YOUR WINDSHIELD: FACTS AND COMMON PROBLEMS

What is a windshield wipers and purpose does it serve?

A windshield wiper is a device that is used to remove ice, snow, rain, hail and flying debris from a windshield. Windshield wipers are a legal requirement in the auto glass Toronto area as they rapidly wipe away all flying debris and other elements that can cause the driver to become distracted. Windshields are very important as they prevent many motor vehicle accidents from occurring.

Brief History On Windshield Wipers

In the 1903, three very wise individuals patented windshield cleaning devices; Robert Douglas, John Apjohn, and Mary Anderson. Mary Anderson also invested the windshield. The very first windshield wipers were not electric, as they are today. A lever had to move inside of the car in order for the wipers to work. As technology advanced, a lady by the name of Charlotte Bridgwood patented the very first automatic windshield wipers in 1916. Unlike today, her windshield wipers relied on a series of rubber rollers as opposed to blades.

Common Windshield Wiper Problems

As any other mechanism, windshield wipers do have their common problems. It is very dangerous to drive with broken, or faulty windshields as it can snow, rain, or hail at any given moment. The effectiveness of your wipers will allow you to determine whether you need to have them replaced or not. If it is raining and your wipers are smearing water in one direction, you need to have them replaced. Your wipers are either the wrong size, too old, or too hard. Wiper blade chattering is another common issue in the Toronto area. If your wipers are giving off a shattering noise, it means it is not wiping water away the way it is designed to. Buildup of oil, wax or even grease, are common reasons as to why your wiper blades may give off the chattering sound. It is advised by the auto glass Toronto industry experts that all residents wipe their blades off immediately with a toxic free cleaner for the purpose of removing any grease or oil. If this still does not work, you could be dealing with a bent wiper arm. You would then be advised to buy brand new windshield wipers. One of the most frustrating problems windshields have is their inability to wipe away water beads. Of all things, water beads should be the easiest for windshield wipers to wipe away. If the water beads on your windshield are not wiping off, do not jump to conclusions and assume your wiper blades are not working. The fact is, the condition of the air has a lot to do with the wiper’s ability to dispose of water beads. Due to the amount of pollution in the Toronto area, your wipers could stop working as efficiently as they used to. In a case like this, you are advised to wipe all of the dirt, and residue build up off of your windshield. You can use a wax or a high-quality glass cleaner in order to remove residue and dirt. Do not use water as that will not do the job. Wiper blades that smear in both directions are also a common problem. Quite often, if your wiper blades do this, they are either warn out, or dirty. You must clean your wipers and windshield regularly in order to avoid this issue. If you already do that, and the issue still remains, then you will need new wipers immediately.

Dangers Of Driving With Faulty Windshield Wipers

A very large number of factors can impair your vision while driving along the Toronto roads. Due to this, many auto glass professionals have invented a plethora of items that decreases your chances of being involved in life threatening situations. Your windshield wipers are one of these many safety items. It is important to understand what your windshield wipers do for you. Ultimately, they removes anything from your windshield that obstructions your view. Obstructed views and distracted driving accounts for over 200 deaths per month in theauto glass Toronto district. If it is raining outside, and your wipers are faulty, or even broken, you will have a very hard time seeing the road. In addition to this, your chances of crashing on the highway go from 10% to %70 when you have faulty windshield wipers. A lot of drivers in the Toronto area do not change their windshield wipers as often as needed. It is recommended you change your wipers every 6 months. This recommendation has been put in place by the auto glass experts for the purpose of your safety. Driving around with faulty windshield wipers could lead to high fines, tickets and horrible car accidents. It is advised that you purchase high-quality windshield wipers as this increases your chances of being safe.

How to Properly Inspect Wiper Blades

In the Toronto area, many motor vehicle operators have no idea that their wiper blades are faulty until they stay driving and they realize they need them. It is advised by the experts at Auto Glass Changers that all residents thoroughly inspect their wiper blades on a regular basis. During the inspection process, you need to look for any visible cracks in the rubber squeegee’s edge, ensure the wiper blade is securely attached to the wiper arm, check for metal corrosion at the claws and joints of the wiper blades, check for the detachment of the wiper frame, and most importantly, check the squeegee wiping edge for any rounded edges. Rounded edges reduce the effectiveness of your wiper blades which prevents it from doing its job correctly.

Extend The Life Of Your Wiper Blades

If you are buying new wiper blades every month, now is your time to stop. Refrain from using your windshield wipers for the purpose of de-icing your windshield. You should use an ice scraper instead as using your wiper blades will eventually cause them to become warn out. Is has been said by many industry experts that you should clean your windshield every time you put gas in your car. The constant buildup of gas and other toxic chemicals can have a negative effect on your windshield which will then affect your wipers. During winter months, when your car is parked, pull up your wiper blades. This is thankfully a common practice in the Toronto area. By pulling up your wiper blades, you are preventing them from sticking to the windshield. Constantly maintaining the cleanliness of your wiper blades is very important. The constant buildup of dirt and reside overtime, will cause your wiper blades to become weak, and this will ultimately decrease the amount of time it has to operate.

