Removing Dry Mud From Car Windows
Written by craig braddick

Is Windshield Glass Flexible?

Windshield glass is not flexible in the same way that a rubber band is flexible. It is not possible to bend or twist a windshield glass without breaking it. However, windshield glass is designed to be somewhat flexible, so that it can withstand minor impacts without shattering.

Windshield glass is made of laminated glass, which is two layers of glass bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin. The PVB resin makes the windshield glass more flexible and helps to prevent it from shattering into sharp pieces if it is broken.

The amount of flexibility in a windshield glass depends on the thickness of the PVB resin layer. The thicker the PVB layer, the more flexible the windshield glass will be. However, a thicker PVB layer also makes the windshield glass heavier and more expensive.

In general, windshield glasses are designed to be strong enough to withstand most minor impacts, such as being hit by a pebble or a small piece of debris. However, if the impact is too great, the windshield glass may shatter. If your windshield glass is cracked or chipped, it is important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. A damaged windshield can impair your visibility and make it more difficult to drive safely.

Here are some of the benefits of using laminated glass for windshields:

  • It is more resistant to shattering than tempered glass.
  • It can help to keep glass shards in place in the event of a crash, reducing the risk of injury.
  • It is more energy-efficient than tempered glass, which can help to keep your car cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Laminated glass is good for windshields because it is more resistant to shattering than tempered glass. In the event of a crash, the laminated glass will help to keep the glass shards in place, reducing the risk of injury to the driver and passengers. Laminated glass is also more energy-efficient than tempered glass, which can help to keep your car cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Here are some of the specific benefits of using laminated glass for windshields:

  • Safety: Laminated glass is more resistant to shattering than tempered glass. This is because the PVB resin layer holds the glass together in the event of a crash, preventing it from breaking into sharp pieces. This can help to reduce the risk of injury to the driver and passengers.
  • Security: Laminated glass is also more difficult to break than tempered glass. This makes it a good choice for windshields, as it can help to prevent break-ins.
  • Soundproofing: The PVB resin layer in laminated glass can help to reduce noise levels inside the car. This can make it more comfortable to drive and can also help to reduce driver fatigue.
  • UV protection: Laminated glass can help to block ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can help to protect the interior of your car from fading and can also help to protect your skin from sun damage.

Overall, laminated glass is a good choice for windshields because it is more safe, secure, soundproof, and UV-protective than tempered glass.

Here are some other reasons why laminated glass is used for windshields:

  • It is less likely to crack or chip than tempered glass.
  • It can be repaired, unlike tempered glass.
  • It is more resistant to thermal shock.
  • It is more resistant to hail damage.

If you are looking for a safe and durable windshield for your car, laminated glass is a good option.

Removing Dry Mud From Car Windows
Written by craig braddick

Dealing With a Smashed Car Window

So you have been the unfortunate victim of someone who has smashed a window or the windshield of your car? While it will be a shock here are a few things you can do to get back on the road. 

Document The Damage

Before calling the police document the scene by taking photos and list anything that is missing. 

Report To The Police

Make sure you do not move your vehicle so an officer, upon their arrival, can see the scene for itself. The police will ask for your vehicle registration, insurance card and drivers license as they make their report. Obtain a copy of their report before they leave the scene. 

Stolen Contents

If credit cards are missing you will want to cancel them and should let your bank know. Also let your cell phone company know if your phone has been stolen. It may also be a good idea to contact the three big credit bureaus so they place a ninety day fraud alert. 

Replace The Window

Finally, reach out to a certified auto glass shop approved by your insurance to get the window replaced. 

 

Removing Dry Mud From Car Windows
Written by craig braddick

How Windshield Tape Works

Most say they do not typically enjoy the way the tape looks, but the best option should be to wait at least a minimum of 24 hours after the installation.

The tape is a preventative measure to keep any waters or debris from entering under your window trim. This tape keeps the window still and away from any motion. Also, be sure to not slam your vehicle doors at all for at least 48 hours or so.

Due to the adhesive being “cured” or better yet, drying. Slamming your door during this process may puncture the seal. Be sure that you close your vehicle doors softly and if the weather allows you, you may slightly roll down your windows.

The tape has an obvious reason and is there to hold the glass from moving at all while the caulk sets in place. This caulk is a windshield glue, the sealant that is generally used to attach your windshield to the frame of your vehicle. Of course, as well the tape serves another purpose as it keeps out things such as rain or other materials from entering the adhesive that needs to settle.

Hotter Weather Vs Cold Conditions

When it comes to weather in Arizona, typically it is dry weather. Usually In good safe conditions to have the adhesive settle quicker than usual. Although play it safe and wait up to at least 24 hours.

