Understanding Windshield Damages
As a vehicle owner, you’re likely to encounter some form of windshield damage at some point. Understanding the common types of damage and their causes can help you address these issues promptly and effectively. Let’s delve into the common types of windshield damage and how weather plays a role in causing these damages.
Common Types of Windshield Damage
Windshield cracks and chips are the most common types of windshield damage, accounting for 90% of all cases in Southern Ontario (Can Auto Glass). A small chip can turn into a large crack if left unattended, compromising the integrity of the windshield and posing a safety hazard. It’s important to address even minor windshield damage promptly to prevent it from worsening.
While chips and cracks are the most common, other types of damage can occur, including:
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Bull’s eye or partial bull’s eye: These are circular damages that are typically caused by the impact of a rock or other debris.
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Star break: These damages radiate out from the point of impact, creating a star-like pattern.
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Combination break: This is a combination of multiple types of damage.
For more information on the types of windshield damage and potential repair options, check out our southern Ontario windshield repair experts page.
Effects of Weather on Windshields
Weather can play a significant role in causing and exacerbating windshield damage. Changes in temperature can cause windshield cracks to worsen, so it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage (Can Auto Glass).
Apart from temperature fluctuations, other weather conditions can also impact your windshield:
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Hail: Hail can cause damage to auto glass and make existing cracks worse, potentially causing the glass to shatter completely (Speers Auto Glass).
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High winds and debris: Lightning and thunderstorms can bring high winds and debris that can damage auto glass.
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Rain: Heavy rain accompanied by high winds can cause damage to auto glass, and rainwater can get into existing cracks and cause them to expand.
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Tropical storms or hurricanes: These can cause significant damage to auto glass, particularly if caught up in one while traveling down south.
Preventing windshield damage and maintaining your windshield’s good condition is crucial for your safety. For more information on maintaining your windshield and preventing damage, visit our southern Ontario’s trusted windshield experts page.
Determining Windshield Repair or Replacement
When dealing with windshield damage, the question inevitably arises: to repair or replace? This decision can depend on a variety of factors, including the type, size, and location of the damage.
Criteria for Windshield Repair
Generally, chips the size of a quarter (approximately 24mm in diameter) and cracks no longer than 3 inches (approximately 76mm) are repairable on windshields (Glass Buzz). Some facilities claim they can fix cracks up to 12 inches long (approximately 305mm) using special techniques, and professional windshield repair kits boast repairing cracks up to 24 inches long (approximately 610mm) with the use of Dual Injector Technology.
The cost of repairing a single chip on a windshield is around $50, with an additional $10-$15 for every additional chip. Repairing cracks up to 3 inches long is similar in cost, while cracks longer than 3 inches may cost around $70 for up to 12 inches long.
However, it’s important to consider the location of the damage. Even if the damage is within the repairable size range, if it’s in the driver’s line of vision, it might leave slight distortions in the glass after repair, making replacement a safer choice.
Indications for Windshield Replacement
Windshield replacement may be necessary in certain situations. For instance, severely damaged windshields with multiple cracks or larger chips may require replacement. According to windshield replacement regulations in Toronto, any crack or chip larger than the size of a Canadian Toonie coin (28mm) is considered to be a failure of the windshield (Advantage Auto Glass Repair).
Moreover, cracks at the edge of the windshield tend to spread quickly and compromise the structural integrity of the windshield, making replacement a necessity.
The cost of windshield replacement varies depending on the type of vehicle and can range from $400 to $1,300. However, it’s recommended to seek professional windshield replacement services in Southern Ontario to ensure that the replacement is done correctly and meets the regulations.
Determining whether to repair or replace your windshield is crucial for both your safety and compliance with legal requirements. If you’re unsure, consult with a windshield repair expert to help you make the right decision.
Cost Implications of Windshield Services
As car owners, we understand that the cost can play a significant role in deciding whether to repair or replace your windshield. It’s essential to take into account the financial implications, but also remember the safety and legal aspects when considering windshield services.
Cost of Windshield Repair
The average cost of repairing a single chip on a windshield is around $50, with an additional $10-$15 for every extra chip. Repairing cracks up to 3 inches long usually costs similarly. However, fixing cracks longer than 3 inches might cost around $70 for up to 12 inches long. These costs can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the specific service provider (Glass Buzz).
In many cases, insurance companies may waive the deductible and pay for the windshield chip repair costs in full. This is because repairing a windshield is often more cost-effective than replacing it. It also prevents further damage and maintains the structural integrity of the vehicle (Glass Doctor).
| Type of Damage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Chip | $50 |
| Each Additional Chip | $10-$15 |
| Cracks (up to 3 inches) | $50 |
| Cracks (3-12 inches) | $70 |
Cost of Windshield Replacement
If your windshield damage is beyond repair, a replacement might be necessary. The average cost of windshield replacement in Southern Ontario ranges from $150 to $400, depending on the make and model of the vehicle (Can Auto Glass). However, the cost can increase significantly if the glass is customized in some way (Glass Doctor).
Most windshield replacements with Windshield Surgeons are priced around $200 or less, with some exceptions. Pricing may vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model and the windshield’s features (Windshield Surgeons).