Stay Safe

You need to be very cautious when it comes to your wiper blades. Follow the steps above to ensure you are protecting the safety of yourself, and the others around you. Treat your wiper blades with care, and never forget how important they are. In the Toronto area, police officers and the Auto Glass Industry professionals aim to reduce the number of accidents on the road due to obstructed views. You can reduce this number by ensuring your windshield wipers are in great shape. Continue to drive safely, and remember to inspect your wipers on a regular basis. 

THE WONDERS OF AUTO GLASS

How many of us ever look through our cars’ windshields and ask ourselves, “How is this made?” or “What exactly does this do besides allow us to see the scenery when we are driving?” Many of us probably don’t give it a second thought, but auto glass is an integral component of a cars’ safety systems and warrants a closer look at how it is manufactured and the safety properties it offers.

When a car company produces ads heralding their vehicles’ new safety features in the Mississauga auto glass area, they rarely talk about, or even mention the windshield or other windows. It is a little known fact that this type of glass was designed and fabricated with the safety of passengers in mind. The function of this remarkable combination of materials, such as silica sand and chemicals, is far different from regular household glass despite their similar appearances.

Let’s first examine the daily encounters of your vehicle as it travels through its’ lifetime. We all know that the road conditions today can be perilous at times. Your car will no doubt encounter a wide assortment and number of things such as potholes, rocks, debris and fender benders in its’ lifetime. If your auto glass was manufactured out of a standard type of glass, such as household glass, it would shatter into large and dangerous shards when you encounter the first pothole! This is a direct result of the strain put on the glass during your normal every day driving. Because of this, using standard glass would be an extremely dangerous practice.

You may be asking by now, “What really prevents auto glass from shattering at the slightest chance meeting with a pot hole?” The answer is quite simple. Automotive glass is manufactured by using two different processes that yields two different types of safety glass. This safety glass thus protects the structure of your vehicle and also the precious cargo inside.

The first type of safety glass is called laminated glass. This is used in the windshield of your car. The second type of safety glass that is used for the side and back windows is typically known as tempered glass.

These two types of glass have different functions and properties, but when used together, they merge to become an integral factor in keeping you inside the vehicle during an accident, shield you from flying shards of glass and projectiles, maintain the vehicles’ rigidity in a rollover and allows the passenger side airbags to protect you when it is deployed.

What is the role of laminated glass in an accident? First of all, without laminated glass, the passenger side air bag would not be able to deploy correctly and function as it was designed to do. When a passenger side air bag deploys in the Mississauga auto glass region, it bounces off the windshield and then towards the passenger. It releases in a time frame of approximately 1/30^th of a second and can exert up to 2,000 pounds of force. Can you imagine the damage this force can do to a human body if the force was not absorbed before it came into contact with the passenger? Since it bounces off the windshield first, the laminated glass has to absorb both the speed and the force in order to protect the passenger. If the force and speed was not absorbed, then a passenger side air bag would surely prove fatal to a passenger instead of saving them, thus defeating the purpose of the air bag.

Laminated glass also serves to keep occupants inside a vehicle during an accident. In the past, there were many instances and fatalities where occupants were ejected from a vehicle through the windshield because the glass simply wasn’t strong enough. Today’s laminated glass is strong enough to keep occupants inside, and thus, provide more security.

In addition to absorbing the force of air bags being deployed and keeping occupants inside the vehicle, laminated windshields also add to the strength and rigidity of a vehicle’s roof. It helps to prevent the roof from buckling down completely on the occupants during a roll over.

Tempered glass is just as important to a car’s safety system as laminated glass, but it differs greatly in both form and function. This type of glass is used for the surrounding glass and the back window, namely the sidelites and backlite. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, dull pieces. The tempering process significantly adds to the strength of this glass, thus producing a glass that does not break each time you hit a pothole or close the door.

Now that we have looked at the various functions and safety features of auto glass in the Mississauga auto glass district, it is time to discover the different manufacturing processes of laminated and tempered glass.

Laminated glass, simply put, is a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between two pieces of glass. These are then sealed by a series of pressure rollers and then heated. This combination of pressure and heat mechanically and chemically bonds the PVB to the auto glass. The mechanical bond occurs through the adhesiveness of the PVB, while the chemical bond is created through hydrogen bonding of the PVB to the glass.

It is the sandwiched layer of PVB in laminated glass that allows the glass to absorb energy in an impact and gives resistance to the penetration of flying projectiles. The PVB also deflects up to 95% of the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Tempered glass is created by heating and then rapidly cooling the glass to room temperature by quickly ushering it through a system of blowers. The surface of the glass cools much faster than the center and contracts, which causes compressive stresses. At the same time, the center of the glass expands because of its’ temperature. This produces what’s known as tensile stresses. In simple terms, picture a piece of glass that could be stretched to a certain length (tensile stress), while being pushed down and compressed (compressive stress) simultaneously. By creating both of these stresses, manufacturers are able to produce a glass that has 5 to 10 times the strength it originally had. Bear in mind that the tempering process leaves the edges on a typical piece of tempered glass very weak. This is caused mostly by the rapid release of heat during the cooling phase of the tempering process. To help compensate for this, the glass is ground down on the edges.