In the situation where you are in colder climates typically wait upwards to around 72 hours for the adhesive to settle on your windshield. This is an important part of the process of getting your new windshield installed. Patience is a virtue so just wait and the adhesive will settle properly in the allotted time.

Avoid Having A Car Wash

While tape is still actively working its magic on your vehicle, do not take your vehicle through a car wash. Especially higher pressured car washes, these tend to cause more damage than good during this process. This will be due to the high-pressure washing system to force your glue to peel off or away which in short makes you head back to your shop to have the problem resolved yet again. On the other hand, you can easily choose to manually wash your car, and this shouldn’t cause any damages to your vehicle.

 

Repair or Replace a Windshield
Written by T&S Auto Glass

Windshield Repair or Replacement?

When you’ve been driving for any amount of time, you probably know that feeling of dread following the smack of something bouncing off your car windshield. When you inspect your windshield, one question always comes to mind: Is this able to be repaired or does the entire windshield need to be replaced? The answer might not be as simple as one would think! Nowadays, we’ll clear those questions up as we determine when you need to repair or replace a cracked windshield.

Differences between a chipped and cracked windshield

Your vehicle’s windshield can get damaged from a variety of sources, but not all damages are alike. The damage caused by something such as a small rock or something such as hitting an animal can have a very different effect on your windshield and how you go about dealing with it. But before explanation concerning the kinds of damage, it’s important to know the way a windshield is manufactured.

Automotive glass, or windshield glass, is occasionally called “safety” glass. The reasoning is because it isn’t actually a singular piece, but instead two pieces of glass with a plastic layer of laminate in between the two. If an object strikes your windshield, the way it’s designed causes it to break into a lot more smaller pieces and stops it from shattering into a lot larger, hazardous ones.

Windshield chips

Chips are a small speckle that is caused when an impact breaks away a piece of the glass layer. This can usually be repaired when it is small enough. Nevertheless, when the chip is so deep that it pierces the inner layer of laminate, you might be facing a total replacement. Whereas smaller chips on their own might not be a big concern, they can usually be the starting point from which cracks grow.

Windshield cracks

Unlike chips, cracks are distinctive in that it is a line in which a single piece of glass has started to fully separate. Whereas these can start off small, they can (and typically do) grow over time.

In the event the windshield is exposed to the scorching ray of the sun or driving through chilly air, variations in temperature could cause it to expand and contract. When you have a crack in the windshield, that process can cause it to little by little, spread.

Aside from these two major categories, it’s not unusual to see a mixture of them and everything in between.

When to have a chipped or cracked windshield repaired

As you can probably tell, repairing a cracked windshield is usually less expensive than a total replacement. An auto glass specialist’s capability to repair damage is subject to a multitude of factors, like the kind of chip or crack, its size, how deep it is, its location, and how many chips or cracks there are.

Most say that cracks that fit underneath a dollar bill can typically be repaired. When a chip is small enough (under 2 inches) and not too deep (typically under 3/8’s of an inch), repairing it might be an option. Under the more excessive side, it might be possible to repair chips up to 3 inches round (subject to the kind and the chips shape) and cracks up to 14 inches long.

The depth of the damage is also considered when establishing if a windshield can be repaired. Don’t forget, vehicle windshields come with two layers of glass with a laminate in between them. When the crack or chip is shallow enough and just penetrates one layer of glass, it most likely can be repaired.

Locating a Reputable Windshield Repair Shop

In some situations, the area of the damage may impact the technician’s capability to repair a crack or chip. Damage that happens near the middle of the windshield (more towards the passenger side) can typically be repaired.

With all that take into consideration, the automotive glass repair place you got to might have some restrictions based on their technical abilities. If a damaged windshield can be repaired, the process typically comprises of injecting a clear resin into the problem area. The resin then gets cured and polished, leaving a smooth, clear finish and prevents the crack from creating more damage.

If the damage is able to be repaired, it’s a good idea to do it as soon as you can get it done. Even a small chip or crack can ultimately spread and force its replacement.

When to have a chipped or cracked windshield replaced

There are obviously some circumstances in which it becomes very clear (no pun intended) that your windshield is required to be replaced. For instance, if a kid throws a rock at your car and it punches a hole in your windshield, you’ll need to get it replaced.

But it isn’t always as straightforward as the above situation. Occasionally, a lot smaller cracks and possibly chips can require a new windshield installation. Typically, you are going to need to replace your cracked vehicle windshield if:

The windshield is tempered.

As mentioned above, a lot of windshields are a type of layered glass with two pieces of glass with a plastic layer of laminate in between the two. Instead of shattering or breaking into pieces, laminated glass holds together when it takes on damage. On the other hand, vehicle side and rear windows are usually tempered glass, in which is manufactured through a different process that causes the glass to break into small, little pieces when damaged. since it breaks in this way, replacing them is your only real option.

