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How to repair a leaking windshield

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How to repair a leaking windshield

Repairing a windshield leak

A leaking windshield is puzzling in the sense that it is difficult to determine where exactly the leak is coming from. Once found, however, a leak can be rather simple to fix. We’ll walk you through finding and fixing a windshield leak, stress free.

Locating the leak

Whether you discover water in your vehicle or hear a whistling sound coming from your vehicle, chances are you have a leaking windshield. Leaks can exist throughout other areas of a car, though, the windshield is the likely source as it endures the most pressure and is installed via moulding. Leaks can result from an improper sealant or a poor application of the sealant. Any little space between the windshield and the sealant creates an opening, allowing water and air to seep through.

How to repair a leaking windshieldKeep in mind, just because you see water flowing in one area, does not mean that is the exact area of the leak. In all likelihood, the opening is a few inches away from the actual water flow.

To test for a leak, gently spray water over the windshield, or the vehicle as a whole. Ironically, the less water pressure used, the quicker the leak will reveal itself. Have someone sit in the car while you are spraying the exterior. The individual in the car should be able to notice the leak within seconds.  

Fixing the leak

You’ve discovered the leak; now, how do you fix it? One option, of course, is to take your car to a trusted windshield repair shop. An expert should be able to repair a leaking windshield in short time, and at an inexpensive cost.

The repair can be done on your own as well. If you opt to go the DIY route, you will need to purchase a sealant. Professionals customarily apply windshields with a urethane sealant. While that is one option, there are a number of seam-sealers available online and likely at your local department store. One side note: silicone is said to be easily affected by hot and cold temperatures; therefore, you may want to avoid the specific type of sealant.

You can use a caulking gun to apply the sealant to the area of the leak or you can squeeze it on there like a tube of toothpaste. The difference is a caulking gun will apply pressure along with the sealant, increasing the chances of an effective seal. After thoroughly cleaning the windshield and scraping off any debris, apply the sealant to the space between the trim and the windshield frame and you are good to go. Once done, let it dry for a few minutes, then execute the same test as the one you did to discover the leak. Specifically, spray low-pressured water over the windshield and confirm that the leak no longer exists.

In order:

  • Purchase the sealant
  • Clean the windshield
  • Scrape off any debris on the affected area
  • Apply the sealant to the affected area
  • Let sit for 2-3 minutes
  • Execute the water test

Contact ABC Auto Glass

We hope this helps! If you have questions or if you prefer your leaking windshield to be professionally repaired, call ABC Auto Glass. Our experts will have your windshield leak repaired in no time. Our goal is to get your auto glass to prime condition, thus, safe condition. Contact ABC Auto Glass today! Also, visit our blog for additional helpful information.

How do I get my windshield repaired for free?

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How do I get my windshield repaired for free?

Driving requires attentiveness and clear vision. If either is absent, you are putting your vehicle in harms way, plus yourself and any passengers. Not to mention putting the vehicles around you in harms way, and their occupants. Therefore, distractions and obstructions need to be eliminated when driving. This includes cracks to a windshield. Significant cracks definitely need to be fixed. Even windshield chips need to be repaired, as they will expand over time. Many people forgo windshield repairs because they don’t feel it’s worth paying for. But, what if we told you windshield repairs can be done for free?

Free windshield repair

Free Windshield repairMost insurance companies will handle windshield repairs free of charge. All the policyholder has to have is valid coverage, including comprehensive coverage. Windshield cracks fall under the parameters of comprehensive coverage within an insurance policy. Every once in a while, you’ll come across an insurance company that offers a specific windshield repair and replacement coverage—a coverage that the policyholder would have to purchase separate from comprehensive. Either way, you should be able to get your windshield repaired for free. You can have a glass repair company handle the repair and submit the invoice to your insurance adjuster for reimbursement. Ultimately, it’s a very simple and quick process.

