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5 Reasons Windshield Damage Spreads

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You do your best to avoid windshield damage, but you can’t always control what happens on the roadway. A stray flying rock from a gravel truck could hit your windshield, you could get in an accident or it may start hailing.

windshield damage

Many variables can cause windshield damage, but you should know what causes it to spread. That way, you can limit further damage while you wait for an appointment with an auto glass repair specialist.

1. Moisture

One of the top causes of spreading windshield damage is rain, snow and ice. Windshields are made up of two layers of glass with a layer of vinyl in between. The crack or chip in the first layer allows moisture to penetrate. When temperatures drop, the moisture freezes, expending internal pressure and worsening the crack.

If you have windshield damage, keep your car inside your garage until you get it fixed, and definitely don’t take it to the car wash.

2. A Bumpy Ride

If you drive over a pothole, slam on your brakes or shut your car door a little too firmly, you could make your windshield damage worse. The crack may be small right now, but ignoring it and continuing to drive normally could potentially allow it to spread.

3. Dirt

When dirt gets into a crack, it weakens the windshield’s entire structural integrity. You can protect your windshield by placing a piece of transparent tape over the crack until you can see a windshield repair technician. It won’t obstruct your view, and it will keep dirt out.

4. The Hot Sun

When a cracked windshield is exposed to the sun beating down on it for hours, the glass heats up, and this can make the crack widen considerably. Park your car in the shade until you have the chip repaired.

Don’t blast your air conditioner when you get back in the car either, because the drastic change in temperature isn’t good for keeping your auto glass stable.

5. Extreme Cold

Cold weather changes the game, because your windshield bends in a slightly more concave shape when temperatures drop. This causes chips and cracks to spread horizontally. In addition, just like you shouldn’t blast the A/C after your car’s been sitting in the sun, turning your heat on high and directing it at a cold windshield is another bad move.

You won’t have to worry about all the factors that make your windshield damage worse if you get it fixed right away. Make an appointment with Glasshopper Auto Glass — we come to you. Whether you’re at work, school or parked in your driveway, we make the trip and repair or replace your auto glass quickly, ensuring your safety on the roadway.

Can You Prevent Auto Glass Damage?

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Some types of auto glass damage can’t be avoided, like when a rock, a tree branch or a baseball hits your windshield. While you can take some precautions, like avoiding driving behind a gravel truck, not parking underneath trees and keeping your car away from the outfield, you don’t have complete control over your environment at all times.

auto glass damage

On the other hand, you can take some actions that will help prevent auto glass damage and keep your windshield secure.

Don’t Slam Your Car Doors

Don’t take out your frustrations on your car’s doors — you’re only going to feel worse if you crack the glass. Repeated slamming of a car door sends reverberations through the vehicle’s frame and can weaken the glass, potentially leading to a crack.

Use the Right Cleaning Supplies

You need to clean your windshield, but make sure you’re using the right products. Ammonia-based cleaners are a no-no, but you can find formulas specifically designed for windshields.

Pay Attention to Temperature Changes

Try to park your car in the shade so your windshield doesn’t heat up too much. You could also open your windows a crack so that the heat doesn’t build up too much.

Once you get back into your car, don’t blast the air conditioning right away. Allow your car to cool down slowly, and direct the cold air away from the hot windshield. An extreme drop in temperature can crack the glass. Your goal should be to keep the windshield at a steady temperature.

Replace Wipers and Keep Fluid Reservoir Full

Don’t wait until the rubber is peeling away from the metal to replace your windshield wipers. Otherwise, they can end up scratching or chipping the windshield.

Windshield wipers can cause auto glass damage, especially if there is no washer fluid to help them work. Replace them on a regular basis, and refill your windshield washer fluid reservoir regularly as well.

Don’t Wait to Get Repairs

When you do spot a chip or crack, don’t put off calling a repair company. If you catch the problem early enough, you probably won’t need windshield replacement. Auto glass damage is repairable in many cases, but you will need a knowledgeable technician to look at it to know for sure.

Trust Glasshopper Auto Glass to take care of any type of auto glass damage, large or small.

