Some people call them dings, some call them cracks and others call them star breaks. Whatever they are called, tiny breaks in windshields pose the threat of spreading and requiring total replacement. And that can add up to big bucks.
If more people knew how simple windshield repair is, they would save themselves money by taking care of tiny cracks before they become big ones.
Mobile windshield services have become big business. The mobile services are designed to eliminate some of the procrastination that occurs among vehicle owners with tiny cracks in their windshields.
It is a process a lot of people are not sure about yet. If more people knew about it, it would probably be even more popular than it already is.
A repaired spot is seven times stronger and more resistant to breakage than the rest of the windshield. Workers can repair a crack on almost any area of the windshield except for the critical view in front of the driver.
A ding or crack, which is sometimes called a "star break" because of its starlike appearance, usually cannot be repaired if it is larger than a quarter. In those cases the windshield needs to be replaced.
A vehicle will not pass inspection if cloudiness or cracks are in areas the inspector believes could obstruct the view of the driver or if the broken glass could cut someone in the car.
All of the glass repair systems are similar.
The process goes as follows:
* Loose bits of glass are removed from the impact hole by a vacuum system.
* A fixture with a tiny tripod is attached to the windshield over the break.
* Optically-matched liquid resin is deposited into an injector cylinder over the break.
* Pressure is applied with the piston to force the resin throughout the break.
* The resin is cured with an ultraviolet light.
The process usually takes less than 30 minutes. Most insurance companies will now waive a deductible, choosing to pay for the entire repair as a cost-saving measure.
About 75 percent start as star breaks. The question is why replace seven square feet of glass when you can repair two square inches?
Flying rocks from other cars are the usual culprit for star breaks and there is really no way to take preventive measures.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
Safe Driving: How to Be a Smart Driver
By: Kasan Groupe | 30/11/2009With cell phones ringing, young children crying and an upsurge of road rage at your disposal, it’s incredibly easy to become distracted while out on the road. Driving distractions are far more widespread than they used to be because of the rampant technology that now invades our every waking moment. This all means that we have to drive extra carefully if we want to keep ourselves safe and avoid potential accidents.
Driving Safety and Vulnerable Passengers
By: Kasan Groupe | 30/11/2009If you’re driving with precious cargo in tow, such as a young child or a family pet, then you’ve got to take extra precautions to ensure their safety at all times. Many people are unaware of the additional steps they must take to protect vulnerable passengers, so please refer to my tips and suggestions for optimal safety and understanding.
Preparing Your Car for Winter
By: Kasan Groupe | 30/11/2009Whether you want to admit it or not, winter is just around the corner. Soon the snow will come plunging down from the sky at a rapid pace and you’ll have to deal with the after effects. I don’t just mean shoveling your walkway or wearing a parka either, you’re going to have to drive in this god-awful weather. Winter driving can truly be hazardous to your health if you aren’t careful, so it’s best you start preparing for the seasonal changes right away.
Celebrities Who Drive Green to Save our Earth
By: Kasan Groupe | 30/11/2009When it comes to the environment, sustainability is the new thing. Being green means doing anything in your power to save natural resources, especially fuel energies. You can become greener by following the footsteps of five great celebrities who drive green to save our earth.
Miami Drivers Choose the Honda Insight for Efficiency and Price
By: Brickell Honda | 30/11/2009Although the 2010 Honda Insight is known for its tight backseat space, its affordable price and excellent fuel economy more than make up for it.
Auto Lemon Law and The Myths of Buying a Car
By: Carlos Perez Jr. | 30/11/2009Buying a vehicle is very expensive, time consuming, and a difficult process. Most people don't like it it because, unlike other possessions, the pricing of new cars is sometimes too much money to cough up.
How to Choose an Enclosed Cargo Trailer – 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
By: Rick Mckeithan | 30/11/2009Choosing the right enclosed trailer for your purposes requires some preparation and research. These tips are designed to get you on your way to making the best choice for your enclosed trailer.
Learning to drive in the UK
By: Darren Hirst | 30/11/2009Learning to drive is one of the things that most people look forward, but the whole process of gaining your license can be daunting. Here is a quick guide to help you through the process.
Late Summer Gardening Tips
By: Mariel Wineberg | 10/08/2009 | GardeningFor those who get a second wind during the later half of the summer, there are many garden tasks that can be accomplished during the late summer.
Miley Cyrus Pole Dancing - Do You Think This Was Appropriate For The 16 Year Old Disney Star?
By: Mariel Wineberg | 10/08/2009 | TelevisionRecently, the 16 year old Disney star was showing off her pole dancing skills at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards. The Miley Cyrus pole dancing scandel is the newest in the Miley scandels.
Watch Flight of the Conchord Episodes - Will The Duo Return For Another Season?
By: Mariel Wineberg | 10/08/2009 | TelevisionFor the past two years, the duo better known as Flight of the Conchords has stolen our hearts and made us laugh.
Edible Landscaping - A Tasty Part of A Beautiful Landscape
By: Mariel Wineberg | 09/08/2009 | GardeningEdible Landscaping produces myriad varieties of unusual fruits.
Teen Diets - Modifications Need To Be Made For Growing Bodies
By: Mariel Wineberg | 09/08/2009 | Diseases & ConditionsTeenagers are just as likely as adults to diet, but they may not realize their growing bodies require foods that adult diets and adult diet products may not include.
Trace Cell Phone Number - Get Access To Database Used by Law Enforcement
By: Mariel Wineberg | 08/08/2009 | CommunicationLuckily, along with the know-how that came with the advances of cell phones has come the knowledge to trace cellphone number directories from the privacy of your own home computer.
How To Talk Dirty To A Guy - Tips For Hot Sex With Your Guy Tonight!
By: Mariel Wineberg | 04/08/2009 | CommunicationHas you man ever expressed desire for you to talk dirty to him while the two of you are in bed? Knowing how to talk dirty to a guy is really not hard and shouldn't send you running in fear and embarrassment.