GLASS, GLASS, AND MORE GLASS

Auto Glass Changers specializes in windshield repair and has found that far too often people do not know enough about the glass they use on their cars to protect themselves and their families.

Here are some little known facts that one should know about windshield glass.

Safety glass is the standard glass used for windshields. This glass is the prominent type of glass sheet as it comes in different types and is known to reduce the potential for injury.

The glass types are laminated and tempered. The former consists of taking a pair of pieces and bonding them together with polyvinyl butyrate, which is a vinyl placed between the layers.

The vinyl is important as in the case of an accident if gives cushioning upon impact, keeping those in the vehicle safe. Another advantage of the vinyl is in the event of a crash, most of the broken glass pieces will observe the lining of the vinyl.

Tempered glass is what is commonly found on the side windows and rear window of a car. The creation of this form of glass relies on heat, where the piece is blasted up to more than 1,100°F. after the deep heating it is required a rapid cooling. This process makes the glass softer in the centre and harder on the outside, and is stronger than a regular slab of glass of the same measured dimensions.

Tempered glass shreds into very small pieces when broken, which is advantageous as it avoids serious injuries for passengers.

Windshields replacements do take time and it depends on the make of each car. The average job requires anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. A job that requires more time is referred to as a difficult installation and is typically avoided.

Difficult jobs require a pair of technicians to work anywhere from two to six hours on the windshield installation. This often is the case for larger or exotic vehicles. The dealing with cowls, moldings and fasteners require for both technicians to be used

Windshields are actually important for the passenger in the case of an accident. Their airbags use the glass as a backstop and get the best possible functionality if the windshield remains intact.

Cars can be driven anywhere from one to 24 hours after the windshield is replaced. The variation in time depends on which urethane adhesive is used during the installation. Most adhesives are reliant on temperature and which make and model your car is.

The vehicle should not be washed before a 24-hour period after the glass is removed. The pressure of the water, especially in an automatic wash is dangerous for the new glass. The soap and water can impact the adhesive and

Auto Glass Changers also recommends leaving one window open at least two inches after the glass is changed. This will actually help reduce the pressurization inside the car when the doors are closed. The air will avoid pressure from building up and causing a hole in the urethane seal, which can cause an air or water leak in the glass.

Stone chips can be fixed without replacing the entire glass and this is actually a cheaper alternative. It is important to repair the chips when you first notice them to avoid having them expand into a potential crack that will require a full replacement of the windshield and makes the car a hazard to drive.

Auto Glass Changers offers service in replacing glass, fixing chips and even improving leaks and holes in the seal.