Now that you have discovered the safety features of auto glass and the manufacturing processes, it would be a difficult chore to look through your car’s windshield ever again and think that the only use is to allow us to see where we are going. On the contrary, auto glass is so much more!!!

ALL ABOUT WINDOW TINT

The first time windows were tinted was around the time of World War II and the years following. When people couldn’t get their windows tinted in the factory, they often tried tinting their windows at home. This was prior to window film being invented so people tried to do spray-on tinting. This was usually very dark and uneven. Window tint was invented in 1966. The original film was dye-based and had poor heat rejection. It would absorb heat into the vehicle rather than reflecting it back. This dye-based tint also had a tendency to turn purple and bubbly in the sun, and had a short lifespan. A newer version of window tint emerged in the early nineties. This type was constructed with metal integrated with dye. This contained dye to reflect the sun’s rays and could offer about a 50% heat reduction. The one problem with metallized window tint was that it interfered with electronic devices such as GPS and sometimes radio. The latest type of window tint is ceramic film. This type lasts a lifetime, rejects heat and UV rays, and does not cause any problems with electronics. The ceramic-based tints are the most popular tints that are used today by Toronto auto glass shops. The more advanced window tinting films that we see today weren’t in the marketplace until the mid-90s. This type of film is coated with a thin film of Titanium Dioxide, Aluminum Oxide or a mixture of the two. Window tinting can help keep your windshield intact during impact. Window tinting in the 1960s was done using a solar control film. This was a film that attached to the glass by using a method of pressing it on the window using some type of transparent adhesive. The solar control film had a mist deposited aluminum coat and was designed to reflect the sun’s radiation back away from the window.

Reasons to Tint

There are many reasons why people chose to tint their car windows. One is simply just for appearance. Many people really like the look of darker windows. Another reason is added privacy. Tinted windows provide privacy while you are driving and they can also act as a deterrent to thieves that may try to peer into your windows to see what goods you have. Some people tint their cars to keep them cooler. The tint reduces the amount of heat that penetrates through the windshield. You will also save on fuel as you may not have to rely on you’re AC as much to cool your vehicle. A proper window tint can help provide protection for the interior of your car. Whether you have cloth or leather the sun’s rays can have an adverse effect on your car’s interior. The life of your car’s interior can be extended by 60% if you have tinting done. Tinting blocks around 99% of the ultraviolet rays from the sun, which means that it can also protect you and your passengers from those harmful rays. This is particularly important if you have any history of skin cancer in your family. If you have sun allergies or find your skin is particularly sensitive to the sun then tinting can definitely help. Tinted windows can also help increase the chances that your windows will stay intact upon impact. They help to shatter-proof your windows.

How it is done

Laying a thin coloured sticker on the car windshield is how car tinting is done. Not every part of the car windows can be tinted. The front windshield cannot be fully tinted because the driver needs to be able to see out clearly but sometimes the very top of the windshield is tinted to help reduce glare from the sun. Some space on the side windows near the mirrors is also not tinted for the reason of visibility.

Colours

Car tint comes in various colours. The common colours are black, light black, blue, light blue, and silver. People generally prefer to match the tint colour to their car. For example a black car will be done in light black tint. Those who tint for security purposes tend to choose the darker tints. Those that just tint for aesthetics generally pick lighter tints.

Durability

Tint can last an extremely long time if a good quality job is done. You will want to ensure you are getting a professional to do the job for you if you want it to last. Toronto auto glass experts can help you with picking out the right tint for your vehicle. You should be careful not to get scratches or scrapes in your tint if possible. This will ensure it lasts longer.

Know your regulations

Dark windows can be a safety concern for law enforcement officers when they’re making traffic stops; so many cities have specific limits on how dark you can tint your windows. Most professional auto glass companies make it their business to stay on top of all of the regulations but you should also stay informed.

DIY Tinting

Be very careful if you are trying to do your own tinting. Tinting is very tricky work and can be difficult to do properly. The tint you can buy it kits may also not be of t he highest quality. It is better if you don’t have much experience with tinting to leave it to the experts. If you are worried about cost, then shop around and you will be sure to find something that is affordable but still professional quality.

Removing Tint

All car window tint will fade with age and needs to be removed. The main ways you can tell that tint is in need of replacement is when it turns purple in colour or begins to bubble. There are several methods you can use to try to remove your window tint yourself but the best thing to do is get the help of an expert. Professionals at Toronto auto glass shops can do the work for you saving you the hassle of doing it yourself. There is also a chance that you will not do it properly and be left with sticky adhesive residue still on your car window. It is best to let the experts do the removal for you so that you can have peace of mind that it has been done properly. Trying to do it yourself and causing damage to your windshield in the process would not be good. It is well worth the money to pay an expert to do the job properly for you.

