Whether you’re an experienced driver or a rookie on the roads, it’s important that you know what to do if something happens to your windshield.
We can all agree that the number one concern when it comes to the care and maintenance of your car’s auto glass is your family’s health and safety.
How much does a simple auto glass chip- or windshield crack affect your family’s safety?
An incredible amount it turns out.
Auto glass issues left unchecked can quickly become dangerous.
Windshield cracks, windshield chips, or any auto glass damage can put you and your family at risk.
Windshield Safety:
Your windshield is designed to protect you from outside elements and help add structural integrity to your car. It is engineered to be strong and safe in any accident scenario.
So, does a Windshield crack or chip REALLY affect our safety?
In a word…
…YES
Auto glass chips often lead to auto glass cracks which ultimately expend to dangerous levels. This windshield “crack” journey can lead to a compromised safety issue There is no value in delaying repairing or replacing your windshield when it is damaged.
Replace or Repair?
This is a question for the ages, along the lines of what came first, the chicken or the egg, the problem is there is no “cast in stone” answer.
But should you fix it or replace?
Here are some rules of thumb:
Many in the industry go by the “3-inch, Quarter Rule”
If a chip is bigger than a quarter or a crack is longer than three inches get it fixed NOW
Other considerations are how deep the chip might be or even where the crack is located on your windshield. Your best bet is to ask you local NOVUS Glass expert their opinion on the best course of action.
Repair when you can but replace if:
1. If damage is in the acute eye line of the driver.
2. If the crack is 3 inches or longer
3. If the damage is in the area where your wipers sweep they could get damaged.
Tips on finding a reliable windshield repair expert
It is the same story for all of us. When our car is hurting, we need to find a great healer. But the problem is all the horror stories we have heard about car repair mishaps.
Finding a reliable, fair, expert glass repair technician near you is fraught with anxiety for many of us. Here are some tips to help you through the journey to a perfect auto glass repair.
- Look for experience, certification, and reputation. Practice matters, as does brand excellence and nationwide guarantees.
- Look online for positive reviews and customer stories about their service and satisfaction experiences. No windshield repair business will have perfect results online, but if most reviews are good, that is a great sign.
- What is their guarantee? Are they an independent shop with a limited ability to fix mistakes? Or are they a national chain with solid resources to ensure any issues are resolved quickly and to your satisfaction?
- Finally, are their hours extensive? Do they offer mobile service? Are they close enough to be convenient? How long will most procedures take? Great service includes making your experience stress free and short.
NOVUS Glass Locations have access to our many NOVUS Glass patented systems and specialized equipment. Our technicians are trained in our exclusive techniques and have ongoing education. Windshield repair can be a delicate procedure so experience, the right tools, and a rock-solid guarantee are all crucial to your peace-of-mind.
Is my shop using the best possible equipment and techniques?
Technology in the windshield repair and replacement industry changes constantly. National training programs and certifications are available to every NOVUS Glass location in Canada, the US and world-wide. Look for certification as a first step in choosing your local repair experts.
Who is NOVUS Glass Windshield Repair and Replacement?
NOVUS Glass is part of Fix Network World, the global leader in the automotive aftermarket services sector. With our Repair First, Replace When Necessary® commitment, NOVUS Glass worldwide can repair more windshields with greater optical clarity and structural integrity than any other system in the industry.
The NOVUS origin story began in 1972 in the United States of America. After having three windshields replaced due to small breaks, Dr Frank Werner went to work on finding a solution to fix breaks without having to replace the entire windshield. With the help of chemical engineer, Bill Wiele, the pair developed what is acknowledged still today as the best method of windshield glass repair.
In 1972, Gerald Keinath bought the patent rights for windshield repair and designed a business plan to take it to the people. The company started as a home business and then the name was changed to NOVUS®, which is the Latin word for ‘new’ or ‘innovative’.
Pro Tip: Can I tint my windows?
This is a question that can lead to heated debates. The laws for the darkness and coverage or your car’s windows varies incredibly. We urge you to chat with your local NOVUS Glass experts about their window tinting options (if any) and your local laws when it comes to tinting auto windows.
Window tinting can help reduce UV damage to your car’s windshield. It can also help a tiny bit in preventing chips. But the real reason for dreaming of tinting your windows is the cool look.
At the end of the day, it is an extremely personal choice. Many people love the sleek look of tinted auto glass on their beloved cars while for others, not so much.
If you are selling your car, it could cut down the potential buyer pool. Be aware, if professionally installed, removing the tint from your car’s windows should not be difficult.
Don’t rely on boilerplate guesses. Talk to the professionals and get solid advice you can take to the bank.
Hopefully the information provided here will help you make informed choices when your car’s glass is damaged. From simple maintenance to total windshield replacement your auto glass is an integral part of your cars design.
The safety of you and your family can often hinge on the smallest detail. That apparently tiny chip or miniscule crack seems like no problem. Suddenly another stone hits your compromised windshield and potential catastrophic failure looms.
The professionals at NOVUS Glass are here to help guide your through the windshield repair and windshield replacement process. We will give you our experience opinion on the best route you might take to ensure your safety.
Our years of relationships with insurance companies have established a trusting working environment. Our recommendations are considered golden for both you and the insurance industry.
The next time you encounter windshield unpleasantness:
Click here to find your nearest NOVUS Glass location.
From our family to yours, safe and happy motoring.