Will Cold Weather Make a Windshield Crack Worse?

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A windshield crack, whether minor or major, is a serious concern. It’s especially important to get auto glass repair before the cold Utah winter begins, so damage doesn’t escalate.

windshield crack

Your Windshield Is Important

Your windshield is vital to your safety. It provides up to 30 percent of a vehicle’s structural support. Windshields play an important role in rollover accidents, which are more often fatal if the roof collapses.

In 2010, only 2.1 percent of the 9.1 million car accidents that year resulted in rollovers, but rollovers accounted for 35 percent of all passenger fatalities. If you are in an accident, especially a rollover, then solid, sturdy auto glass could make all the difference.

Cold Weather Won’t Help

Changes in temperature affect glass — it expands and contracts. If it’s desperately cold outside, the glass windshield becomes more concave. This puts stress on any damage, such as a chip or crack, and a windshield crack is likely to spread horizontally.

In fact, according to a Motor Industry Research Association study, once temperatures outside reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a windshield crack is 60 percent more likely to spread. Once temperatures reach 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the damage is 80 percent more likely to spread.

Your Defroster Won’t Help

What increases the chance of a windshield crack worsening? Using your defroster to blast hot air on the inside of the auto glass. When the difference in temperature on the inside and outside is drastic, it puts additional stress on the glass and will likely lead to increased damage.

Is a Repair Possible?

Waiting until the windshield crack is so bad that you can’t even see around it isn’t the best idea. Besides compromising your safety, it’s also putting you at risk of a citation, since driving with an obstructed windshield makes you a target for a ticket. You’re not only endangering yourself, but other motorists as well.

Schedule repairs as soon as possible, and you may be able to limit the project to just that — repairs. If you wait too long, you’ll need to replace the windshield, and that will be a bit more expensive.

Repairs are more often possible when the damage isn’t too deep and the crack is less than 3 inches long. Some auto glass repair shops may be able to repair glass with a crack up to 12 inches long, but it will depend on the location and the severity.

You can trust Glasshopper Auto Glass to provide prompt, professional repairs for your windshield crack — call today and schedule an appointment and the technician will come to you.

Will Your Auto Insurance Pay for Windshield Repair?

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Windshield Repair

If you have windshield damage, then you need windshield repair fast. A broken windshield means your safety is at risk, and you might be cited by law enforcement for driving with an obstructed view.

Before you start worrying about the price of the windshield repair bill, find out if your auto insurance covers the cost.

Get the Details on Your Coverage

Your first step is to read your auto insurance policy. Do you have comprehensive coverage? If so, auto glass may be included under that provision. While some states make comprehensive coverage mandatory, others do not, so it will depend on if you opted for this when you signed your insurance contract.

If you do have comprehensive coverage and it does include auto glass repair, make sure you clarify what type of auto glass is included. Sometimes insurance policies may include windows but not windshields.

Think About How it Will Affect Your Premium

Now it’s time to weigh your options. If you have a $500 deductible and windshield repair only costs $250, it’s clear that you won’t use your insurance policy to help pay the bill. However, if you have a low deductible and the cost of repairs is higher, it may be worth it to take advantage of your coverage.

Ultimately, you should think about the long-term effect of making a claim. Some insurance companies don’t count auto glass claims against you. This means that it won’t affect your premium. But if it will go on your insurance record, saving even a few hundred dollars right now may not be worth it if you end up spending thousands more in insurance over the years.

Beware: Sometimes even calling insurance companies to ask about coverage could go on record, even if it’s not considered a claim.

Deductibles May Not Apply

Some insurance companies waive the deductible for windshield repair. In fact, if your car is insured in certain states, state law may require that insurance companies pay for windshield repairs in full.

File Your Claim

If you’ve decided to go forward with your claim, work with an auto glass repair specialist that knows how to process insurance documents quickly. If you’ve found that you aren’t happy with the service or coverage you’re eligible for under your auto insurance policy, look at changing carriers or coverage options before your windshield gets damaged again.

You can trust Glasshopper Auto Glass to help you handle every step of filing your insurance claim, along with providing superior windshield repair right when you need it.

