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The condition of your vehicle’s windshield is paramount to your safety and visibility while driving. Therefore, when circumstances call for a windshield replacement due to a chip, crack, or extensive damage, it’s vital to confirm that the task has been executed correctly. After the replacement of your car’s windshield, there are a variety of aspects to inspect to verify the proper completion of the installation process and the functionality of the new windshield. This guide will delve into the critical checks you need to perform following a windshield replacement.   Your Comprehensive Guide: Key Things to Check After a Windshield Replacement Here is a list of vital checks you should perform after replacing your windshield to ensure a successful installation.   Examine the Seal Start by scrutinizing the perimeter of your newly installed windshield. The sealant should be uniformly applied around the edges without any gaps or bubbles. These inconsistencies could lead to issues like water leaks in rainy conditions, wind noise at high speeds, or even the windshield dislodging in a crash. If you notice anything unusual, get in touch with the installation company immediately.   Look for Scratches or Damages A fresh windshield should be completely devoid of flaws. Take your time to meticulously examine it in good light. Be on the lookout for any scratches, chips, or cracks that might have occurred during transport or installation. These rare but possible defects can jeopardize the structural integrity of your windshield, becoming a safety threat.   Test Your Wipers Next, evaluate how the wipers operate on your new windshield. Turn them on to check their performance. They should move smoothly across the windshield without creating any streaks or noise. If the wipers are juddering or not making proper contact with the glass, it may suggest an incorrect windshield fit.   Listen for Wind Noise After installation, drive your vehicle and listen for unusual wind noises. A whistling sound could indicate a faulty windshield seal. Not only is this irritating, but it also represents a safety risk since the windshield might not be secured properly.   Inspect the Molding Ensure the molding surrounding the windshield aligns perfectly and is straight. It should sit flush with the body of your vehicle without any parts sticking out. Any misalignment can lead to potential problems like water leaks or wind noise.   Check Rear View Mirror and Sensors If your vehicle comes with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as a lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking, it’s vital to verify if the sensors positioned around the windshield function as they should. They typically need recalibration during a windshield replacement. Similarly, the rearview mirror should be firmly attached and positioned correctly.   Check Glass Quality Take a careful look at the quality of the glass. Your new windshield should be perfectly clear with no distortions when viewed through. Waviness or unevenness can interfere with your vision, especially at high speeds or under specific light conditions.   Inspect the Car Interior Post-replacement, conduct a thorough inspection of your car’s interior. Look for any leftover glass shards, particularly on the seats, floor mats, dashboard, and vents. Although professionals typically clean up after the replacement, it’s prudent to double-check to prevent potential injuries.   Test the Defrosting Function The defrosting feature is vital for your safety during colder climates. To confirm its functionality, turn on the defrost feature and observe if the windshield clears up evenly and swiftly. If the defrost lines aren’t working as expected, it could suggest an issue with the installation or a fault in the windshield.   Review the Auto-dimming Feature If your car has an auto-dimming rearview mirror, make sure to check this after a windshield replacement. This feature reduces the glare from trailing headlights at night. If the mirror isn’t dimming correctly, it could mean the sensor wasn’t adequately reconnected during the windshield replacement.   In conclusion, even though a windshield replacement might seem straightforward, it requires meticulous attention to detail. Don’t hastily leave post-replacement. Devote time to performing these checks before you start driving. By doing so, you ensure your vehicle’s safety, ultimately safeguarding you, your passengers, and other drivers. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to contact Auto Glass America for our unrivaled service.