When a windshield needs to be completely replaced, Glass Doctor works with the insurance company and handles the paperwork directly. This can make the process stress-free and straightforward for vehicle owners (Glass Doctor).
| Type of Vehicle | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Vehicle | $150-$400 |
| Customized Glass | $400-$1300 |
Understanding these costs can help you make an informed decision when choosing the best southern Ontario windshield glass replacement for your vehicle. It’s always recommended to consult with southern Ontario’s trusted windshield experts to get an accurate estimate based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Legal Regulations for Windshield Condition
When it comes to automotive safety, the condition of your windshield plays a crucial role. In Southern Ontario, legal regulations mandate that all vehicles have a windshield in good condition, clear of cracks or damage that may impair visibility (Advantage Auto Glass Repair).
Ontario’s Legal Requirements
The specifics of Ontario’s regulations stipulate that any crack or chip larger than the size of a Canadian Toonie coin (28mm) is considered a failure of the windshield. This means that if your windshield has damage exceeding this size, it is no longer compliant with legal requirements and must be repaired or replaced (Advantage Auto Glass Repair).
In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional southern Ontario windshield glass replacement services to ensure that the job is done correctly and in accordance with the regulations. Companies like Advantage Auto Glass Repair provide expert technicians trained to adhere to all regulations while delivering high-quality service.
Consequences of Non-compliance
Non-compliance with Ontario’s windshield regulations can have serious consequences. Aside from potential legal penalties, a damaged or broken windshield can significantly increase your chances of an accident. It can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle, endangering the lives of the driver and passengers (Speers Auto Glass).
Moreover, your vehicle may fail its safety inspection if the windshield does not meet the required standards. This could prevent you from legally driving your vehicle until the necessary repairs or replacements have been made.
Therefore, if you notice a chip or crack in your windshield that exceeds the permissible size, it’s crucial to act promptly. Reach out to southern Ontario’s trusted windshield experts to ensure your vehicle is in compliance with all regulations and, most importantly, safe for you and your passengers.
Professional Windshield Replacement Process
When it comes to windshield replacement in Southern Ontario, a professional process is followed to ensure the best results. This process involves a pre-inspection, removal of the old windshield, and installation of the new one.
Pre-inspection and Removal of Old Windshield
Before the actual replacement of the windshield, a pre-inspection of the vehicle is performed. This is to check for prior damage in the areas where the work will be done. It’s crucial that both we and the customer are aware of the condition of the car before the replacement (Knight Auto Glass).
The removal process involves taking out various components attached to and around the windshield. These include moldings, screws, clips, wipers, bolts, mirrors, sensors, and more. To ensure a quality installation, it’s vital that none of these parts are left in place during the replacement process (Knight Auto Glass).
One important piece that needs to be removed is the windshield cowling, a large plastic piece found at the bottom of most windshields. Removing it is necessary to ensure a proper installation. Sliding the new windshield under the cowling without removing it can result in a poor installation that may cause leaks and air noise (Knight Auto Glass).
To safely remove the old windshield, a tool known as a cold knife is commonly used. This tool is designed to hook under the windshield and cut the adhesive holding it in place, allowing us to remove the windshield without damaging the vehicle (Knight Auto Glass).
Installation of the New Windshield
Once the old windshield is safely removed, our team gets to work on installing the new one. Using a urethane adhesive, we bond the new windshield to the vehicle. Urethane is an advanced adhesive that must be used in all windshield replacements to ensure safe and secure bonding (Windshield Surgeons).
After the new windshield is securely in place, the final step in the windshield replacement process is reassembling and cleaning the vehicle. We ensure that all trims, clips, cowls, and covers are returned to their original positions and provide a courtesy clean of the vehicle’s interior and windows (Windshield Surgeons).
Despite the various components that need to be removed and reinstalled, most windshield replacement jobs can be completed in under an hour (Knight Auto Glass).
Windshield replacement is a process that requires careful execution and professional expertise. If you’re looking for southern Ontario windshield glass replacement services, we’re here to help. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing top-quality service and ensuring your vehicle is safe and ready to hit the road again.
Importance of Regular Windshield Maintenance
Maintaining the windshield of your vehicle is an essential part of overall car care. Regular maintenance helps prevent damages that could lead to expensive windshield replacement services.
Preventing Windshield Damage
Preventing windshield damage is vital to maintain the safety and integrity of your vehicle. Changes in temperature can cause windshield cracks to worsen, so it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage (Can Auto Glass).
A damaged or broken windshield can increase the chances of a fender bender and endanger the lives of the driver and passengers (Speers Auto Glass). Windshields provide 60% of a car’s structural integrity, so damaged windshields should be taken care of as soon as possible (Glass Doctor).
Simple preventive measures include:
- Avoiding parking under trees or near construction sites where falling debris could crack or chip the windshield.
- Using a sunshade to protect your windshield from extreme temperatures and UV damage.
- Driving carefully, especially on gravel roads, to prevent pebbles from chipping the windshield.
- Not slamming car doors, as the vibrations can worsen existing cracks or damages.
Regular Windshield Check-ups
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the windshield and checking for small cracks or chips, can help prevent the need for windshield replacement (Can Auto Glass).
During these check-ups:
- Look for any small chips, cracks, or signs of damage on the windshield.
- Clean the windshield using a high-quality auto glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
- Address minor damages immediately by seeking assistance from southern Ontario windshield repair experts.
Windshield repairs in the driver’s line of vision may leave slight distortions in the glass, making windshield replacement a safer choice (Glass Buzz). Therefore, it’s important to consult with professionals when damages occur.
Whether it’s a minor chip or a major crack, trust our southern Ontario’s trusted windshield experts to provide reliable advice and assist with your windshield maintenance needs. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs not only ensure the longevity of your windshield but also contribute to the overall safety and performance of your vehicle.