A Cracked Windshield Is Dangerous: Here’s Why

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Cracked Windshield

You may not know exactly what cracked your windshield, but you should know that it’s dangerous. Police may stop you and give you a citation — a cracked windshield threatens your safety and the safety of other motorists.

“It’s just a small crack,” you’re probably thinking. “How could it possibly put me in danger? Is it really going to cause an accident?”

The short answer is yes — a cracked windshield can most assuredly contribute to distracted driving and it can definitely cause an accident.

Distracted Driving Statistics

When you hear the phrase “distracted driving,” you probably think of a cell phone. Texting and driving is a prohibited, dangerous. According to a report by the Transport Research Laboratory, texting and driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. Reaction times are slowed by 35 percent when reading or typing text messages, but drunk drivers’ reaction time only slowed by 12 percent.

While everyone can agree that texting and driving is one of the more dangerous activities that can lead to distracted driving, motorists face many other hazards.

It can be easy to overestimate your driving abilities; after all, you spend a considerable amount of time on the roadway. But all it takes is one small windshield crack that’s positioned right in your line of sight, obstructing your view, for an accident to become a reality. Whether or not you are aware, a cracked windshield draws your eye and takes your attention from the road. It also can reflect sunlight and cause a glare.

Cracks Can Do More Than Distract You

If you get into an accident, a cracked windshield puts the structural integrity of your car at risk, increasing the chances of a serious or fatal injury. Windshields help support the roof. When that support is compromised, the vehicle’s roof is at a higher risk of collapse upon impact. Even if the cracked windshield didn’t cause an accident, it can make accidents more deadly.

When Is it Time to Call an Auto Glass Repair Team?

Anytime you notice a chip or crack in your windshield, no matter the location or the size, call an auto glass repair specialist right away. If the crack is in front of the driver’s seat, it’s even more imperative that you get it fixed or have the windshield replaced right away.

Not all windshield damage warrants a replacement. Call Glasshopper Auto Glass and get professional repair for your cracked windshield.

Replacing Windshield Wipers: How Often Is it Necessary?

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Windshield Wiper Replacementa

Replacing windshield wipers can be easy to overlook since your car’s engine function doesn’t depend on them. But even though they won’t cause a mechanical breakdown, overly worn or old windshield wipers can put your safety at risk and potentially cause an accident.

How often should you replace your car’s windshield wipers?

Wear and Tear Leads to Reduced Visibility

Windshield wipers are made of rubber and metal. They take a beating through the winter because they continually wipe snow off the windshield. In the summer, the extreme heat dries out the rubber and can lead to cracking.

Once the rubber’s effectiveness starts to wane, it won’t clear away precipitation like it should.

Are They Still Good?

If you are squinting and trying to see through the rain on your windshield, you know that replacing windshield wipers should be your first priority. If it has not rained in a while and you’re interested in testing the effectiveness of your wiper blades, spray washer fluid and turn on the wipers. If you see streaks, it’s time to get them replaced.

Listen for Strange Noises

Windshield wipers shouldn’t make any unusual sounds. Scraping noises indicate that the rubber is so worn that the metal is breaking through.

Also, if you hear a flapping sound when you drive at high speeds, this indicates that they are not fitted correctly. You should get them replaced with a set that matches the size specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Take a Look

Sometimes you don’t even need to use the wipers to notice they are past their useful life. Just look at them. When the rubber is folding backward and the metal is rusting, it’s time for new ones.

Start a Habit — Replace Twice Per Year

Wiper blades have no set mileage limits — it all depends on wear and tear. But it just so happens that windshield wipers are not designed to last much longer than six months under normal usage conditions.

It’s good practice to take a look at the wipers every time you get an oil change just to make sure they’re functioning adequately, but it’s recommended that you change them every six months, preferably once after the winter season and once after the summer.

Don’t forget your rear wiper blade, if you have one. Since this one doesn’t take the brunt of the weather, plan on changing it once a year.

For all aspects of auto glass maintenance, including replacing windshield wipers, make an appointment with Glasshopper Auto Glass today and make visibility a priority.

What’s Included in an Auto Glass Repair Quote?

