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.

Keep 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.

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

Most 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!

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. 

Waiting 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!