Free windshield repair opportunities exist with auto glass companies as well. Rather than going through the hassle of filing an insurance claim, certain auto glass companies will repair a customer’s windshield for free. For example, ABC Auto Glass is currently offering free windshield chip repairs via coupon. The repair is free with proof of valid insurance; however, without insurance, customers will be charged $59.95 for a repairman to go to the vehicle for the repair, and $39.95 to execute the repair at ABC Auto Glass’ facility. Even if the customer does not qualify for a free repair, he/she will still get a good repair price.

What about windshield replacement?

Windshield replacement, on the other hand, is rarely free. Insurance law for specific states requires free replacement, though, Texas is not one of them. A comprehensive deductible will apply for windshield replacement for practically every insurance company covering a Texas-registered vehicle. Reason being, replacements cost substantially more than repairs.

An Auto Glass expert will review the windshield to determine whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. You can get multiple quotes; however, each company will likely make consistent determinations and provide quotes in the same ballpark. You may also find an auto glass company with a deal on windshield replacement. ABC Auto Glass also has an active coupon for windshield replacement. We’re offering $50 off a customer’s comprehensive deductible for windshield replacement. We’ll deal directly with the insurance company to make this happen.

Windshield repairs and replacements are quick projects for professionals. Don’t ignore a crack to your windshield, as it will only get worse. Who knows? If you ignore it initially, suddenly a free chip repair will turn into a payment for windshield replacement.

Contact ABC Auto Glass today. Also, you can print out the aforementioned coupons from our website. We look forward to helping you!

How long to wait before washing your car after windshield replacement

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How long should I wait to wash my car once my windshield is replaced?

Factors to consider before washing your car after a windshield replacement

When it comes to windshield replacement, a common inquiry among vehicle owners is how long they have to wait to wash their car once the replacement is complete? The rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours from when the replacement was done. This advice is uniform across most auto glass companies but has come directly from ABC Auto Glass. The installation process consists of attaching the windshield to an adhesive, resulting in a permanent fixation of the windshield to the frame of the vehicle. It also consists of surrounding the glass with a rubber seal enabling it to withstand impacts. Installing a new windshield generally takes about an hour; however, there are some precautions the vehicle owner must take following the installation. 

ABC Auto GlassWaiting to wash the car is one precaution. Reason being, some time is needed to allow the sealant to secure itself to the windshield. This does not mean the vehicle cannot be driven. Instead, the windshield simply needs to avoid pressure. General wind friction will not harm the sealant, but direct water pressure could. If you take your vehicle through a car wash then you are putting the sealant at risk, as water pressure or parts within the washing station will come in direct contact with your vehicle's windshield. The last thing you want is to have to return to the auto glass repair shop to have the same work done a second time. Therefore, it is best to abide by the 24-hour rule of thumb before taking your car through a car wash. 

In contrast, a manual wash is acceptable and is not subject to time restrictions. If you absolutely cannot wait to wash your car then you can wash it manually without causing harm to the windshield. In this instance, the only thing that must be avoided is direct water pressure to the windshield. Make sure you do not aim the hose towards the windshield. If you do, make sure the water pressure is low. The windshield was just installed so it should be clean, but if you still want to clean it then it's best to wet a rag or a wash cloth and start gently washing. 

If you're worried about damage resulting from heavy rain, don't. Rain is sparse and it doesn't carry the force that a car wash or a water hose does. Hence, a nice downpour never seems to clean your windshield or windows. Rain can actually be helpful in the windshield replacement process. The gentle pressure put forth by rain helps with the adhesive, enabling the windshield to stick quicker. 

In summary, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before heavily washing your vehicle. Maybe wait 2-3 days if you want to stay on the safe side. Manual wash is fine, just be gentle. Remembering these basic guidelines will ensure your windshield is securely in place and durable. 

If you need assistance with anything glass related, please contact ABC Auto Glass. You'll find us located all throughout the Dallas Metroplex. We execute warranty-backed glass repair and installation. We're also here to answer any questions you may have about your auto glass. ABC Auto Glass looks forward to serving you!

