WINDSHIELD

Temporary Repair Steps and Tips for Windshields

June 1, 2019 by admin 4 Comments

Who knew that one tiny pebble could cause so much damage? A small chip can soon expand, with a web-like crack slowly crawling across your windshield. Put off this repair long enough and your windshield may suddenly break, showering your interior with glass. You may be able to handle a temporary repair yourself, provided you take the following steps.

If you don’t take care of a small crack immediately, your entire windshield can break,
requiring immediate replacement.

1. Measure the Damage

If the damage to your windshield measures one inch or less, then proceed to the next step. If it is larger than one inch, then do not read on as you will need to have your windshield repair handled by a professional.

2. Shop for a Windshield Repair Kit

Several manufacturers offer windshield repair kits, providing temporary solutions for your minor windshield repair. Blue-Star, Permatex, 3M Auto, Loctite and Pitstop offer kits, each retailing for less than $20. We’ll use the 3M Auto kit as an example for making this particular repair.

3. Consider Temperature and Conditions

Plan your windshield repair for a warm, moisture-free day when temperatures are at least 60 degrees and no more than 90 degrees. Ideally, you will accomplish this repair in a climate-controlled garage where outside temperature and direct sunlight are not factors.

4. Review and Prepare

Read the instructions that come with your safety kit carefully before going through each step. Avoid contact with chemicals by wearing gloves and put on safety goggles when handling this repair project.

5. Assemble the Injection Tool

Your windshield repair kit will come with a bridge assembly, a resin chamber assembly and an injector assembly, in addition to an alcohol wipe, a stick pin, one eye dropper, a scraping blade and a tiny sheet of clear plastic film. Assemble the injection tool with the parts provided to make this tool.

6. Clean and Repair

Spray the windshield area surrounding the damage with glass cleaner. Wipe clean with a paper towel. Take the stick pin and clean out the affected area, removing loose pieces of glass. Wipe the damaged area with the included alcohol wipe.

7. Center the Injector Tool

Place the injector tool over the damaged area, screwing in the injection nozzle directly over the chip. If you have difficulty centering the tool, tape a mirror to the inside of the windshield for improved visibility. Press down on the assembly to allow the suction cups to adhere to the glass.

8. Fill the Resin Chamber

Take the eyedropper and fill it halfway with the provided glass repair resin. Screw the upper portion of the injector tool into the resin chamber. The resin will begin to fill the damaged area as you screw it in place.

9. Observe and Repeat, if Necessary

From the underside of the windshield (inside of your car) ensure that the affected area has been filled with resin. If not, adjust the assembly and repeat the previous step. Once you are satisfied that the job has been accomplished, then add a drop of resin and place the clear plastic film over the treated area.

10. Remove and Cure

Remove the bridge assembly from the windshield and place your car outside in direct sunlight. Allow the resin to cure for 30 minutes before cleaning up.

11. Clean and Observe

Once cured, scrape around the edge of the treated area with the scraping blade to remove excess resin. Remove the plastic film. Wipe down your entire windshield with glass cleaner and a towel. Observe that the damage has been repaired.

Temporary Repair Ahead of a Permanent Solution

A temporary windshield repair is just that: a chance for you to put off a more expensive car repair until you have the money to pay for one. If you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage, your windshield repair may be covered. However, a deductible may still apply. Contact your auto insurer to learn what your share of repair costs will be.

Hail Damage Cars: Are They Worth It?

May 2, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

Yet another round of hail storms have left dealers with damaged vehicles to repair or sell ‘as is.’

“Cars getting hit by hail stones in Kansas” by State Farm is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Threatening clouds may portend something much worse than a rain shower: if conditions are ripe, property-damaging hail may fall, whacking your home’s siding, breaking windshields, and quickly covering your lawn in ice.

Hail also presents an opportunity for new car shoppers looking for a deal. Although many hail-damaged cars are repaired and look none the worse for wear, others are simply offered “as is” and typically are accompanied by deep discounts. Potentially, that $30,000 car might be sold for $22,000, with discounts of 25 percent or more possible.

