Will I have to pay for my new windshield or new auto glass myself?

One of the ​most critical ​elements of a ​vehicle’s safety ​is its glass, ​and laminated ​glass has emerged ​as a ​popular choice in ​the construction ​of automobile windows ​and windshields. ​But is laminated ​glass breakable, ​and how does ​it perform ​under different stressors and impacts? In this blog by Auto Glass America, we will delve into the world of laminated auto glass to understand its durability and the innovative features that make it a top choice for vehicle safety.   Understanding Laminated Glass Laminated glass is ​a type ​of safety glass ​used in ​various applications, including ​automobiles, buildings, ​and aircraft. It ​is composed ​of multiple layers ​of glass ​and an interlayer ​made of ​polyvinyl butyral (PVB) ​or ethylene-vinyl ​acetate (EVA). This ​interlayer acts ​as a bonding ​agent, holding ​the layers of ​glass together ​and preventing them ​from shattering ​upon impact.   1. Impact Resistance One of the primary reasons laminated glass is chosen for auto windshields is its remarkable impact resistance. Unlike conventional tempered glass, which shatters into small, sharp fragments upon impact, laminated glass remains intact. When struck with force, the outer layers may break or crack, but the interlayer keeps the glass bonded and prevents it from falling apart. This feature significantly reduces the risk of injuries to occupants during accidents.   2. Durability against Environmental Factors Auto glass is ​exposed to ​a variety of ​environmental factors, ​including extreme temperatures, ​ultraviolet (UV) ​radiation, and moisture. ​Laminated glass ​is designed to ​withstand these ​conditions, offering durability ​and longevity. ​The interlayer provides ​UV protection, ​preventing the glass ​from yellowing ​or becoming brittle ​over time. ​Additionally, it helps ​to maintain ​the structural integrity ​of the ​glass under varying weather conditions.   3. Enhanced Security In addition to its safety benefits, laminated glass also offers enhanced security. It is difficult to break through laminated glass quickly, making it a valuable deterrent against theft and vandalism. The interlayer holds the shattered pieces together, making it challenging for criminals to gain entry into the vehicle. This added security feature is particularly crucial for protecting valuable possessions left inside the car.   Is Laminated Glass Breakable? While laminated glass is exceptionally durable and resistant to various stresses, it is not entirely indestructible. Like any material, it has limitations, and its breakability depends on several factors, including the type of impact, the thickness of the glass, and the quality of the interlayer.   1. Impact Severity The breakability of laminated glass varies with the severity of the impact. It can withstand minor impacts, such as pebbles or small debris, without breaking. However, in the case of a severe collision or a heavy object striking the windshield, the outer layers of the glass may shatter.   2. Thickness of the Glass The thickness of the laminated glass also influences its breakability. Thicker laminated glass provides greater resistance to breakage. In many modern vehicles, the windshield is composed of two layers of glass with a PVB interlayer, which makes it more robust compared to single-layer tempered glass. The additional thickness contributes to the overall strength and durability of the glass.   Maintenance and Care for Laminated Auto Glass To ensure the continued durability and safety of laminated auto glass, regular maintenance and proper care are essential. Here are some tips for maintaining your laminated auto glass:   1. Regular Cleaning: Clean the glass regularly using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the glass or damage the interlayer.   2. Repair Chips and Cracks: If you notice small chips or cracks in the glass, it’s important to address them promptly. Laminated glass can often be repaired, preserving its structural integrity and preventing the damage from spreading.   3. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes: Avoid subjecting your vehicle’s laminated glass to rapid temperature changes, as this can stress the glass and potentially lead to cracks.   4. Choose Professional Installation: When replacing auto glass, opt for professional installation services. Proper installation is crucial to ensuring the glass’s integrity and safety features.   Takeaway While laminated glass may break under extreme conditions, it does so in a manner that minimizes risks to passengers and provides a high level of safety. It continues to be a preferred choice in the automotive industry, playing a vital role in protecting lives on the road.