How to break auto glass in an emergency

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How to break auto glass in an emergency

Learn how to break auto glass in an emergency situation. Intentionally breaking auto glass is something that most of us have never given a thought to. And for most us, it will never be necessary. However, emergencies do happen, and you never know when you might find yourself in an auto glass emergency. Tragic stories are publicized much too often about a neglected child being left locked in a hot car. Additionally, a car could catch on fire or stop working electronically. These are times when it would be necessary to forcibly break a car window or windshield. Hopefully, you never find yourself in such a scenario, but just in case, it is best to take precaution by learning the most effective ways to break auto glass.

Here are the two best techniques:

Use a headrest (if you need to get out of the car)

ABC Auto GlassIn an emergency, you'll be forced to use the nearest resources. You'll have to grab something that is in reach. Unless you have something in your glove box or on your dash, vehicles generally do not consist of parts that will assist in breaking glass. One thing you can use is a headrest. Headrests are pointed. They may not be sharp, but they are pointed.

Once you grab the headrest, you will want to jam the metal pegs into the area from which the window rolls up. Moreover, between the door panel and the glass. Try to jam the pegs as far down as possible in order to generate the most pressure. At this point, you can pull the headrest towards you. If done properly, you should hear a snap and a crack should appear up the middle of the glass. The glass should then crack and fall away from the door.

Use a spark plug (if you need to get into the car)

The most convenient tool you can use to break auto glass in order to get into a car is a spark plug. A spark plug should be located under the hood of a vehicle (with the exception of diesel trucks). The spark plug is small, but effective. You will want to break off the porcelain which surrounds the plug. You can do so by knocking it into the ground a few times. Once the porcelain is broken off, you will see the pointed part.

Now, don’t get so anxious as to try and hammer the plug into the window or windshield. Instead, throw the spark plug into the center of the window as if it were a dart. There is no specific bullseye; however, you’ll want to try and aim towards the very center of the glass. The glass will break once impacted by the spark plug. Cars use tempered glass, so the glass should break in larger, less-sharp pieces rather than shattering altogether.

The use of a headrest or spark plug are the two most effective and convenient ways to break auto glass. Nothing is convenient about the situation requiring you to break the glass, but these two options at least provide a way out of the situation.

Our representatives at ABC Auto Glass prioritize safety over all else. We hope you never have to use either of these techniques, though, we wanted to brief you on how to manage auto glass emergencies just in case.

If you are in need of auto glass repair or replacement, please contact ABC Auto Glass at (972) 665-7008 for assistance. We will ensure your auto glass is durable and safe.

Auto Glass Replacement in Dallas

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Auto Glass Replacement in Dallas

Dallas' Finest Auto Glass Replacement Service

The Best Auto Glass Repair Dallas, Texas Has to OfferReplace my windshield in dallas

Are you searching for fine car glass repair shops in Dallas, Texas? Alert ABC Auto Glass to that fact as soon as possible. We specialize in all sorts of convenient automobile glass services. We fix auto glasses of all varieties, too. Our team members enthusiastically fix windshields, back car windows and even car door windows. If you have any concerns that relate to the condition of your auto glass, you can count on our expertise, abilities and talents. Roads, streets and highways are more packed with drivers than ever before. That's part of the reason auto glass destruction is so commonplace. Contact with debris in the air can lead to all kinds of problems with auto glass. When you need skilled auto glass replacement in Dallas, we're on hand to make your wishes a reality.

Time for the Best Auto Glass Repair in the City

ABC Auto Glass, makes taking care of auto glass hassles feel like a walk in the park. If your windshield is in need of a full replacement, you'll often be able to tell simply by looking at it. Your windshield may display cracking, scratching, pitting and chipping. It may be shattered. Its sides may feature a pale color. It may even have some missing components. It's critical to handle a problematic windshield as soon as possible. The presence of cracks in windshields can be extremely hazardous. That's because they have the ability to interfere with your field of vision. They, because of that, can in many cases trigger harmful vehicle accidents. It isn't usually possible to fix bigger cracks. If your windshield features a sizable crack, you probably should fully replace it.