But are hail-damaged cars worth it? Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for one.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Clearly, what you see is what you get with a hail-damaged car. Given that no two hail storms are alike and damage can vary from vehicle to vehicle, each car must be individually evaluated to determine whether purchasing it is worth it or not.

Likely, some repairs were made before a hail-damaged vehicle is offered for sale. Fragile surfaces such as the windshield, windows, side mirrors, and headlamp assemblies may be new. As for the roof, hood, trunk, trim and body, evidence of damage may yet be apparent.

Your decision here is fairly straightforward: can I live with the way the vehicle looks and enjoy the savings or should I invest “X” amount of dollars in handling the repairs myself? Be forewarned: those repairs may consume much of your savings.

Possible Insurance and Financing Challenges

Buy any car and you will want to have it insured. In fact, your lender will probably require your to carry certain types of coverage. Before you buy a hail-damaged car, check with your insurer. You need to know what the insurer will and will not cover as well as what your overall cost will be.

Financing may be another concern. Some of the usual new car financiers may not extend loans for damaged vehicles. On the other hand, a dealer can usually find a lender. Your bank or credit union should be considered as well.

Warranty Coverage Will Change

New cars typically come with a package of warranties: bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and rust coverage. The first two may yet be offered, but the rust or corrosion warranty most likely will have been voided.

If all warranties were voided, then look for another vehicle. Some dealers may offer a generous warranty to replace the voided warranties, but may be valid only if your car is serviced at the dealership. This wouldn’t be a problem if you live nearby, but if you live or move far away the warranty is effectively useless.

As for rust, count on it. Unless repairs are made, then expect the vehicle’s already damaged body to show signs of rust early on. Everything else about the car may work just fine, which may be enough for you.

A Second Set of Eyes

As you evaluate a hail-damaged car, look closely for other signs of damage. Indeed, if the windshield was smashed, water damage may have followed. The interior may look great, but it might also show telltale signs of water damage: stained carpeting, a discolored dashboard, an odd smell.

Here, a second set of eyes inspecting your car can come in hand — especially if that person is your mechanic. He may pull out the dashboard and look for signs of corrosion, which may affect the electrical system. Your mechanic can find other signs of flood damage you may miss.

Is it Worth It?

If you plan to keep your hail-damaged car until you wear it out, then its resale value isn’t a concern. On the other hand, if you plan to make repairs, get an estimate from a body shop first as your up front savings may be wiped out by the cost of those repairs.

Replace Your Own Windshield in Seven Steps

September 5, 2012 by Al Morgan 1 Comment

You were driving down the road and – oh no! – you heard it. Crack. A stray pebble got kicked up by the car in front of you and it put a neat little crack in your windshield.

So what do you do? Obviously, it needs to be fixed, since it’s a huge safety hazard and you could get into a lot of trouble with the authorities if you’re caught driving around with a cracked windshield. You can take it to a dealership or an auto body repair shop; sometimes though the cost is astronomical and you are tight on cash this month. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys doing home auto repair, though, then replacing the windshield on your own might be the way to go.

cracked windshield

Supplies You Will Need:

A new windshield, a painter’s knife and sealer (available at auto parts stores or online), a scraper blade, suction cups, a gasket sealer and a rubber hammer. And if you can, get a friend to come over and give you a hand.

Step 1: Purchase a Replacement Windshield

If you check online, there are sites that sell replacement windshields. Be wary and skeptical before forking over your credit card number it might be the wisest option to just call. That will also be helpful when it comes to price, because if you have a live human being on the phone, there’s a good chance you can haggle on the cost. If you do not like any of the prices online, another option is to try to find a second-hand windshield. While not as commonplace as side windows, there are still whole windshields out there, if you know where to look. Try salvage yards first. If that yields nothing, try looking around on Craigslist in the auto parts section (or post your own ad saying that you’re looking for one – it’s free and easy).

Step 2: Remove Windshield Wipers

It might seem obvious, but nonetheless, remove the windshield wiper assembly on the car before you go for the glass. Make sure you remove the trim and then unscrew the bolts which attach the wiper to the car.

Step 3: Remove Molding

With your painter’s knife, carefully remove the molding that surrounds the windshield. Take care not to damage it, as you will be reusing it later.