Whether you are looking to add a new look to your vehicle, wanting to seek protection from the sun or increase your visibility as you drive, tinting can be a great option. It is a good investment because it can also increase the resale value of your vehicle. People tend to see tinting as a nice bonus feature so it can be a good selling point. If you have any questions about tint then be sure to ask the expert team at the Auto Glass Changers. Our team is knowledgeable and friendly and would be happy to help you with any questions you may have.

YOUR WINDSHIELD: FACTS AND COMMON PROBLEMS

What is a windshield wipers and purpose does it serve?

A windshield wiper is a device that is used to remove ice, snow, rain, hail and flying debris from a windshield. Windshield wipers are a legal requirement in the auto glass Toronto area as they rapidly wipe away all flying debris and other elements that can cause the driver to become distracted. Windshields are very important as they prevent many motor vehicle accidents from occurring.

Brief History On Windshield Wipers

In the 1903, three very wise individuals patented windshield cleaning devices; Robert Douglas, John Apjohn, and Mary Anderson. Mary Anderson also invested the windshield. The very first windshield wipers were not electric, as they are today. A lever had to move inside of the car in order for the wipers to work. As technology advanced, a lady by the name of Charlotte Bridgwood patented the very first automatic windshield wipers in 1916. Unlike today, her windshield wipers relied on a series of rubber rollers as opposed to blades.

Common Windshield Wiper Problems

As any other mechanism, windshield wipers do have their common problems. It is very dangerous to drive with broken, or faulty windshields as it can snow, rain, or hail at any given moment. The effectiveness of your wipers will allow you to determine whether you need to have them replaced or not. If it is raining and your wipers are smearing water in one direction, you need to have them replaced. Your wipers are either the wrong size, too old, or too hard. Wiper blade chattering is another common issue in the Toronto area. If your wipers are giving off a shattering noise, it means it is not wiping water away the way it is designed to. Buildup of oil, wax or even grease, are common reasons as to why your wiper blades may give off the chattering sound. It is advised by the auto glass Toronto industry experts that all residents wipe their blades off immediately with a toxic free cleaner for the purpose of removing any grease or oil. If this still does not work, you could be dealing with a bent wiper arm. You would then be advised to buy brand new windshield wipers. One of the most frustrating problems windshields have is their inability to wipe away water beads. Of all things, water beads should be the easiest for windshield wipers to wipe away. If the water beads on your windshield are not wiping off, do not jump to conclusions and assume your wiper blades are not working. The fact is, the condition of the air has a lot to do with the wiper’s ability to dispose of water beads. Due to the amount of pollution in the Toronto area, your wipers could stop working as efficiently as they used to. In a case like this, you are advised to wipe all of the dirt, and residue build up off of your windshield. You can use a wax or a high-quality glass cleaner in order to remove residue and dirt. Do not use water as that will not do the job. Wiper blades that smear in both directions are also a common problem. Quite often, if your wiper blades do this, they are either warn out, or dirty. You must clean your wipers and windshield regularly in order to avoid this issue. If you already do that, and the issue still remains, then you will need new wipers immediately.

Dangers Of Driving With Faulty Windshield Wipers

A very large number of factors can impair your vision while driving along the Toronto roads. Due to this, many auto glass professionals have invented a plethora of items that decreases your chances of being involved in life threatening situations. Your windshield wipers are one of these many safety items. It is important to understand what your windshield wipers do for you. Ultimately, they removes anything from your windshield that obstructions your view. Obstructed views and distracted driving accounts for over 200 deaths per month in theauto glass Toronto district. If it is raining outside, and your wipers are faulty, or even broken, you will have a very hard time seeing the road. In addition to this, your chances of crashing on the highway go from 10% to %70 when you have faulty windshield wipers. A lot of drivers in the Toronto area do not change their windshield wipers as often as needed. It is recommended you change your wipers every 6 months. This recommendation has been put in place by the auto glass experts for the purpose of your safety. Driving around with faulty windshield wipers could lead to high fines, tickets and horrible car accidents. It is advised that you purchase high-quality windshield wipers as this increases your chances of being safe.

How to Properly Inspect Wiper Blades

In the Toronto area, many motor vehicle operators have no idea that their wiper blades are faulty until they stay driving and they realize they need them. It is advised by the experts at Auto Glass Changers that all residents thoroughly inspect their wiper blades on a regular basis. During the inspection process, you need to look for any visible cracks in the rubber squeegee’s edge, ensure the wiper blade is securely attached to the wiper arm, check for metal corrosion at the claws and joints of the wiper blades, check for the detachment of the wiper frame, and most importantly, check the squeegee wiping edge for any rounded edges. Rounded edges reduce the effectiveness of your wiper blades which prevents it from doing its job correctly.

