My Personal Finance Blog

One lesson in life that everyone will learn is that anything that is breakable will eventually break. And when it comes to cars, that small little crack in the windscreen you notice one day will most probably break the next. Glass repair for a small crack might take the back seat for some but cracks can grow, and they can grow quickly. It is important, however, that you don’t cry over broken glass. Having a cracked or shattered windscreen is illegal in many countries, including South Africa, so having your windscreen repaired as soon as possible is recommended.

Immediate glass repair is essential as cracks have the ability to grow. This happens when the moisture infiltrates below the outer layer of glass and then enters through the crack, expanding and contracting, which results in the crack getting bigger. It’s possible to repair the glass in a small or medium crack, but when the crack becomes larger you may need to replace the entire windshield, leaving you with a considerably lighter pocket.

A good indicator of whether you will need auto glass repair or windscreen replacement is to measure the crack. If the crack on your window is longer than 15 centimetres it might not be possible to repair your car’s glass, but this is just an estimate. Auto glass is a preferred method of repair as it saves you time, money and effort.

When you see that your window has been damaged, whether just by a small stone hitting the windscreen or by something more serious like an accident, you may not be too sure who to call. Many assume that a glass shop or an auto body shop will be able to meet their needs. There are, however, specialist auto glass repair companies that offer specialised services. They are experts in automotive glass repair and are familiar with any processes that should be followed when repairing or installing glass for windscreens and windows.

Windscreens are a vital component of a cars safety system. They help prevent the car roof from buckling in an accident, especially when cars overturn or roll. This is why no shortcuts should be made with windscreen glass repair.

Unless you retreat into a cave to sleep through the winter, you cannot have missed one of the most recorded Christmas songs of all time. Every mall in the country plays “Winter Wonderland”, usually the Bing Crosby and not the Ozzy Osbourne version, until you wish it was Spring. The myth of happy white Christmases is completely misleading. Unlike the southern states where the only problem is the dazzling sunshine, the northern states experience the annual covering of their roads with ice, sleet and snow, closely followed by the misery of melting slush then freezing over as the next cold front moves in. Trying to drive safely on the roads at this time is a nightmare. Nobody is ever prepared. Somehow, there is a mass amnesia as we all forget those defensive driving skills. That way, when the first snow falls, we can all panic as we move sideways across the road, pumping at the brake pedal without any effect.

Talk to an insurance company at this time of year brings depressing news. The number of claims arising from traffic accidents rise by nearly 40% in December through February. There is a spike on the first days of real snow in each area and people suddenly remember all the things they forgot. So what should you do to prepare for this annual festival of destruction on the roads. Well, the first and most basic rule of all is simple. If the journey is not essential, do not make it. The safest place on the first days of winter is in the safety of your own home with your vehicle safely parked off the road. Remember, if you have your vehicle parked on the street, it is a target for any other driver to crash into. Leave it with your friendly mechanic and take the chance for a few maintenance chores. If the snow looks set in, fit snow tires. If not, then have all-season tires with good treads to maximize the grip on the roads and carry chains with you. To improve visibility in sleet and snow, you need new windshield wipers. Have the brakes and steering checked, and retune the engine to give the best chance of it starting in the lower temperatures – there’s nothing worse than being stuck with a vehicle that will not start. Finally, pack an emergency kit and keep it in the vehicle. That way, if the worst happens, you can keep warm and warn other drivers away from you with hazard flares until help arrives. Ah yes. To speed the arrival of help, program the numbers of tow truck companies and garages in your area so you can be rescued. Membership of one of the clubs like AAA can offer good rates on emergency roadside assistance.

And you should care because, with collision and comprehensive coverage in place on your newish vehicle, the auto insurance company is not going to sit quietly if you suddenly file a number of claims this winter. Your premium rates will rise. When it comes to getting auto insurance quotes, the rates will also be higher than you expect if you are an inexperienced driver or moving from a state where it is summer all year round to one with four seasons. Everyone has to learn how to drive safely in snow.

Article by Maria Allen

Ever wonder how windshield repair works? Then read on. We explain how common auto glass repairs work to fix your windshield!

Broken windshields can be a major pain. From chips and cracks to complete spiderwebs, damaged automotive glass is a serious issue no matter the extent of the problem. That’s because even tiny dings and splits in your windshield can grow into vision-obscuring messes. However, windshield replacement isn’t the only solution when you have damaged auto glass. Smaller flaws can actually be repaired invisibly to restore both strength and an unobstructed view to your windshield. Here’s how it works.

The first step to any windshield repair is an evaluation of the damage. The chip or crack should be examined for size and depth as well as location to determine whether it is a candidate for repair. Most flaws up to 6 inches long can be fixed with the typical resin auto glass repair. However, keep in mind that this type of solution only works when just the top layer of glass is fractured. Modern windshields are composed of two layers of glass with a rubber membrane laminated in between; the repair can only resolve issues with the first layer of glass, so if both layers are damaged, or you have a hole that goes all the way through, it’s time to start learning about windshield replacement, not repairs. Also, some cracks that are around the perimeter of the windscreen can be difficult or impossible to correct, so make sure that the damage is located in a repairable place.

Once you’ve determined that the window glass can be repaired, the fix itself is relatively easy. Taking approximately 30 minutes, windshield chip repair is both simple and affordable. Using a special, sunlight-cured resin, the auto glass shop technician will inject the epoxy directly into the chip or crack using specialized tools. This completely fills the damage and ensures a smooth finish. The resin dries completely clear, helping the repair blend in to the surrounding windshield and almost totally hiding where the problem was. Natural sunlight dries the windshield crack repair to a waterproof, strong state that reinforces the windscreen and dependably prevents the crack or chip from ever spreading. Windshield glass repair offers a reliable solution for both sturdiness and aesthetics.

Windshield repairs are also super convenient, as most auto glass shops can actually come to you. Because the resin cures in sunlight and the special tools used to apply it are quite portable, you won’t have to take your car or truck into the shop to have it fixed. Instead, technicians can be sent to you for mobile glass repair right in your driveway or even your workplace’s parking lot. 

The best time to get a cracked windshield repaired is right now. Substantial research data shows that warm temperatures, cold temperatures, temperature shifts, and even rough road surfaces and speed bumps are all likely to exacerbate your car window glass’s damage. Remember, windshield crack repair only works for fissures up to 6 inches long, so if you put off calling the auto glass shop, the crack may grow to the point where windshield replacement is your only option. Save yourself the hassle and the money by bringing in an auto glass repair pro today to take a look. Providing structural support and practically invisible performance, resin car window repairs can help get your windshield back to first-class condition quickly and affordably.