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Frequently Asked Questions
1) I scraped my windshield with a pop can and it left marks. Is that repairable?
That kind of damage is potentially repairable but this would not be considered a standard windshield repair. The glass is not actually broken but only scuffed on the surface. It may be possible to polish the damage from your glass. Ask your windshield repair technician if they offer this service or ask for a referral.
2) I arranged for a repair on my used car and was told it was already repaired - badly. Now what?
There are a number of factors that can cause a poorly repaired windshield. The most likely cause is residual air that was left in the repair. It is doubtful that this type of repair can be improved since the repair resin that was injected into the break originally will block any new resin from entering. If you decide to replace your windshield, we recommend using an NGA Certified Auto Glass Technician to ensure a proper replacement.
3) It's pretty cold outside now. Can I still get a mobile service in spite of the cold?
You can still utilize mobile windshield repair service in the cold weather in most instances since the Windshield Repair Technician should be able to adjust the temperature of the glass to the optimum temperature for proper curing of the adhesive.
4) I have a couple of rock chips on my windshield that have been there a long time. Is there any reason to worry?
Over time, these un-repaired rock chips can still "crack-out" and result in the need for a windshield replacement. It would be wise to repair them before this happens. The longer the vehicle owner waits to repair these rock chips, the more likely they will become contaminated from water, dirt, road grime, etc.... Once contaminated, the windshield repair technician must take additional steps to clean these breaks to ensure proper adhesion from the windshield repair adhesive. Age alone does not dictate whether a rock chip can be repaired. It is the level of contamination that is the most critical factor. The downside to more contaminated repairs can be a more cosmetically visible repair.
5) I have a chip in the shaded area on my windshield and the shaded area is somewhat faded. Can that be fixed?
Windshields have two layers of glass sandwiched around a plastic polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer. The PVB can be dyed at the top to form the shaded area (commonly referred to as the Shade Band). A chipped windshield can be repaired anywhere on it. However, after a repair in the shade band, there may be a clear area where the tint has rinsed out of the lamination. This will not affect the structural strength of the repair.
6) I have a small chip that's about the size of a pin head. Can this type of damage get worse?
Any surface imperfection on a windshield has the potential to get worse. In particular, if the windshield damage has a shadow, or black or silver discoloration around the impact point, it could "crack out" if not repaired.
7) I have damage right behind my rearview mirror I never noticed before and have no idea how old it is. Is that a problem?
A windshield chip can be repaired virtually anywhere on a windshield. However, older chips can be contaminated and potentially more difficult to repair. The final repair may be more visible. (See Question #4 for additional detail).
8) I have a heads up display feature on my windshield with a rock chip right where the gauges appear. Can this be repaired?
Repairing a windshield with a heads up display should not be a problem since the damage is only on the outer layer of the windshield.
9) I asked for a windshield treatment that repels rain the last time I got my car washed. The technician said I shouldn't apply the water repellant until I got a damaged area on the windshield repaired. What's up with that?
Some windshield treatments can migrate into a rock damage and inhibit the bonding of the adhesive to the glass. Better to have it repaired first before applying any hydrophobic coating.
10) My kids threw a toy at the windshield and it made a small crack on the inside. Can that be fixed?
We are sorry but any break on the inside of the windshield is considered NOT repairable. We recommend replacement.
11) It seems like a repair I had done last fall is getting worse. Is that possible?
It could be possible that your repair is failing and needs to be examined. It may be possible to re-repair the damaged area and stop any further spread of the damage. You should also check the warranty provided by your windshield repair company to see if you qualify for a refund.
12) The damage I had repaired has a small center section that is turning yellow. Should I be concerned?
The adhesives used by some repair companies may turn yellow with age. This is likely a cosmetic problem that should not affect the integrity of your repair. You will note the same phenomenon on plastic headlights that are three to four years old. Your original repair technician may be able to repair this problem. You should also check the warranty provided by your windshield repair company to see if you qualify for a refund.
13) We've had rain for days. Is that a problem?
This should not be a problem. The windshield repair technician will dry the damage out thoroughly before the repair is attempted. It would be extremely helpful if you could store the car prior to and during the repair in a sheltered area such as a garage, car port, awning, etc....
14. I had a repair done recently and it is worse than when I asked for the service. I wasn't charged for the repair because it didn't work. What I want to know is can I get the repair company to pay for the replacement of my windshield?
That is doubtful since the windshield was already broken when you brought it to the repair technician.
15) I had a large windshield break caused by a big rock that was repaired. My wife never noticed the repair until I pointed it out. Now she says it annoys her. Should I have asked about a guarantee?
It is doubtful that your repair guarantee will cover a minor annoyance unless you were guaranteed "100% satisfaction". You might mention the safety features of repair to your wife and see if there are actually bugs and other debris on the windshield that she is not noticing either. But, if the repair distracts her safe driving vision then you should consider a replacement.
16) How long is too long for a crack before I have to replace my windshield?
Most repair companies will repair a crack up to six inches. There are some repair companies that specialize in long cracks and will repair up to 18 inches.
17) Isn't windshield repair a new deal?
No, windshield repair has been around since 1972 and has saved companies and consumers billions of dollars over replacement. Check this NGA website to learn more about the history of repair.
18) Can I get my shower door fixed like they fix windshields?
Sorry, but the repair process works on laminated glass. It is probable that your shower door is either acrylic or solid tempered glass. It is doubtful that your shower door would develop a crack similar to the crack in laminated glass. Tempered glass shatters.
19) If I get my windshield fixed right away will it look better than if I delay?
Repairs that are performed soon after the damage occurs almost always look better than an older damage. Rain, dust and road grime will contaminate the damage over time thus inhibiting the best cosmetic results.
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