5 Misconceptions about Windshield Repair

Windshields protect the passengers from exterior conditions and aid visibility. Without them, the drivers would be exposed to weather conditions, dust, rocks etc. on the roads. However, they don’t receive the importance they deserve.
They are prone to cracks and dents because of the regular interaction with debris and harsh exterior conditions. Any kind of damage to the windshields should be rectified immediately.

A lot of myths exist related to the process of windshield repair which deters vehicle owners from investing in restoration. Irrespective of the costs and the time required for repair, window glass repair should always be a priority to prevent any further damage and threat to life.

Affects the Insurance Premium

It is a common notion that a cracked windshield replacement may consequently lead to higher insurance premiums. Theoretically, the insurance companies can increase premiums after each claim, but they would not risk losing business for such minimalistic claims. Insurance companies try to target significant claims like damage to the body of the vehicle. Rest assured that the insurance rates won’t cost much more after a repair job.

Time Consuming

Another reason why car owners avoid windshield repair is the belief that it is a time-consuming affair. While it might affect your daily work schedule nominally, repair companies offer door-step services. This way you can drive to your workplace on time without having to disturb your schedule or even get it fixed at your office. The average time taken to replace a windshield takes less than it is widely believed.

Not Necessary

One of the most dangerous myths out there about windshield repair is that small cracks and dents don’t require a repair job. It may possibly lead to a life-threatening situation as cracks can increase over time due to exposure to sunlight and impact while driving among other reasons. It is absolutely necessary to get it repaired at the earliest or it may lead to irreparable damage or even cause fatalities in extreme circumstances.

Expensive

Windshield repairs are believed to be expensive, but that is not entirely the case. An increasing amount of car owners entrust unauthorized centres with repair work to save on expenditure. It can be both unsafe and counterproductive as the windshields from such centres might not meet the safety standards and warrant replacement eventually.

Only heavy impact causes damage

Small rocks or pebbles stuck in the tires of vehicles can lead to cracks and chips, let alone big rocks. Impact while driving on unkempt roads may lead to windshield damage as well. Therefore, drive carefully and keep a considerable distance between the preceding vehicles and always park under a shade.

While you can repair the windshields yourself with DIY repair kits easily available, it is strongly advisable to trust only experts. It requires an experienced hand and may cause you additional problems in the future in case of an improper repair job.

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4 Common Methods of Windshield Defogging

Visibility is the foremost function of windshields and a foggy windshield defeats that purpose. With the oncoming of winter, windshield defogging is required every now and again. Additionally, the levels of smog and pollution in Indian cities reduce visibility and the range of the sight of the driver.

Manual cleaning, for that matter, is tedious and doesn’t clean the windshield thoroughly. This poses a credible hindrance while driving on foggy days. The fog can also be harder to displace as it might freeze when exposed to colder temperatures.

With innovations in the automotive industry, the solutions to windshield fogging are simple and many. With appropriate methods, you can ensure that the windshield doesn’t incur harm due to fluctuating temperatures and need for car windscreen repair doesn’t arise.

Air Conditioner

The simplest trick to demist a windshield quickly is to switch on the car heater. The dry hot air from the heater reduces the moisture, but it is logically not an option during summers.

The windshield can be defogged with the use of cool air as well. Mixing the outside air with the heat and humidity of the interior can prove beneficial when you lower your windows. However, it can be uncomfortable for the passengers during winters and needs to be done at repeated intervals.

Ventilation

Roll down the windows for the circulation of the air. It is not the quickest way to defog the windshield, but you can depend on its efficacy. The drop in temperature acts on the moisture inside the cabin and dissipates fog gradually.

Defroster/Defogger

Modern day cars are equipped with defoggers/defrosters. This feature dissipates the fog quickly without causing discomfort to the passengers. Defoggers work on a simple theory: the rear windshield has an arrangement of thin thermal lines which heat up the glass with the push of a button. They completely remove the fog without any effect on the glass whatsoever.

However, the defogger cannot be employed on the front windshield for obvious reasons. The lines are a possible obstruction to the driver’s line of sight. Moreover, it takes more time to defog, which may not be ideal while travelling.

Manual Cleaning

Manually scrubbing or mopping the windshield removes fog but only temporarily. If, however, you wipe the windshield with soap water, the windshield will remain unaffected by fog for a while. Glass dealers and experts also suggest the use of cleaners available in the market.

Both are more of prevention techniques, while regular cleaning is beneficial for the windshields. A clean windshield is extremely important and can completely eliminate the need to defog glass.

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