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Auto Glass Repair Quote

An auto glass repair quote can range widely in price. Quotes are based on which part needs service, the vehicle’s make and model and whether the project involves a basic repair or complete replacement.

Your vehicle’s windshield is more than just your portal to view the roadway — it’s integral to your car’s structure. Whenever your windshield sustains damage, whether it’s a small chip or a large, spider web-like crack, get service from a trusted technician right away.

Repair or Replace?

Many factors determine whether windshield damage warrants a complete replacement or if a simple repair will be sufficient. The technician will assess the size, location and depth of the chip or crack. Some cracks up to a foot long can be repaired, but some chips that are deep enough to have damaged both layers of glass are cause for replacement.

Your auto glass repair quote should outline the shop’s professional recommendation and explain why repair or replacement is the best course of action in your situation.

Repairs Are Less Expensive

If your windshield can be repaired, that will save you the most money, and it’s better to get the job done sooner rather than later. Waiting will only allow the damage to get worse.

Replacement Costs Depend on the Details

An auto glass repair quote should include an explanation of the details. No shop will be able to give you an exact price unless they know the make, model and year of your vehicle. As cars become more complex and additional sensors are included on windshields, it may take professionals more time to complete the job.

The type of glass used also will factor into the final price. For instance, you can opt to get OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass and you will pay more, but you will know for sure that the glass is certified to meet all safety standards. You might pay less for aftermarket glass, but it might not be the same quality.

Labor also will be included in the price. Most repair and replacement jobs are completed relatively quickly, unless you own a luxury car that needs its glass special-ordered from the manufacturer.

Your final price also will depend on whether you’re repairing or replacing the front or back windshield, because they are sized differently. Would you like to replace your windshield wipers at the same time? This will be an added cost.

For straightforward service and transparent pricing, contact Glasshopper Auto Glass today for a free personalized auto glass repair quote.

Smashed Car Window?

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Smashed Car Window

A smashed car window is demoralizing. Besides the broken glass all over the seats, you may also be worried that valuable possessions have been stolen.

What should you do first to get your car repaired as soon as you can?

Call the Police

A smashed car window doesn’t always involve vandals or thieves. A falling tree or branch could be the culprit. An accident involving another vehicle might be the cause.

More commonly, if you’re only dealing with a broken window and no other vehicle damage, it’s probably because someone tried to break into your car or just randomly decided to break a window for no reason.

When this is the case, call the police right away. They will come to the scene, and you will have a report on file regarding the incident. You may need it for insurance purposes later, and you’ll help keep the community safer by getting the police involved in finding the vandal or thief.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

The next phone call you should make is to your insurance company. This damage should be covered under your comprehensive policy. If anything was stolen out of your vehicle, auto insurance will not help.

However, if you have a renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy that covers theft, you may be able to get reimbursed after paying your deductible.

For any type of insurance claim, you’re going to need pictures of the damage, so be sure to take photos from different angles to document the incident. Also, you might want to look into the cost of window replacement before filing a claim. The price might be lower than your deductible, and you’ll have one less insurance claim on your record.

Protect the Car’s Interior

If precipitation is in the forecast, you should definitely find a sheet of plastic or other type of weather-resistant material to cover the opening in the meantime. Insurance companies will not cover collateral damage resulting from a smashed car window if you neglect your responsibility to limit damage as much as possible.

Find an Auto Glass Repair Shop

Next, it’s time to find a professional who knows how to quickly repair a broken vehicle window with high-quality materials, ensuring it operates just as smoothly as before. With a mobile auto glass repair company, you don’t even have to drive the vehicle. Just call for service and get auto glass window replacement at your home, school or work — wherever the incident occurred.

Glasshopper Auto Glass is there for you when you’re stuck with a smashed car window and need professional repair on the spot — call anytime you discover your car’s glass is broken.

How Long Can You Drive with a Cracked Windshield?

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Cracked Windshield

A cracked windshield is frustrating. Sadly, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it, especially if you drive frequently. When a stray rock flies up and hits your windshield, your heart sinks, especially if you’re short on cash or time to have it repaired.