Has it ever happened that you’re driving down a sunny lane, welcoming the morning commotion, humming to your favorite tunes when a vehicle passes you and your windshield is hit with a small rock? Now your windshield cracked and you don’t know who is responsible.    Do you take it up with the other vehicle’s driver, contact your insurance company to cover the cost, ignore the damage, or choose between a dealership vs an auto glass shop for windshield replacement and pay out of your pocket?   This article addresses the common question, ‘If a rock hits my windshield, who is responsible?’ and guides you through claiming insurance, determining liability, and preventive measures. Let’s get started!   Understanding Windshield Damage from Rocks Road debris strikes are an undesirable but frequent occurrence. However, there are many variables that affect the damage the windshield takes, including your speed, the speed of the other car, the state and quality of your windshield, etc. It is important to understand what caused the windshield to crack.   Your windshield may chip or break from a rock striking it, making driving dangerous and jeopardizing the structural integrity of the car. If a car is driven with a cracked windshield, the body of your car becomes compromised which may collapse the roof, thus harming you and your passengers. But how do you get it fixed? You can go to a dealership or an auto glass shop for windshield repair or replacement as per the requirement.   Determining Liability You must be wondering, “If a rock hits my windshield, who is responsible?” Is it the vehicle that caused the rock to fly and hit your windshield or your insurance company? It is important to understand factors like road conditions, speed, and driving behavior as these help determine who is liable. The question now arises is – Who is responsible if a rock hits your windshield?   If a rock comes directly from the back of a truck and hits your windshield, the company or the truck may be held accountable. Your comprehensive insurance policy should cover this type of harm. It is advisable to contact your insurance company and explain the situation in detail.   Insurance Coverage for Windshield Damage In most cases, your insurance company covers the cost of repairing a damaged windshield. However, the extent and cause of the damage will decide the coverage and deductible. If you have complete glass coverage, the cost of replacing or repairing your windshield might only require a small or nonexistent deductible.   You must get in touch with your insurance company to learn if your insurance policy would cover the damage and how you can claim it.   Preventive Measures to Avoid Windshield Damage If your windshield is damaged, it obstructs your view, potentially leading to an accident. Thus, the following precautions should be followed to prevent windshield damage:   Keep some distance between you and other vehicles to avoid taking a hit from road debris. Drive at an acceptable speed. Driving at a higher speed is like an open invitation for foreign objects to collide with greater force and crack or damage your windshield. Park your car indoors or under protection to prevent the sun from weakening your shield by expanding the glass in the heat. You must regularly clean your windshield and maintain a complete check on the wiper blades so that it does not clog up.   Steps to Take After Your Windshield is Hit A chipped, cracked, or damaged windshield endangers not just your safety but that of other passengers as well. If your windshield has been damaged, you can do the following:   Evaluate the Damage When hit by a rock or any other form of debris, you must focus on being calm and check if any passenger was harmed. Once you have ensured your and the safety of others, get out of your car and evaluate the impact. The damage can vary based on the speed, size, and nature of the impact.   Contact Your Insurance Company If your windshield is substantially damaged, do not drive the vehicle. Call for immediate roadside assistance. However, if the damage is not much, drive back home and get in touch with your insurance company and explain the problem.   Schedule the Windshield Repair or Replacement You need to start fixing your damaged windshield as soon as you can. You can make repair arrangements with your insurance company; they can direct you to the right auto glass body shop or even arrange for a repairman to visit your home. After examining your vehicle, they will decide whether the chip or crack can be fixed or if a new windshield is necessary.   Conclusion As a car owner, if you are trying to navigate the question, ‘If a rock hits my windshield, who is responsible?’, the above guide will be helpful.   While it is difficult to assign blame for the small rock that damaged your windshield, your insurance company will walk you through the procedure. Driving with a broken or chipped windshield is unsafe and it should be repaired immediately. Once your windshield has been repaired or replaced, thanks to Auto Glass America, it’s time to take your car for a spin and get lost in the music again.