A cracked windshield is a common sight, but an unfortunate one. It obstructs your view, making it difficult to drive, and it can burn a hole in your pocket if you don’t have car insurance. But if you do, then this blog is for you!   The extent of the cracked windshield determines if it needs to be repaired or replaced. You may ask, ‘Is a cracked windshield covered by insurance?’ Yes. However, the deductible depends on the type of car insurance policy you have.    Read this guide to learn everything about car insurance policies and windshield repair.   Understanding Car Insurance Policies Your car insurance policy offers many coverages that protect you in everyday scenarios, such as a cracked windshield. Every car insurance policy has a unique limit and deductible amount. You can request the coverage and restrictions that align with your needs. You must be familiar with the following insurance terms to better understand the policies:. Limits: The maximum amount of money for a certain coverage Coverage: The benefits and protection covered by the policy Premium: The charge paid by you to get the insurance coverage Policy: The contract between you and your company Deductible: When you have to pay your money when filing a claim   Types of Coverage for Windshield Damage Two types of windshield repair coverage will protect you against the cost of replacing a cracked windshield. The following types of coverage answer the question – is a cracked windshield covered by insurance?   Comprehensive Car Insurance Coverage Comprehensive car insurance coverage is intended to cover the costs associated with replacing or repairing your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged in an incident. It usually involves damage caused by vandalism, fire, or fallen objects. This is an addition to the auto insurance you already have.   Full Glass Coverage Full glass coverage includes windshield repair and other glass components on your car, such as windows and mirrors. It does not require you to meet a deductible; rather, it pays for any broken or damaged car glass. You can add full glass coverage to your current auto insurance policy.   Situations Covered by Insurance A car insurance policy assists in various situations. Some of the situations are given below: Windshield damage Bodily injury Property damage Your vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object like a fence Damage caused by any accident other than a collision If your vehicle is on loan or on lease and you meet with an accident If any damage is done to the glass components of the car Any roadside assistance needed When is Windshield Damage Not Covered? A car insurance policy normally covers windshield damage under certain conditions. However, there are several cases where coverage is limited or prohibited. Some of these situations are given below.   When the windshield repair or replacement cost is lower than the deductible. When the damaged windshield outdates the date of the insurance policy. When a cracked windshield is repaired or replaced by an auto glass shop, the insurance company does not approve. When the damage occurred in a sports or racing event that you participated in. When the windshield took a hit due to the old age of the vehicle.   Steps to Take When Your Windshield is Cracked It is important to know how to deal with a cracked windshield. Remember, it affects not only you but also the other riders. If you have a cracked windshield, follow the steps mentioned below.   Evaluate the Damage Take a quick scan across the glass for any visible cracks or chips. If you see any damage, find a safe location to pull over and inspect it. Ensure Safety and Contact Your Insurance Company If your windshield is significantly damaged, do not drive the vehicle. Call for immediate roadside assistance. However, if the damage is minor, drive safely home and contact your insurance carrier to explain the problem. Schedule an Appointment The next step is to make an appointment with your insurance company. A technician will assess the damaged windshield and report whether it needs to be replaced or if a simple repair would suffice. Once a decision is made, you can begin the paperwork and check if your car insurance policy will cover it.   Preventative Measures You can prevent damaging your windshield and improve its lifespan with the help of the following reasons:   Drive on a less congested route, so that a passing vehicle doesn’t hit you with a rock or road debris. Park your car under shades during extreme hits so the glass doesn’t expand, causing it to crack. Regularly inspect your windshield for any signs of damage.   Conclusion The type of car insurance policy determines if your cracked windshield is covered or not. You can choose between full glass and comprehensive car insurance coverage and sustain the damage.   It is advisable to read through your policy details to determine what is covered and any exceptions. Regularly inspecting and repairing small cracks can also save you from bigger problems down the road. For this, contact Auto Glass America, which provides top-tier solutions tailored to your needs.   Happy driving!

