The Process For Getting Your Windshield Repaired
The freeway system in southern California is rough on the modern car.
Besides excessive freeway driving, a Los Angeles commuter also has to contend with road rage, reckless and drunk drivers, road hazards, and the occasional rock from a passing eighteen-wheeler.
Of course, that rock doesn't always glance off the windshield; sometimes it shatters the glass or creates a star or even a giant crack that will eventually travel across the entire windshield.
If you've ever had to deal with a cracked or shattered windshield, you know how frustrating it can be to watch the crack splinter its way across the window until you either replace it voluntarily or a police officer pulls you over and writes you a fix-it ticket.
When getting your windshield replaced, you need to call an expert.
It's best to get several quotes over the phone first before making a decision.
When you call around, you'll find that any auto dealership can fix your windshield.
Auto repair (body shops) can also do the job.
Even your local auto mechanic can most likely do the work.
But who is the best choice? I believe it is the mobile windshield replacement industry.
These companies specialize in providing windshield replacement at your home or office.
Using one of those types of companies provides the most convenience for you because you don't have to drive anywhere and then sit and wait for t hem to complete the job.
When you get quotes, ask the companies how long they have been in business.
Ask them if they remove the wiper blades during installation, and if the price includes thoroughly removing any and all of the previous window's bonding material.
Ask them how long it will take for the window to set into position before you can get it wet (the proper answer is from 4 to 6 hours) - if you get the window wet prior to that time frame, you can compromise the sealant and potentially put your life at risk because the window is more apt to fly out of its frame should you get involved in an auto accident.
There are a series of steps that every professional installer will make.
Here is a quick list of what a pro will do when replacing a windshield: check the vehicle for scratches or dents prior to starting, remove the wipers and cowl, cover the interior dash and the hood of the car, carefully remove the molding, thoroughly remove the old urethane (if he or she doesn't, it can prevent the new window from properly sealing), check the pinch weld for rust, apply a new layer of urethane, set the new window in place, reinstall the molding, reinstall the cowl, reinstall the wipers, and finally: clean up! During this entire process, your installer should be wearing gloves to prevent dust or dirt from getting mixed into the urethane (this is really important).
The entire process, when done by a professional, is a quick and clean installation.
The end result is a clean and new windshield that carries the same structural integrity as a factory installed windshield straight off the assembly line.
If your installer takes shortcuts, you need to realize that he or she is potentially putting your life (or someone else's) at risk just to save a few minutes of time.
Besides excessive freeway driving, a Los Angeles commuter also has to contend with road rage, reckless and drunk drivers, road hazards, and the occasional rock from a passing eighteen-wheeler.
Of course, that rock doesn't always glance off the windshield; sometimes it shatters the glass or creates a star or even a giant crack that will eventually travel across the entire windshield.
If you've ever had to deal with a cracked or shattered windshield, you know how frustrating it can be to watch the crack splinter its way across the window until you either replace it voluntarily or a police officer pulls you over and writes you a fix-it ticket.
When getting your windshield replaced, you need to call an expert.
It's best to get several quotes over the phone first before making a decision.
When you call around, you'll find that any auto dealership can fix your windshield.
Auto repair (body shops) can also do the job.
Even your local auto mechanic can most likely do the work.
But who is the best choice? I believe it is the mobile windshield replacement industry.
These companies specialize in providing windshield replacement at your home or office.
Using one of those types of companies provides the most convenience for you because you don't have to drive anywhere and then sit and wait for t hem to complete the job.
When you get quotes, ask the companies how long they have been in business.
Ask them if they remove the wiper blades during installation, and if the price includes thoroughly removing any and all of the previous window's bonding material.
Ask them how long it will take for the window to set into position before you can get it wet (the proper answer is from 4 to 6 hours) - if you get the window wet prior to that time frame, you can compromise the sealant and potentially put your life at risk because the window is more apt to fly out of its frame should you get involved in an auto accident.
There are a series of steps that every professional installer will make.
Here is a quick list of what a pro will do when replacing a windshield: check the vehicle for scratches or dents prior to starting, remove the wipers and cowl, cover the interior dash and the hood of the car, carefully remove the molding, thoroughly remove the old urethane (if he or she doesn't, it can prevent the new window from properly sealing), check the pinch weld for rust, apply a new layer of urethane, set the new window in place, reinstall the molding, reinstall the cowl, reinstall the wipers, and finally: clean up! During this entire process, your installer should be wearing gloves to prevent dust or dirt from getting mixed into the urethane (this is really important).
The entire process, when done by a professional, is a quick and clean installation.
The end result is a clean and new windshield that carries the same structural integrity as a factory installed windshield straight off the assembly line.
If your installer takes shortcuts, you need to realize that he or she is potentially putting your life (or someone else's) at risk just to save a few minutes of time.
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