Answering the Basic Questions About Windshield Damage

Your car’s windshield is a crucial part of the vehicle as it protects you and your passengers from debris, wind, water, and other elements.

That’s why when it starts to crack or chip, it should be taken care of immediately. Not only does this protect your safety, but it also helps you avoid hefty fines for not complying with state laws. Luckily many places offer these services, so finding one in your area should be easy enough.

How Do Windshield Cracks Occur?

There are many different reasons why a windshield can be cracked. The most common reason is due to gravel being kicked up by the tires of another vehicle. This may not seem like it should cause such damage, but when there is high speed involved and these rocks hit at just the right angle, they can crack glass instantly.

The only way to avoid being injured is by keeping your windshield in good condition at all times, and that’s why windshield repair services are so important. Not only will the experts at the auto glass company fix your cracked or chipped glass, but they will also give you a clear guide on how to prevent further damage in the future. This might include putting protective shields around your windows or just using extra caution when going over rough terrain or driving through rural areas. By following these guidelines, you can have peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to pay for auto glass repair services anytime soon.

How Bad is it to Drive with Cracked Windshields?

Driving a vehicle with cracked windshields is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. This is because if the weather conditions get bad enough, the glass could crack all the way across, hindering your ability to see what is ahead of you. This isn’t just an inconvenience; if you get cut from the glass, it could be a matter of life and death. In fact, according to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), over 1 million windshields are replaced each year due to storm damage alone. And although this can happen at any time without warning, some people choose to wait until after severe damage has occurred before getting their windshield replaced.

One thing that complicates things even further is that different states have different requirements for how long you are allowed to drive with a cracked windshield. However, federal law holds that cracks and chips smaller than 3/4 of an inch are permitted. However, this only applies if they are three inches or farther from other chips or cracks and cannot be located within the driver’s area of view.

Where Should I Go for Windshield Repair Services?

Luckily there are windshield repair services that can not only make your windshield look good as new, but they will also help you prevent any further damage from occurring.

Finding the right auto glass company for the job takes a little bit of research and legwork on your part because unless you have worked with them before, how do you know if their services live up to expectations? That’s why a few questions need to be answered before making any commitment when deciding which repair service to go with.

The first thing you need to ask is about their procedures and methods. What kind of equipment do they use? Are their master technicians AGRSS-Certified? What kind of materials or products are they using for the repairs, and how will you be able to tell if they were done correctly?

And perhaps most importantly, you need to know what they charge. Not all windshield repair companies are created equal, so it’s important to determine what their initial costs will be and if any extra fees may apply depending on your situation. Some companies may have a flat rate, while others let you pick and choose the features included in the said rate. You can even get quotes for other services such as tinting or chip repair so make sure you ask questions about everything beforehand.

For the best windshield repair services in Portland, OR, contact Auto Glass Services NW. We offer mobile car window repair services and work directly with almost all insurance companies.