We climb into our cars countless times, following the familiar routine – buckle up, start the engine, adjust the mirrors, and scan the road ahead. One detail, likely overlooked despite its constant presence, is the line of tiny black dots gracing the windshield’s edge.   This common feature, present in nearly every car, begs the question: what is the purpose of black dots on the windshield?   The Black Dots on a Windshield: Explained Baked onto the glass during manufacturing, these dots, also known as frits, made of permanent ceramic enamel, along with the larger black band they form, serve a trifecta of purposes: structural integrity, safety, and even aesthetics.   This process creates a slightly roughened surface, enhancing the bond between the windshield and the urethane adhesive that secures it to the car’s frame. Think of them as small anchors, ensuring the windshield’s structure stays intact, contributing to the car’s overall rigidity.    While their primary function is strengthening the bond, these black dots offer a subtle aesthetic benefit. Their gradient pattern, transitioning from a denser black band to scattered ceramic dots on the windshield, creates a smooth visual transition to the clear part of the glass.   Benefits of Frits Your windshield is one of the most important parts of the vehicle, protecting you from the elements while also providing structural integrity to the skeleton.   For the windshield to function optimally, it needs to be stuck super tight to the car’s frame; this is possible because of the black frit band and its tiny dot matrix:   1. Keeping Your Windshield Stuck On First and foremost, the frit band is critical in ensuring your windshield stays firmly attached to the car frame.   The rough ceramic paint offers a gripped surface for the urethane adhesive, providing the perfect texture for the glue to hold fast and strong on the windshield and the car frame.   2. Defending the Bond Against the Sun’s Fury The exposed side of the frits offers windshield UV protection by acting as a barrier to safeguard the essential urethane glue from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.   Continuous UV radiation exposure can gradually erode the glue, jeopardizing the contact between the windshield and the vehicle.   3. Preventing Optical Illusions Have you ever noticed straight lines appearing slightly warped when looking through your windshield? This can be due to uneven heating during the glass manufacturing process.   The windshield frit band, with its dissolving dot matrix, prevents those annoying optical illusions you might experience, ensuring a crystal-clear view of the road.   4. The Style Element The frit band also serves a bit of an aesthetic purpose. It does double duty as a neat cover-up for the adhesive used to install the windshield, maintaining a clean and finished look.    The dissolving black dots on the windshield create a smooth transition, adding a touch of visual appeal.   The frit band might even extend into a “third visor” for extra sun protection in some modern cars, blocking those pesky sunbeams that sneak between the regular visors and threaten to blind you on the road.    5. Even Heat Distribution Unlike the rest of the glass, frits absorb heat much faster and at higher temperatures. This might seem like a disadvantage but is an essential function. As the windshield is molded, the dotted pattern of the frits helps spread this heat more evenly across the entire glass surface. It prevents potential warping, ensuring a perfectly shaped windshield.   Debunking Myths About Windshield Dots Let us debunk a few of the most common misconceptions about frits:   Myth 1: Frits are only decorative Fact: While they do add visual appeal, frits are primarily functional. The rough ceramic paint provides a firm grip for the adhesive that bonds the windshield to the frame, ensuring structural integrity.    The outward-facing frit also protects this adhesive from UV rays that could weaken it over time.   Myth 2: The dot pattern is random Fact: The gradual transition from a solid black band to smaller dots is intentional. Without this dot matrix, uneven heating could cause warping or optical distortions in the final product.   Myth 3: All frits are the same Fact: While the basic functions remain the same, there can be variations in frit composition and design. Some modern cars might have a “third visor frit” that extends further down the windshield, offering additional sun protection.   Car manufacturers may also use different frit materials or patterns depending on specific performance goals.   Myth 4: Frits can be easily removed Fact: Frits are meant to stay intact since the paint is ceramic-based and baked onto the surface. Efforts to eliminate them may harm the windshield and undermine its structural strength.   Caring for Your Windshield’s Frits: Maintenance Tips There is not much maintenance required specifically for frits on your car’s windshield due to their durable, ceramic nature. Nevertheless, since they are included in the entire windshield structure, here are some basic maintenance suggestions for windshields that will help maintain the appearance of your frits:   Routine Maintenance: Use a soft microfiber cloth and a moderate vehicle wash detergent to regularly clean your windshield. Refrain from using harsh cleaners or sponges that may cause scratches on the surface of the glass. It will keep the frits and the entire windshield clean and clear. Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals: Degreasers and strong solvents can harm the frits’ ceramic paint. Use only approved car wash products and stay away from harsh chemicals. Preventive measures: Whenever feasible, park your automobile in a covered area to reduce the amount of sun damage that may eventually occur to the windshield and the frits. It will help maintain their original appearance for longer. Prompt Repair: Repair any cracks or chips on your windshield promptly to prevent further damage. Failure to address deterioration can harm the frit band as well as the structural integrity of the windshield.   The Bottom Line Turns out, frits are not just there to make your windshield look fancy with their polka-dotted pattern. Although frits are quite robust, prolonged use may eventually shorten the adhesive’s lifespan, which holds your windshield to the frame. While the possibility of your windshield being completely detached is low, it is a situation that should be avoided.    Unfortunately, the black dots on the windshield cannot be easily repainted if they are worn because of the production process that involves baking them into the glass. In some situations, a complete windshield replacement may be required.   Auto Glass America can guarantee that your windshield, including frits, is in excellent condition by employing the best materials in our skilled repairs and replacements. You may upgrade your windshield experience with ceramic car window tinting for added comfort and protection. Get a free quote today!