Unfortunately, automobile windshields are susceptible to harm even when no one is inside or operating the vehicle. What is more surprising is when they incur damage without being touched by another vehicle! It’s especially true in Houston, where there are many stones, pebbles and debris flying around, leaving many Texas car owners wondering if windshields are too fragile for their conditions!
Well, rest assured that your car’s windshield is stronger than it appears. In fact, it is actually considered a safety feature, since it is structurally designed to absorb the impact of more than half of the car roof’s strength in a roll-over accident. It also withholds airbag pressure in head-on collisions. (At an airbag deploy speed of approximately 200 miles per hour, the importance and strength of windshield glass can’t be underestimated!)
In all likelihood, your existing windshield has passed the industry standards for design and strength. If it is the original auto glass, the installation is also probably acceptable as well. But what if your car has required windshield replacement since rolling off the assembly line?
There is much written about improperly installed window shields possessing the potential for injury to car occupants, but chances are good that you’re safe. There are several requirements the professionals must adhere to when replacing or repairing windshields, and most reliable business owners have no intention of receiving bad publicity or lawsuits.
However, your vehicle may suffer a hole, crack or shattering of its glass. Regardless whether it’s due to a preventable or non-preventable accident, you should take it in for repair as soon as possible, as this kind of damage could weaken the glass-especially if in the windshield-and is very hazardous should an accident occur. If and when you have such a situation, there are aspects to keep in mind while looking for windshield repair and replacement.
First, check into materials and their use. Try to obtain a name-brand glass (generic ones may cause leaking) and 2-part urethane-the black, glue-like material holding the glass to the car body. (Under no circumstances allow this process to be done with “butel”; it never hardens completely.) If the actual moldings need replaced, they are an additional price, but a necessity if yours are old or broken. The bottom material (cowling) should be removed as well, so that there will be proper adhesion at the base of the windshield.
Next, make sure that technicians sand and prime, so that the urethane adheres directly to metal, instead of old rust. Ideally, they should wear new gloves or use suction cup handles to avoid getting hand oil on the glass (it could prevent proper adhesion). The windshield should not be placed on any unstable surface; a rack or saddle should be used.
The technician (along with you, if desired) should thoroughly inspect the auto glass while it is thus positioned. Chips, nicks or chunks may have broken from the edges during shipping, and are not acceptable.
If used, the pressure from the urethane bond will not be completely even and irregular weak spots will be created in the windshield, resulting in susceptibility to future damage. When finished with the installation, the technician should remove and vacuum all bits of glass, and replace the rearview mirror. If wiper blades are old, they too should be replaced as they could damage a new windshield.
Keep in mind that auto glass replacement should take between 45-60 minutes. (Two installers should be on the job for a larger, taller van-type vehicle.) You should receive clear instructions as to when it will be safe to drive the vehicle. Generally, the urethane will harden and adhere quickly in Houston’s warm weather, but cars equipped with passenger side airbags will take longer.
It is possible to drive the vehicle in one hour if the proper urethane was used. In addition, you should receive a warranty on both the glass and labor. Any glass defects not noticed previously should allow you a free re-installation, and if a shop does not offer this, find another who does.
Finally, remember that windshield repairs or auto glass replacement due to chipped or broken glass should be able to be claimed through your insurance provider of comprehensive auto claims.
Professional Houston windshield replacement providers will bill your insurance-after receiving your deductible. However, some may request that you contact your provider yourself, since their bottom line rates negotiated with carriers may be lower than what are charged for cash transactions.
09 MarWindshield Replacement 101
01 FebComputer Repair: Why Is Your Computer Running Slower Than Normal?
If you have a computer you are not unfamiliar to computer repairs. It is inevitable that your computer will eventually run slow or not at all especially if you are a novice to technology which lets admit most of us are. One of the biggest reasons clients bring their computers in is that they are slower than when they first purchased them. They always want to know who or what is to blame for this. No one wants to hear it but the problem your computer may be running slower than when you purchase it is… YOU!
Maintenance is the key in making sure your computer keeps running at peak performance. Just like your car needs regular oil changes and filter changes your computer needs tune ups to clean up the registry of old programs not in use, updates on spyware and adjustment of settings to insure peak performance. Of course there could be more reasons for the slow down. It is best to take the computer in to a local computer repair firm, as you would your car to a mechanic; to have it thoroughly looked at.
Other reasons that your computer may be having issues running slower than normal could be that your computer has contracted a virus. Trojans, spyware and malware may be the cause of the issue with your computer running slowly. Spyware creates an issue where outsiders have gotten into your computer without you knowing it and start sending out personal data to entities that will take advantage of your system and cause it to run slowly. Even if you have up to date virus protection you can still become infected it just lessens the likelihood. Computer repair in the form of a virus scan and removal are needed and can be done at your local computer repair store. It is also recommended that a tune up be performed on your PC at this time to regain the speed and efficiency of your computer.
You can also inspect your computer and delete files and programs that have been added that are unnecessary. The more files and programs you keep stored on the hard drive of your computer the slower it will run. I recommend having a separate flash drive to store big files such as pictures, word and excel documents. The space adds up quickly. Also, delete any unnecessary short cuts on your desk top they could be causing your computer to run at a snail’s pace.
It is important if you have tried all of the similar solutions to look at the computer’s hard drive. Run a disk defragmenter which will help optimize how data is stored and then Scandisk to help ensure nothing is actually corrupt within the drive.
Another issue that is common is that the processor is overheating. This is common. You will want to first make sure the cooling system in the computer, the fan, is running. If not it will need to be shut off and taken in for the fan to be replaced. If the fan is running look to make sure a build-up of dust is not causing an issue or that the cabinet the computer is stored in is not blocking the air flow. I have found this happens to me when I am in bed using the laptop and forget about the heat issue. If I set the computer on the blankets the air flow is blocked and the computer will have issues.
Memory, hard drive disk space and conflict in hardware/software are all problems that could also be responsible for the slowing down of your computer. If you have a computer repair check all of the above and there is still issues they will most likely recommend you do an OS reload. Basically this will consist of wiping the computer clean and reloading your operating system. Make sure your data is backed up before doing this. Also, this requires installation of the programs that you run on your computer. This is basically a last resort but it will make your computer like when you first brought it home.