Extend The Life Of Your Wiper Blades

If you are buying new wiper blades every month, now is your time to stop. Refrain from using your windshield wipers for the purpose of de-icing your windshield. You should use an ice scraper instead as using your wiper blades will eventually cause them to become warn out. Is has been said by many industry experts that you should clean your windshield every time you put gas in your car. The constant buildup of gas and other toxic chemicals can have a negative effect on your windshield which will then affect your wipers. During winter months, when your car is parked, pull up your wiper blades. This is thankfully a common practice in the Toronto area. By pulling up your wiper blades, you are preventing them from sticking to the windshield. Constantly maintaining the cleanliness of your wiper blades is very important. The constant buildup of dirt and reside overtime, will cause your wiper blades to become weak, and this will ultimately decrease the amount of time it has to operate.

Stay Safe

You need to be very cautious when it comes to your wiper blades. Follow the steps above to ensure you are protecting the safety of yourself, and the others around you. Treat your wiper blades with care, and never forget how important they are. In the Toronto area, police officers and the Auto Glass Industry professionals aim to reduce the number of accidents on the road due to obstructed views. You can reduce this number by ensuring your windshield wipers are in great shape. Continue to drive safely, and remember to inspect your wipers on a regular basis.

AUTO GLASS EVOLUTION TIMELINE

The transformation of the windshield has always been an intriguing topic in the North York Auto Glass area. Since the 1900s, windshields have drastically changed to better suite the needs of all motor vehicle operators. Follow us on our journey as we explore the evolution of auto glass…

1930

In this year, Ford introduced the Ford Model A vehicle. This was the very first vehicle to have laminated glass in the windshield. Libbey Owens Ford produced flat glass for both building products and automotive industries. In 1928, Owens was the first company to successfully produce laminated safety glass for automobiles. As a result, he won a contest to sign with the well-known Ford Motor Company. Safety glass continues to benefit many of the automobile drivers today as it is very durable and does not shatter upon impact.

1934

The Chevrolet Imperial Airflow CW was introduced, and was the first vehicle to use curved glass. Unlike the tradition flat panel of glass, the Chevrolet’s windshields were made up of two sheets of glass in which formed a “vee” on the top, bottom and both sides.

1948

Preston Tucker debuted the Tucker 48 automobile in Chicago. Interesting enough, only 51 cars were created before the company shut down in 1949 due to a number of complaints that were initiated by the media. This automobile used the pop-out windshield that was made out of shatter proof glass. The windshield popped out so that passengers were protected during collisions.

1951

One of the most popular cars were introduced; the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. This beautiful creation was the first mass-produced vehicle that used the panoramic wrap around windshield. For much of the 1950s, this windshield was extremely popular. However, as time passed, many people found that these windshields had a high number of practical difficulties. Of these difficulties, distortion was one of the main issues. Due to a high number of complaints, car manufactures ceased the existence of the panoramic wrap around windshield. There were a number of cars created after this Corvette that also had the panoramic windshield; the 1935 Panhard Panoramique, the 1951 Buick XP-300, the 1965 Buick Roadmaster, the 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta, the 1955 De Soto Fireflite, the 1961 Buick, and the list goes on.

1960

As many North York Auto Glass industry professionals know, tempered glass was introduced in the automotive industry and was used for the rear and side windows. Tempered glass is 4-10x stronger than regular class and shatters into dull pieces that are less harmful to the human touch. Tempered is still used on cars today, and will most likely continue to be used in the future. Tempered glass is highly favoured due to the fact that it reduces the risk of injury by breaking up into petite circular pieces that are not sharp – as regular glass is. The 1960 Oldsmobile Super 88 was one of the first vehicles to have tempered glass installed in the back and rear windows.

1966

The famous 1966 Chevy El Camino was introduced. This car housed laminated glass that was used on the front windshield. This glass holds together even when it is shattered. Laminated glass continues to protect many North York residents today as it is composed of many layers to enhance its strength. The benefits of laminated glass are endless.

1970

During this time, there was a major structural shift in the auto glass industry. Car manufactures began to think about creation of environmentally friendly vehicles. As a result, the structure of the auto glass had to change. Car manufactures invented more fuel efficient cars that were not as weighty as the cars before. The 1970 Dodge challenger was a perfect example.

1980

In this year, many automotive manufactures decided to add a second layer of polycarbonate to the windshield. This ultimately improved the overall safety of the windshield as it caused it to be much stronger. Due to the fact that it had ability to withstand a high amount of force, car manufactures thought this would be a great idea. Unfortunately, they were sadly mistaken. This invention was put to an end for the simple fact that it was way too difficult clean. 1985 Chevrolet Camaro vehicle owners had to vigorously scrub their windows just to remove the smallest marks.

1990

As many North York Auto Glass neighbourhood residents may not know, this is the very same year Porsche became of the first European automotive manufactures to utilize thermal glass in its windshields.

2014

Nissan introduced the floating glass roof concept on their Resonance model. This features automotive glass not only on the windshield, and side windows, but on the roof as well. The new 2016 Lexus RX teaser also features the floating glass roof.