The crack is too large.

Even though there are situations in which longer cracks are able to be repaired, those that are longer than a dollar bill typically requires to be replaced. Likewise, if a chip’s diameter is larger than a quarter, the windshield is going to be replaced.

When the crack is too deep.

Any chip and/or crack that penetrates each of the layers of a laminated windshield is required to be replaced. Even if the crack just penetrates the outer layer, this can often expose the plastic layer inside, causing it to become discolored when left in the elements for long periods of time. The reasoning for this is you may actually want to replace your windshield even when repairing it is an option.

When there are too many cracks and/or chips.

Usually, when you have three or more cracks and/or chips anywhere on your windshield, you’ll most likely need to have it replaced. Following them taking a certain amount of damage, they’ll start to lose their ability to withstand additional impacts.

When the crack is in a bad area.

Damage to the driver’s side of the windshield typically requires a total replacement since repairs usually leave a little leftover markings behind. Cracks that go from one edge to another weakens its structural integrity, in which typically means a total replacement is required.

Is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield?

Absolutely Not – regardless of the kind of damage, any damage to a windshield is severe and needs to be addressed as so. Windshields might seem like a humdrum safety feature; however, they are an extremely critical one. A damaged windshield loses its capability to withstand the impact from flying objects and can become a major visual obstruction. In fact, you might even fail your vehicle inspection when the facility considers the obstruction severe enough.

For auto windshield chip repair in Chandler, call us today to schedule an appointment! We also offer windshield replacement.

Removing Dry Mud From Car Windows
Written by craig braddick

When Someone Breaks Your Car Window!

So you have been the unfortunate victim of someone who has smashed a window or the windshield of your car? While it will be a shock here are a few things you can do to get back on the road. 

Document The Damage

Before calling the police document the scene by taking photos and list anything that is missing. 

Report To The Police

Make sure you do not move your vehicle so an officer, upon their arrival, can see the scene for itself. The police will ask for your vehicle registration, insurance card and drivers license as they make their report. Obtain a copy of their report before they leave the scene. 

Stolen Contents

If credit cards are missing you will want to cancel them and should let your bank know. Also let your cell phone company know if your phone has been stolen. It may also be a good idea to contact the three big credit bureaus so they place a ninety day fraud alert. 

Replace The Window

Finally, reach out to a certified auto glass shop approved by your insurance to get the window replaced. 

 

Removing Dry Mud From Car Windows
Written by T&S Auto Glass

How Long To Leave Windshield Tape On

Most say they do not typically enjoy the way the tape looks, but the best option should be to wait at least a minimum of 24 hours after the installation.

The tape is a preventative measure to keep any waters or debris from entering under your window trim. This tape keeps the window still and away from any motion. Also, be sure to not slam your vehicle doors at all for at least 48 hours or so.

Due to the adhesive being “cured” or better yet, drying. Slamming your door during this process may puncture the seal. Be sure that you close your vehicle doors softly and if the weather allows you, you may slightly roll down your windows.

The tape has an obvious reason and is there to hold the glass from moving at all while the caulk sets in place. This caulk is a windshield glue, the sealant that is generally used to attach your windshield to the frame of your vehicle. Of course, as well the tape serves another purpose as it keeps out things such as rain or other materials from entering the adhesive that needs to settle.

Hotter Weather Vs Cold Conditions

When it comes to weather in Arizona, typically it is dry weather. Usually In good safe conditions to have the adhesive settle quicker than usual. Although play it safe and wait up to at least 24 hours.

In the situation where you are in colder climates typically wait upwards to around 72 hours for the adhesive to settle on your windshield. This is an important part of the process of getting your new windshield installed. Patience is a virtue so just wait and the adhesive will settle properly in the allotted time.

Avoid Having A Car Wash

While tape is still actively working its magic on your vehicle, do not take your vehicle through a car wash. Especially higher pressured car washes, these tend to cause more damage than good during this process. This will be due to the high-pressure washing system to force your glue to peel off or away which in short makes you head back to your shop to have the problem resolved yet again. On the other hand, you can easily choose to manually wash your car, and this shouldn’t cause any damages to your vehicle.

 

Written by T&S Auto Glass

How Much Does Windshield Repair & Replacement Cost?

Windshield Chip Repair Cost

How Much Does Windshield Repair & Replacement Cost? Windshield repair & replacement costs about $172 for windshield repair & replacement with average prices of windshield repair & replacement ranging from $20 for windshield repair & replacement to $325 for windshield repair & replacement in the US for 2020, according to Carsdirect.com.

The National Windshield Repair Association reports that the average cost for a windshield replacement is around $350, while average windshield repair may cost about $99—and these costs will differ based on the damage.