It's super important to make sure you take care of any windshield concerns that affect your vision at all. Nothing matters more than being able to clearly see the road ahead of you at all times. If anything interferes with your vision, you need to take care of it as soon as possible without exception. If you're searching for car glass repair shops that can put your mind at ease, you can lean on the team here at ABC Auto Glass. We can give you auto glass service that can offer you full peace of mind no matter what.

Set Up an Appointment With the Hard-Working ABC Auto Glass Team Without Delay

Do you need reliable auto glass replacement in Dallas, Texas? ABC Auto Glass is a full-service business that can accommodate you 100 percent. Reach out to our firm to get more information about our skilled and meticulous service. Our technicians are talented, diligent and thorough professionals who are passionate about hard work. We work with customers all throughout Dallas and nearby communities. Call us to request a quote now.

Winter Windshield Care Tips

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Winter Windshield Care Tips For Your Auto Glass

Winter Windshield Care Tips For Your Auto Glass

Tips for winterWinter Windshield Care Tips For Your Auto Glass

Preparing For the Worst

Making the transition from mild fall weather to a potentially brutal winter season is never easy, especially if your job requires a daily driving commute. One of the most important precautions you should take before venturing out onto the cold, slippery streets is making sure you can see clearly through your windshield and side glass. Given the fact that in recent years the Dallas area has experienced at least one bad ice/snow storm per season, knowing how to prepare for these weather events takes on added significance.

 

 

Advice and Precautions

The following list of tips will give you some specific pointers on how to lessen the time-consuming hassle that clearing your car's windshield and side glass of frost, snow, or ice build-up invariably presents, as well as offering timely advice on how to avoid possible damage to your Auto Glass:

1. Be extra careful to keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you after a snow/ice storm. Not all drivers remove the snow and ice from their cars before taking off, and if a large chunk of frozen debris flies off their vehicle, it could hit and crack your windshield.

2. Make sure all your vehicle's glass is clean, as moisture clings to dirt, and makes for the perfect surface for frost/ice to form. While cleaning the windshield, it's a good idea to use some full-strength rubbing alcohol on the wipers to keep them from sticking to the glass. Don't forget to check your windshield washer fluid level, so you can keep from being blinded by the "road slop" spray kicked up by big trucks. 

3. Don't turn the defroster on until the engine has been on for a few minutes. Otherwise, the cold air being blown on the windshield will make the frost/ice even more difficult to remove. Once the car starts to heat up, it's best to then turn the defroster to the highest setting to help with the scraping task to come.

4. Keep the inside air control setting at "fresh outside air", or it's equivalent. This will prevent the re-circulation of moisture-laden air in the car, which can result in the frustrating problem of fogged-up inside windows. You can reduce this moist air considerably by stowing wet gloves, boots, etc. in a plastic tote, or the trunk of your car.

5. Always use a quality ice scraper with a durable edge, and never anything metal, like a shovel. Don't be tempted to pour boiling water on any frozen surface to hasten the melting process - this could easily crack the glass!

6. All chips and cracks should be attended to immediately before they spread and wind up costing big bucks to repair. This is especially important in the cold of winter, as the windshield tends to expand and contract due to being subjected to a wide temperature variance.

Ready to Roll

Driving during or after a nasty winter snow/ice storm doesn't necessarily have to be a traumatic event if you are properly prepared. Even if your Auto Glass happens to get damaged and needs repair, you can count on ABC Glass Services of Dallas to quickly get you back rolling down the road. They offer lifetime warranties on all their work, coupon repair specials, and same-day service as well!

Do not hesitate to contact ABC Auto Glass and CALL US NOW at (972) 665-7008 or inquiries regarding glass replacement or repair services.

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