The Future of Auto Glass

Considering the points above, it is obvious auto glass will continue to transform at a rapid rate. Many industry professionals ponder the future of auto glass as this can have a serious effect on their business. The experts at Auto Glass Changers are not worried about any negative effects this could cause as they are prepared and continue to think ahead. Many auto glass professionals believe laminated glass will not only be used for the windshields, but for the rear and side view windows too. Manufactures like GM and BMW, have already installed laminated glass in places other than the windshield. In GM models, laminated glass is installed in the back window. This prevents the chances of passengers flying out of the back window during a serious accident. BMW has installed laminated glass in their side view windows for the purpose of preventing theft. As many of us may know, laminated glass is not easy to break. And As a result, it could be very hard to exit the car in case of an emergency. Luckily, many manufactures have already thought about this idea, and so, they created ceilo roofs. These roofs extend the windshield of the car beyond the driver’s head. This concept transforms the roof into once piece of laminated glass. As stated above, this is also known as the floating glass roof. 

In Conclusion

Auto Glass Changers industry experts are well versed in the aspects of Auto Glass and its evolution. It is imperative for you to trust the professionals at Auto Glass Changers and approach them with any questions you may have. Professionals in the auto glass industry are always looking for new ways to create more durable, safe, adaptable and protective auto glass. The invention of laminated and tempered glass was a great start to the auto glass journey, and the professionals will continue on with even bigger and better ideas. As they begin to brainstorm for the sake of your safety, be sure to do your part and avoid all instances that could lead to serious injury. You must constantly take care of your auto glass. It will indeed continue to get stronger, but that does not mean you are invisible. No matter how strong auto glass is, you can still get hurt. Residents in the North York area are encouraged by auto glass professionals to stay safe on the roads. As the evolution of auto glass continues, we hope to see a better, safer Toronto.

WATCH OUT FOR WINDSHIELD REPAIR SCAMS

Most Richmond Hill auto glass shops are reputable and knowledgeable; however, you should still be prepared to ask a lot of questions to avoid being scammed. If you are ever approached about your windshield in a public place you should be leery. There are many instances where a stranger will come up to you and offer to replace your windshield for free, and tell you it will be covered under your insurance. Your windshield is likely perfectly fine and if it isn’t then just say you pass and will have it looked at by an auto glass shop, such as, Auto Glass Changers.

Be particularly aware if the person is offering you free stuff to go along with the windshield repair. It is most definitely a scam. You would be committing insurance fraud if you go along with it too. This can have serious consequences such as having your insurance policy cancelled and possible charges or even jail time. You should also be careful about those companies that set up tents at gas stations and offer windshield repairs. It may not necessarily be a scam but the work that they do can be unprofessional and low quality. You should always research your own auto glass places if you truly need work done on your windshield.

 How Do These Scams Work?

There are several ways that these scams work. The first is to replace undamaged windshields. The crooks will convince drivers to replace perfectly good windshields. The crook will then lie to your insurance provider and say that it was badly damaged and in need of repair. They will then proceed to charge your insurance provider needless and inflated repair costs. Another scam is when a person opts to replace a windshield that could have easily just been repaired. They will then bill your insurance company for the full cost of replacement when it could have been an easy and inexpensive fix. Another trick is to charge the insurance company to replace several chips or cracks when only one was present. Another thing crooks can do is take your insurance information and run. They could possibly charge numerous repair jobs under your policy. Most body shops are honest but there are a few that will be less than honest when dealing with your repairs. Auto Glass Changers employs honest workers, so you will never have this issue.

Ways To Avoid Fraud

It is best to ask around for references of places to take your vehicle. The more experienced and professional shops will be happy to provide you with customer references if you request them. Richmond Hill auto glassshops that are professional are happy to earn your trust. They will do anything they can to make your experience a positive one because often their business thrives on referrals.

Say No To The Crooks

Windshield crooks make their money from high-volume business. They will repair a large number of windshields at a costly markup. The crooks generally tend to try to offer free things or cash rebates to sweeten the deal. This helps them to entice you to take part in their scam. If you get caught up in one of these scams your safety could be at risk. The work being done will be less than professional and the replacement parts could be substandard. Windshields are vital to the structure of your vehicle and so it is important that a trained professional installs them properly. Repairs can be done improperly leading to further damage being caused to your windshield. You could have a repair job that is done poorly result in obstructing your view as well making it dangerous to drive. Another disadvantage to being scammed is that your auto insurance premiums can increase if you’ve put a claim through. You could also lose your auto insurance if the crook put multiple claims through your insurance in a short amount of time. Everyone’s auto insurance premiums will eventually be affected by scams such as this. Fraud losses get passed onto honest policyholders most of the time. So you may be wondering what you can do to prevent a scam from happening to you? The main thing you can do is just to be aware of what these scam artists are trying to do. They will approach you in a place such as a parking lot, gas station, or even set up a booth somewhere to try to get your attention. If you are ever approached about your windshield without initiating the conversation then it likely spells trouble. The other thing you can do is just say no and walk away. Don’t be persuaded by the tactics they will try to use to get your money. You should report any incidents of this nature to our insurance company. Let them know that it is happening in your area so they can be aware of it in case they hear about it from other clients. In order to ensure you are dealing with reputable companies you could ask your insurance company for recommendations of auto glass shops.

