Car windshields
The driver and front passenger in a car are the ones who spend the maximum time gazing out of the front glass sheet. This glass sheet is known as a windshield (for automobiles only) in USA, and generally referred to as a windscreen (for all types of vehicles, whether a car or a motorbike) in UK or elsewhere.
What is a Car Windshield made up of
You probably think of a car windshield as a single large plate of glass. Actually, it is not a single sheet at all. It comprises of more than one sheet of glass, with a plastic layer neatly slotted between them. This plastic layer is in a laminated form. The two glass sheets are also not flat, but have a curved shape. They are securely fixed to the frame of your car window in front with special glue.
The Costs
A car windshield is extremely expensive! It costs nearly $300 and if it has a nifty gadget, such as an alarm sensor, it could set you back by double that amount or even more.
What Happens when the Car Windshield Cracks
Let us imagine a scenario where kids are playing baseball in the park adjacent to your home. A real thumping hit to the ball sends it sailing over the park fence and wham-bang right onto your car windshield. The glass does not fully shatter, thanks to the special laminated sheets, but cracks appear in the design of a spiders web. You immediately think of having the windshield replaced. Wait a second! It is generally advised that, instead, you have it repaired. The costs of repairing are negligible, as compared to buying an entirely new windshield. For example, a crack of about half an inch in diameter could cost less than $70. Other than being economical, repairing is not at all time-consuming.
Importance of Repairing The Car Windshield
The purpose of repairing the car windshield is not only to eliminate the ugly look that a cracked windshield gives to your car! Other reasons why you need to get it repaired pronto:
A cracked windshield will not give you a clear line of vision.
The fancy web design could expand to a more elaborate one. This could happen even if some droplets of water land on it while hosing down your car during a wash.
Little bits of dirt can sneak into the cracks.
Repairing Your Car Windshield
There are plenty of informative books and websites that will give step-by-step instructions to repair the windshield on your own. You can even buy readymade repair kits from an automobile store with an instruction manual on how to use it. However, it is advisable to obtain the services of a professional in the field rather than botch it up trying to repair it yourself.
Some Useful Notes
Make the correct decisions regarding replacement or repair of the glass. Let us suppose that your car is unfortunately involved in a really major accident and the windshield has got massive cracks that more or less cover the whole glass, right to the very ends. In such a case, it is far better to get the entire windshield replaced. Remember: Safety First!
When you decide to go in for a complete replacement, insist on what is known as an OE glass, that is, original-equipment glass. This implies that it will be as strong as the original one.
Avoid waiting too long before getting a car windshield repaired. In fact, get it done the same day that it is damaged. As mentioned earlier, even small particles of grime can worsen the dents.
Your first reaction on seeing a cracked windshield is to lightly touch it. Be careful! Even the tiniest crack has a sharp edge and even your tiniest finger can create one more chip.
The windshield factory seal is retained when it is repaired.
When you get the car windshield repaired, you will obtain a guarantee for the repairs. However, this guarantee is valid only for the time that you are the owner of the vehicle. If you sell the vehicle, the next owner will not obtain the benefits of the guarantee.
The guarantee is of no use if rust has already set in or there is any kind of body damage.
A part of the topmost part of the windshield could be tinted to reduce the harsh glare from the sun. However, you need to adhere to the State laws governing window tinting.
Use a good windshield cleaner readily available in the market to keep the glass clean. Also, keep at hand an effective solution that is specifically for removing pesky insects that pounce on your windshield and shorten their life span. Yuck!
Car Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper blades are hardworking strips of rubber attached to the outside of your windshield. As you battle your way through a downpour, not only the deluge from above, but also muddy splashes will attack your car windshield. Or you could be plowing through snowy terrain, with those lovely white flakes merrily jumping onto your windshield. The minute you switch on the wiper system, the blades swish in a squishy manner across the glass, clearing your line of vision again and again and again.
The wiper system is thus a vital aspect of your cars safety features. Hence, just as you check other parts of your car, from time to time you need to thoroughly check the wiper blades. Constant use can wear out the rubber and render them ineffective. You also need to check that there are no cracks in the wiper arms that hold the blades in place. It does not cost much to replace the wiper blades! For example, if you own a 2005 Chevy Aveo, an O.E. blade refill could cost up to just $5. The costs of special blades for the winter season: $11 to $15.
Some blades need adapters for a secure fitting.
Replace it or repair it, after reading this article, it is hoped that the reader has realized the importance of the expansive panel of glass at the front of the car!
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