Hey there, night owl drivers! Driving at night may be a captivating experience, with peaceful roads and sparkling lights, but occasionally, the allure can be diminished by too-bright headlights.    Glare, whether in the form of searing headlights or the reflection of streetlights on a rainy evening, can turn the tranquil act of driving into an unpleasant and potentially unsafe experience. It is more than just an irritation; it’s a serious safety concern and lowers reaction time and visibility when driving.   This guide offers various smart tips to help you shift the gears and reduce windshield glare so you may drive after dark with comfort and clarity. So fasten your seatbelts and prepare to learn how to reduce windshield glare at night and appreciate the beauty of driving at night.   Causes of Windshield Glare There are various reasons why windshield glare occurs, particularly at night. One of them is poor windshield repair and maintenance. It leads to decreased vision and possible discomfort for drivers. In order to successfully reduce windshield glare and ensure safer driving conditions, it is imperative to understand these causes:   Oncoming Headlights: Vehicles arriving from the opposite direction have their headlights shining directly at you. Reflections from Wet Surfaces: Rain, snow, or even a recently cleaned windshield can all generate shiny surfaces that scatter light and enhance glare. Dirty or Smudged Windshield: A windshield that is not cleaned on a regular basis, both inside and out, can gather dirt, dust, and residues. Sun Glare: While mostly a daytime concern, low-angle sunlight can directly strike the windshield, producing temporary blindness and limiting vision. Improperly Adjusted Mirrors: Mirrors that are not properly set might reflect headlights from behind or create additional interior reflections, causing glare inside the car.   Preventive Measures to Reduce Glare Here are some practical preventive techniques to help reduce windshield glare and improve vision on the road:   1. Auto Glass Repair and Maintenance   Scratches and cracks disrupt clear vision while driving and cause glare at night. If windshield repair and maintenance are required, get them mended right away by professionals to keep your windshield in pristine condition.    2. Cleanliness is Clarity   You must prioritize cleaning the windshield daily to avoid residues, dust, and grime that can build up on it from the inside. When headlights or spotlights shine on it, these particles disperse light and intensify glare.   3. IR and UV Protection   Certain windshields have integrated features that effectively block a significant percentage of infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These characteristics help to keep the inside of your car cooler by lowering glare and adding protection from the sun’s damaging rays.   4. Polarized Perfection   Long-term exposure can strain your eyes, making it more difficult to see when driving at night. Visit your doctor for no-glare corrective lenses, which are specifically designed for driving to reduce glare if you find it difficult to drive at night for the same.   5. Window Tinting   There are built-in tinting options available on all windshields to help reduce windshield glare and accelerate your driving comfort. Window tinting is made to minimize the effects of strong sunlight while maintaining maximum visibility.   Driving Tips to Minimize Glare Driving at night or under low-light circumstances can be difficult due to glare from headlights and other light sources. Here are some driving tips specifically designed to reduce windshield glare.   Tip 1: Strategic Gazing   Directly staring at lights from passing cars might temporarily distort your vision and make you feel lost. To lessen visual disturbance when driving, it’s a good idea to maintain your attention on the white line to the right of your car.   Tip 2: Night Mode Activation   Set the rearview mirror clip to “night” mode to minimize the amount of light you glance at directly. Also, verify that the car’s side mirrors are all set correctly for your height.   Tip 3: Stay Sharp, Stay Safe!    Sun glare can be especially difficult to deal with when moving from shaded places to bright sunlight. Reduce your speed to better react to changes in lighting conditions and avoid being caught off guard.   Tip 4: Dim Your Dashboard   Make sure your headlights are correctly adjusted to avoid them from being too high and creating glare for oncoming traffic. Switch to low beams when approaching or following other vehicles to lessen the amount of light projected on them.   Tip 5: Do Not Get Lost in the Weather   Be cautious about weather conditions that can worsen glare, such as rain, fog, or snow. Adjust your driving technique and use the windshield wipers when necessary to retain visibility.   Professional Solutions Professional solutions to windshield glare often include innovative technologies and specialized materials that successfully decrease glare while maintaining safety and visibility. Here are some professional solutions that are widely used:   Anti-Glare Coatings and Films: Professional-grade anti-glare films and coatings are made to reduce reflections and diffuse light, which greatly lessens glare from streetlights and headlights. Precision Windshield Design: In order to minimize glare, windshields can be built with a precise curve and material to limit the angle at which light enters. Window Tinting: All car windows, including the windshield, can have their light transmission controlled with the use of professionally installed window tinting.   Clearing the Road Ahead So there you have it—your crash course on how to reduce windshield glare at night. Managing windshield glare is important for safe and comfortable driving, particularly at night or in low-light settings.   With these tips in your toolbox, you’ll be able to navigate through the dark confidently. Here’s to smoother rides, clearer views, and the enjoyment of driving under a starry sky. Be safe out there!    You can always turn to experts like Auto Glass America if your car’s windshield requires major repair or replacement. Our professionals have hands-on experience in dealing with all sorts of windshield-related concerns and extend mobile windshield replacement at your convenience.   To know more about us, connect with us today!