ALL ABOUT STONE CHIPS

Stone chips are most frequently caused by a rock being kicked up at your vehicle by another vehicle in front of you. A good way to avoid stone chips is to keep your distance on the road. Stay back a few car lengths from the vehicle in front of you. If you have to follow a construction truck you should exercise even more caution because these large trucks are often loosing debris and rocks from the back without even knowing it. You should plan your route so as to avoid construction as much as possible. If you have to go through a construction zone then you should take your time and go as slowly as possible. In a construction zone it is possible for trucks and other equipment to kick up dust, rocks and other debris that can be damaging to your windshield.

When to repair a stone chip

You should always repair a stone chip as soon after it happens as possible. You don’t want to allow any time for dirt or other grime to settle in the chip because then it will make repairing it more difficult. It is best to get to astone chip repair Toronto company to have a look at your vehicle within a week of the stone chip occurring. You want to ensure the stone chip doesn’t spread and turn into a crack. You will also want to try to avoid water getting into the chip because it can cause any dirt to become caked into the chip. Sometimes the only option when it comes to a stone chip is replacement. This is only likely to happen if the stone chip is in your direct line of sight and repairing it would not properly restore the windshield to a safe condition. You should always check with the Auto Glass Changers shop about whether a repair is possible. Repairs are definitely better because you can keep your original windshield and maintain the factory seal on it. They are also less costly than a full windshield replacement.

How are windshields repaired?

Most repairs when done properly by a trained technician in the Toronto auto glass area can result in 80-95% improvement in visibility depending on the initial damage done. High quality equipment is used to remove air from the stone chip and a resin is used to fill in the space. This resin is strong enough to reinforce the glass and will also allow you to still see through the repair spot properly. It is best to have a professional repair your windshield because they know how much pressure can be applied to the glass without it breaking. They also have the proper tools to do a great job of repairing your windshield. You shouldn’t attempt to repair your windshield yourself if you aren’t sure what you are doing. It is best to leave this to the experts.

Types of Stone Chips

There are various types of stone chips that can happen to your vehicle. By knowing the types you can know what to tell your insurance company or auto glass company when you call them. A bull’s eye is a circular shaped chip out of your windshield. A star break is a crack that has a centre at the impact spot with lines extending from it. A floater crack is a crack that occurs in the middle or away from the edges of your windshield. An edge crack is a crack that occurs near the edge of the windshield. A chip is usually the term used to describe when a chunk is missing from the glass with no surrounding damage. A stone break is the damage that occurs if you don’t have a chip repaired. It is damage spreading out from the point of impact. Any quality Mississauga auto glass shop should be able to identify the type of damage you have and how it can best be repaired.

Insurance

When you get a stone chip you can definitely look into going through your insurance provider to cover the cost. Many insurance companies will waive the deductible if you are getting a stone chip repair done rather than a replacement. You should ensure that before you put a claim through you understand how it will impact your policy and coverage going forward. Will this claim increase your premiums? If so, it may be best to cover the cost yourself. Many professional auto glass shops are experienced with dealing with insurance companies. They will know the information that your insurance provider will need to process your claim. You can also check with your insurance for recommendations for auto glass places in your area that are good to deal with. Your insurance company will likely have a list of a few excellent service providers. You will want to watch out for companies that are all too eager to talk you into having work done by saying that it will be covered through your insurance. They may be trying to take advantage of the fact that you have insurance and will inflate the amount of the repair costs just because they feel they can. Most places are honest, but you need to be aware that insurance fraud happens quite often and you should be able to tell when a company isn’t being straightforward with you. If you have questions immediately after you get a stone chip it is often best to call your insurance provider first to talk it over. They will know whether or not making a claim is in your best interest. Many North York auto glass repair shops will be familiar with insurance companies and what details they need to ensure you have on your receipt to provide to your insurance.

Windshield Protection

When you are buying a new vehicle you can request an extra coating of windshield protection. This is an add-on and will cost you a bit more but may be worth it if you drive in an area with a lot of construction. You will want to talk to your car dealer about this option. Window tint can also offer some protection from stone chips and other debris. It also has the added benefit of keeping your car cooler and protecting your windshield in general.

Mobile Stone Chip Repair

You may be wondering if mobile stone chip repair is a good option for you. Many auto glass companies now offer this convenient service. It is only useful when the weather is good and clear. It cannot be done in the rain. You will also need to make sure your vehicle is accessible by the technician coming out to do the repair. It is best not to have your vehicle in a crowded parking lot or other busy place. Mobile stone chip repair is a great option though because it saves you from having to take the time out of your busy schedule to take your car into a shop. You will want to ensure you are only having a mobile service done by a company that also has an established store location. This will ensure you are using a reputable company. You will want to check and see if there are any special instructions the company has for you before they come out to work on your windshield.