Most people don’t know that insurance companies in Arizona actually offer auto glass insurance. Your windshield can be replaced entirely for free. T&S Auto Glass works very closely with most auto insurance companies and can help assist in making your auto glass claim.

Will My Insurance Cover The Cost Of My Windshield Repair Or Replacement?

A lot of vehicle owners don’t know that in a lot of cases their insurance company covers some or all of the cost for repair or replacement. T&S Auto Glass works with virtually all major car insurance companies.  We help you submit your claim for windshield repair or windshield replacement.

See your options below:

Windshield Is Repairable

1. The Windshield Is Repairable

In most cases, your insurance company will pay for windshield chips to be repaired.   This means you could schedule mobile windshield repair and kick back at home or keep focused at the office while your damage is repaired at little or no cost!

Windshield Not Repairable

2. The Windshield Needs Replacing

If you’ve got insurance it will usually cover some if not all of the cost to replace your windshield.  It’s necessary to replace them if there is a crack or severe enough damage that repair isn’t possible.  How much you’ll pay depends on if you have a deductible, your policy, and the state your vehicle is insured in.

Will I Have To Pay Any Additional Costs To Have My Windshield Repaired Or Replaced?

Some insurance companies will charge a deductible depending on how much damage and what type of vehicle you own. You are responsible for any amount that your insurance doesn’t cover.

Windshield Replacement & Repair Costs: Paying out of Pocket

If you choose to pay for your auto glass repair out of pocket because you don’t have auto glass coverage, you will be responsible for the windshield replacement costs.

How Much Do Windshields Cost?

The average windshield replacement cost is $590. Windshield replacement cost ranged from $180 to $1,000 in 2018-2019.

Rare windshields or those that need to be custom made for a classic, vintage, or collectible vehicles do cost more.

How much of that you pay, if any, depends on your insurance and state you live in.  Some states, like Arizona, have requirements for auto insurance companies to cover the cost of windshield replacement.  People in other states can opt for additional coverage for windshields and pay a slightly higher monthly premium.  This helps avoid having to pay the deductible should they need a windshield replacement.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of A New Windshield?

Several factors affect the cost of a new windshield. The most influential factor in the cost of a replacement windshield is the type of vehicle.

Dealer Only Replacements

Some types of windshields are only available through the dealerships. This is common among luxury vehicles especially. If you own a BMW, Lexus, or a Mercedes the replacement glass is most likely going to have to be ordered from the dealership.

Amount Of Labor Required

Newer vehicles are being equipped with some great technology that makes driving safer. Some of these technologies like lane departure warnings, brake assist technologies, rain sensors, wiper park area, and condensation sensors are installed on the windshield.

These sensors many times are not made to be removed and simply come attached to a replacement windshield. The cost of the sensors is part of what can make the price of a windshield go from around a couple hundred dollars to a considerably higher price.

Vehicles that are older than about 2007 didn’t have these type of sensors or some of the newer technologies and are generally less costly to replace. Vehicles that were produced starting in 2008 and those that are newer may have a wide variety of technology installed, and they are required for the vehicle to run properly.

Aftermarket vs. OEM Replacements

Another big factor when replacing anything on a vehicle, including the windshield, is if you are buying Original Equipment Manufacturer parts. While this is not optional for people with some luxury and performance models, it is an option for most passenger vehicles.

OEM Replacements are certified by the DOT to conform to industry standards and are nearly indistinguishable from the windshields installed at the factories.

Aftermarket windshields are less expensive than the dealership by several hundreds of dollars. These glass companies do not have contracts with auto manufacturers and can be different than the OEM windshields. Things like the thickness of the glass, types of sensors, or tint level can vary when using aftermarket glass.

This work takes the technicians extra time, so it costs a little more. Convertible vehicles also require more time to replace windshields as their mounting is different than regular vehicles.

Get A Free Auto Glass Replacement Or Repair Quote In Arizona

Arizona and some other states offer “no deductible windshield replacement” which means you could get your windshield replaced for free. Furthermore, it is illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in Arizona, so getting your windshield replaced for free can actually save you money versus getting a cracked windshield ticket.

  1. Visit our website
  2. Fill out our contact form with your details or
  3. Give us a call with your details
  4. Receive a free replacement or repair quote

Schedule Windshield Repair & Replacement With T&S Auto Glass

It’s quick and easy to schedule windshield repair and replacement.  Call to schedule a time to visit our shop in Chandler or have us come to you with our mobile, cheap windshield repair and replacement service.  T&S Auto Glass accepts all major credit cards, insurance draft, checks, and money orders.

Have additional questions about windshield repair or replacement costs in Arizona? Give us a call today to discuss your details. T&S Auto Glass offers windshield repair, windshield replacement, auto glass repair, auto glass replacement, mobile glass and mobile services in Chandler, Arizona.

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