pleasant.

So with sleet, freezing rain and snow that we are getting I recommend waiting until the weather clears. I have found some chips that had ice in them, making them unrepairable at that time. Use the defroster sparingly; to help avoid cracking the windshield. Keep in mind that if a repair is done and the water hasn't been totally remove you will have accomplished nothing. Unfortunately sometimes repairs just can't be done as quickly some would like.