KEYS TO PROPER WINDSHIELD WIPER MAINTENANCE

Maintaining your windshield wiper blades is critical to your safety on the road. Your wipers are needed in case of rain, snow, sleet, extreme dust or other objects floating onto your windshield. There are many factors that can contribute to the deterioration of your windshield wipers, including the following: the condition of your windshield, the amount of dust in the air or on the roads, sand or salt used to treat winter roads, extremes of hot and cold temperatures, excessive ice or dirt while wipers are in use, and contaminants on the wiper blades that can have a corrosive or damaging effect. Toronto auto glass companies recommend some very important steps you can take to ensure your windshield wipers are properly maintained.

Wash Your Vehicle Often

You should wash your vehicle frequently. Regularly taking your vehicle to the car wash is a way to help clear the grime and dust in which will damage your wiper blades. In the winter, it is important to wash the salt and sand residue off of your vehicle and your wiper blades to ensure no damage is caused to the blades or your windshield. Thorough cleaning of your wiper blades can also help you to notice if there are any imperfections that should be addressed by replacing the wipers if needed.

Inspect Your Windshield

You should frequently inspect your windshield for tiny cracks or scratches as the condition of your windshield can have an impact on your wiper blades as well. Irregularities in the surface of your windshield can cause damage to the line of your wiper blades. This can cause your visibility to be reduced because your wipers are not performing optimally. Even small cracks or chips can result in more wear and tear to your wiper blades. You should never underestimate the importance of your wipers, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Clean Your Wiper Blades

Cleaning your wiper blades regularly can also help increase the amount of time you will get out of them. You can use a bit of windshield washer fluid and a cloth to gently wipe away the dirt and film that has accumulated on your blades. It is important not to use any strong or harsh cleaners on your wiper blades that could cause damage to the rubber. You will want to make sure you use a lint-free cloth that will not leave behind any lint or fluff that could impact the performance of your wiper blades.

Use Windshield Washer Fluid

It is important to never use your wiper blades on a dry glass surface. You should always use your windshield washer fluid to provide lubrication. This will help protect both your wiper blades and windshield from damage.

Clear Your Windshield

It is important to clear your windshield of any snow, ice or other objects before using your wiper blades. It can be tempting to just crank up your defrost and then use your wipers to clear snow from your vehicle but it can cause damage to the wiper blades and could also scratch your windshield. Take the time to properly clear your windshield with a scraper in winter.

Replace Wiper Blades as Needed

Toronto auto glass experts recommend checking your wiper blades every six months at a minimum to ensure they aren’t worn or damaged. Regular replacements can ensure optimal visibility for you, and will protect your windshield as well. The amount you need to replace your windshield wipers will depend on a several factors such as the amount of driving you do, the weather conditions in your area, and more. A good tip is to check your wiper blades every time you change the oil in your vehicle. That way you can be sure you are checking them regularly for wear and tear.

Park in a Covered Area

Parking indoors whenever possible is a great way to increase the lifespan of your wiper blades. The more protection from the elements you can provide the better. Parking inside especially in the winter is key to keeping your wiper blades in excellent condition.

Carry Extra Washer Fluid

Always ensure you have an extra supply of windshield washer fluid on hand. It is important to never run out especially in the winter months when your wipers are used more frequently.

You might be wondering how to know when your wiper blades need to be replaced. There are a few tips that the experts at Toronto auto glass companies recommend. You should watch for streaking. Streaking can occur when the rubber on your wiper blades has hardened or cracked. It can also be caused by residue on the blades such as tree sap, dirt or other grime. You should listen to the sound your wiper blades are making as they move across your windshield glass. If they are making a chattering sound then they are likely not working properly. Some wiper blades develop a curve or set in the rubber when they are not being used and this can cause the chattering noise as well. General wear of your wiper blades will also occur with age. You will be able to notice a rounding of the rubber on your blades and this is a sign that they need to be replaced. Splits in your wiper blades can also occur with age or because of sun damage. It is best to replace wiper blades with splits in them as this will definitely affect their ability to perform effectively. Wiper blades that are bent or curved are another sign that you might need replacements. You should carefully examine your wiper blades often for any and all signs of wear and tear. You should make it a habit to inspect your wipers every time you get gas. People often neglect the back wiper when it comes to wiper maintenance as well. The back windshield wiper also serves the important purpose of keeping your visibility good in your vehicle. You will want to ensure you are checking on your back wiper just as often as you check your front ones. Wiper maintenance doesn’t have to be time consuming. If you make it a part of your regular car maintenance routine, you will find that you have to replace your wipers less frequently. Your windshield wipers do an important job of maintaining the safety of your vehicle. You should consider the maintenance of them as much of a priority as you do your oil changes. Taking the time to properly care for your wiper blades will also increase the lifespan of your windshield itself. Your windshield plays a huge role in your protection during accidents or other impacts, so it is important that you take care of it. If you are uncertain about when you should be replacing your wiper blades then keep in mind that under normal use blades should be changed every six months or so. You can have your local Auto Glass Changers shop take a look at your blades for you and suggest if replacement is necessary. If you are taking all of the above noted steps to properly maintain your wiper blades you will see that you should be able to get a lot more life out of them.