But if you count the actual costs of delaying the repair, you’ll see it’s not economical or safe to wait — you need to take care of that cracked windshield immediately.

Think About the Costs Involved

Depending on the size of the initial chip, the sooner you get it repaired, the less expensive it likely will be. If you wait too long, a chip can quickly morph into a crack. Once the damage grows, your cracked windshield is no longer repairable. You will need a replacement.

Also, think about the legal ramifications of driving around with a cracked windshield. In many regions of the country, this is a traffic offense for which you can be pulled over and ticketed. Then you’ll have to factor the cost of a citation into the total bill.

Think About Your Safety

Modern windshields aren’t constructed the same as they were just a few decades ago. Today, two tempered glass sheets are fit together with a substance called poly-vinyl butyral in between. This ensures any oncoming glass damage only affects the outer layer, not the inner layer. Windshields no longer shatter upon impact, so a cracked windshield is not a safety concern in this way.

However, while you don’t have to worry about flying glass shards, a cracked windshield does threaten the integrity of your vehicle’s structure. If you are involved in a collision, a weak windshield can cause your roof to collapse, trapping you inside and exacerbating damage and injuries.

Also, the windshield is a key part of what helps your airbag protect you the way it should when it deploys. If there is a crack in the glass causing a weak area, it might give way and compromise your safety.

Finally, it is also a danger because any crack within the driver’s line of sight can distract from the roadway.

Think About the Possible Inconvenience

In many states, a functional, undamaged windshield is required in order to pass inspections. Think about the time you will waste if you try to get away without repairing the damage. You’ll only have to return to complete the inspection process.

Get Fast Repair or Replacement Service

When there are so many fast, efficient and high-quality repair options, why not schedule an appointment today? You can have Glasshopper Auto Glass come to your home or office and fix your windshield while you are busy working or doing other important tasks. You’ll be able to quickly get back on the road with confidence, knowing your cracked windshield is no longer an issue.

Auto Glass Damage? Gravel Trucks Might Be to Blame

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Auto Glass Damage

Auto glass damage is a nuisance, it’s costly and it’s a safety hazard.

When a rock flies up and hits your windshield, chipping it or even cracking it down the middle, you can’t help but feel frustrated.

Is it possible to prevent future damage or even get reimbursed for a replacement windshield?

Flying Gravel on the Highway

If you live near a gravel pit, chances are you have seen trucks hauling gravel merge onto the highway beside you. Even when the trucks are empty, a stray rock left behind can fly out when the truck hits a bump in the road, and in many cases, your windshield will take the brunt of the hit.

Cracked Windshields Threaten Your Safety

Depending on the location, a chip or crack can make it hard to see out the windshield. Also, chips and cracks weaken your vehicle’s entire structure. The roof has a greater chance of collapsing if it doesn’t have the full support of the windshield glass.

Auto glass damage threatens your safety in another way as well. If you are in an accident, your airbags are designed to partially hit the windshield and then cushion you from injury. If the glass gives way because it’s cracked, your upper body is less protected in a collision.

Can You Get Reimbursed?

You probably saw your windshield crack, and you may know for sure that it was caused by gravel from a transport truck, but it’s extremely difficult to prove.

The company can claim the rock that caused the damage was probably kicked up from the ground. And many gravel companies post signs on the backs of their trucks that say “keep back 100 feet” and “driver not responsible for objects thrown from road” to further absolve themselves of any liability.

While the company probably fields many angry calls from motorists like you who are dealing with auto glass damage due to flying gravel, the only time they may reimburse you for windshield repair costs is if they are caught breaking the law.

In many states, including Utah, it is illegal for trucks to have a heaping pile of gravel in tow that is higher than the truck’s side walls. Many drivers get citations for this.

If you know your auto glass damage was caused by an overfilled gravel truck, try to take a picture and write down the license plate number. Only then do you have a shot at receiving any reimbursement for damages.

Invest in High-Quality Windshield Repair

When you need immediate windshield repair, trust the team at Glasshopper Auto Glass. Whether you travel to a shop or have a professional come to your home or office, you know you will receive high-quality auto glass repair or replacement that will keep you safe.