Step 4: Remove Gasket and Existing Adhesive

At this point, it’s important to note that your new windshield should be set up on a pair of carpet-covered saw horses. It’s also important to put a padded barrier between the glass and the wood so that the glass isn’t scratched and the wood isn’t messed up by the sealer that will go on later.

The rubber gasket needs to be peeled off the channel and set aside. You can start removing the existing adhesive now, taking care to do a thorough job with a scraper blade. The key is to make sure you get all of it, as any remaining old adhesive will prevent the new from being properly installed. Also, check both the exterior and the interior for the old adhesive.

Step 5: Remove Old Windshield

Now the really fun part: it’s going to be heavy, but you’re either a big tough guy or lady or you nabbed a friend to help, right? Use the suction cups to lift off the old windshield and set it aside. With any luck, it will stay in one piece while you do this.

Step 6: Prepare the New Windshield

Clean the new windshield so that it’s smudge free (around the edges especially). At this point it’s a good idea to reapply the gasket, working it around the perimeter of the windshield. Apply gasket sealer by pulling back the edge of the gasket and brushing it on so that it’s between the gasket and the windshield. Don’t miss any spots and don’t fuss that it’s messy. The central thing is that you create a good seal.

Step 7: Reinstall New Windshield and Molding

Now you can use those suction cups on the new windshield and carefully lift it into place. Lay it on the frame, pressing with even pressure. If necessary, use the rubber hammer to “seat it.” Then you can reinstall the molding, by setting it in place and pushing it down. That rubber hammer might come in handy again, too, right about now.

That should do it! It’s always a good idea to check for leaks when you’re done, too.

See Also — Where Can I Find My Cars Paint Code?

“Cracked Windshield” by Tony Webster is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Average Salary of Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

May 1, 2012 by admin 6 Comments

Information updated June 2014.

By Charles K. Green

What automotive glass installers and repairers earn.

You are zipping down the interstate and without warning an unknown piece of debris flies up, hits your windshield and sails over the roof of your car. Startled, you continue on your way, but soon notice a pin-sized hole in your windshield. That hole will only grow if it is not repaired, possibly causing the entire windshield to crack and break if you neglect the repair.

Fortunately for you, your auto insurance policy will cover the repair, provided you use XYZ automotive glass repair, a company that will send out a technician to repair your windshield at your home. Such automotive glass installers and repairers number just 18,000 strong according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning an average annual salary of $32,310 per year as of 2013.

Average Pay for Automotive Glass Installers

The median pay for automotive glass installers and repairers was $32,300 in 2013 according to the BLS. Those in the 10th percentile averaged $19,900 per year while those in the 25th percentile earned $25,200. Glass repairers in the 75th percentile averaged $39,400 per year and those in the 90th percentile earned $47,100 per year annually.

Largest Industries

Automotive repair businesses and car manufacturers employ the largest number of glass installer and repairers. Companies such as Safelite AutoGlass typically send technicians to the location of a vehicle to remove the old glass and install new glass. Some technicians work in body shops or related repair shops. Others work in manufacturing plants.

By Location

Automotive glass installers and repairers can be found in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Tennessee, with an average yearly pay of $41,100, lead all states as of 2013. Minnesota at $39,500, Oregon at $38,000, Utah at $37,300 and Nevada at $36,600 followed.

At the bottom end of the pay spectrum is Missouri where the average salary as of 2013 came in at $22,300 followed by New York at $25,400, New Mexico at $26,300, Louisiana at $27,000 and Indiana at $27,400.

Training for Automotive Glass Installers

Most repairers and installers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some have completed technical school, receiving training in body work. Workers may be hired and trained by a company, but should possess expertise and experience working with such tools as cutting knives, pullers, screwdrivers and power buffers. Mechanical aptitude, mathematical skills and customer service skills are important for this position.

Job Outlook

The BLS is estimating average growth for automotive glass installers and repairers, projecting an 8 to 14 percent job growth for the 10-year period ending in 2022. Approximately 6,900 openings are forecast as workers move on to other jobs or move up in the industry. With more than 250 million vehicles registered in the United States according to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, there will always be a need for people to fix cracked windshields and replace other automotive glass.

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