What Is Auto Glass UV Protection and Why Is It Important?

A chipped windshield can turn into a safety risk and a potential wallet-waster. A seemingly minor crack can quickly worsen, jeopardizing your car’s structural integrity and even hindering airbag deployment during a collision.   While repairs can be a quick and affordable alternative for minor damages, a full windshield replacement can be expensive. In this regard, comprehensive auto insurance can be a lifesaver.   Regardless of the route you choose, do not ignore a damaged windshield. It is more than just a barrier from the elements; it is a crucial safety component. Here is a summary of what this article will cover:   We will review the different types of auto insurance and if they cover windshield replacement or repair. We shall explore if your auto insurance covers windshield issues and what you will pay out-of-pocket. We will weigh the pros and cons of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) versus aftermarket windshields. We shall guide you through the insurance claim process for a hassle-free experience. Learn proactive measures to minimize the risk of windshield cracks or chips. Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage While basic, affordable car insurance meets legal requirements, it will not help with a cracked windshield. Expanding to full coverage often includes comprehensive auto insurance, which tackles repairs for non-collision events. It usually covers windshield damage caused by objects like a rock or weather events.   However, the cause of the crack and your state’s regulations could influence the specific coverage applied. Some insurers offer dedicated auto glass coverage, potentially with a lower deductible or no deductible at all for repairs or replacements (including other car windows). For minor windshield chips or cracks, some insurers may waive your deductible altogether, even without full glass coverage.   Modern cars with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) might require camera recalibration after a windshield replacement. Your motor insurance coverage may pay for the ADAS recalibration, but not all repair shops are equipped to handle it. Check with your insurer to find out if your auto insurance policy covers this additional expense.     Comprehensive Coverage and Windshield Replacement Comprehensive auto insurance is vital in covering windshield damage caused by events beyond collisions with other vehicles. This includes situations like: Falling objects: Branches, debris, or hail can crack or shatter your windshield. Animal collisions: Striking a deer, bird, or other animal can damage your windshield. Other non-collision events: Your car’s windshield may be damaged by vandalism, theft, or even fire. If you have opted for third-party coverage, it will not cover your car damages. But in case of an accident where the opposite party is at fault, you can claim coverage through their third-party liability insurance.     Deductible and Coverage Limits When it comes to windshield repair or replacement, understanding deductibles and coverage limits can help you navigate the financial side of things. Here is a breakdown:   Deductible This is the upfront cost you pay for covered services before your insurance company begins paying its share. Typical deductibles for comprehensive claims (which cover windshield damage) can range from $250 to $1,000. If the windshield repair or replacement costs less than your deductible, you will likely shoulder the entire expense.   Zero Deductible States Some states, like Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, have laws preventing insurers from applying deductibles to comprehensive glass claims. This implies you would not pay anything if your windshield needs fixing under these circumstances.   Free Repairs for Minor Damage Depending on the size and location of the crack, some auto glass repair shops might even fix it for free. It is always worth getting a quote before filing a claim, as a minor repair could save you the hassle and potential deductible payment.     OEM vs. Aftermarket Windshield Replacement When faced with a damaged windshield, the choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket replacements arises. Here is a quick guide to help you decide:   OEM Windshields   Pros Engineered to match your car’s original specifications for optimal performance and safety. Ensured compatibility with features like driver-assistance cameras. Often built with high-quality materials for better scratch and discoloration resistance. Cons Typically more expensive than aftermarket options.   Aftermarket Windshields   Pros Generally a budget-friendly choice. Easier to find replacements for various car models. Cons Quality can vary depending on the manufacturer, potentially impacting safety or features. It may not perfectly match the original windshield’s curvature or thickness, affecting structural integrity. It might not be compatible with advanced driver-assistance systems requiring recalibration The decision hinges on your priorities. If maximizing safety and ensuring seamless functionality are paramount, OEM windshields are the ideal choice. However, if budget is a primary concern and your car lacks advanced driver-assistance features, a high-quality aftermarket option can be a viable alternative. When considering an aftermarket windshield, prioritize reputable brands known for quality and ensure compatibility with your car’s specific features.     Filing a Claim for Windshield Replacement A damaged windshield is a ticking time bomb! Here is a fast-track approach to filing a claim and getting your car back in top shape before further damage occurs. Assess the Damage: First, take a good look at the crack or chip. A rule of thumb is that if it is longer than six inches, a full windshield replacement is likely needed. Slight nicks might be repairable by a professional. However, if unsure, consult your insurance company or a glass specialist. Contact Your Insurance: Initiate a claim online. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process, which can be done online, over the phone, or by visiting your local agent. Gather Information: Be prepared to share details like the date and cause of the damage, your policy number, and contact information. You might also need photos or measurements of the damage to help the adjuster determine the best course of action. Choose a Repair Shop: Many insurers have a network of approved glass shops. You can either pick one from their list or choose your trusted provider. Ensure the shop accepts your insurance and the cost aligns with your coverage. Schedule the Repair: Once the claim is approved, the shop will contact you to schedule the windshield replacement or repair. Some companies even offer mobile services where the technician comes directly to you.  Pay Your Deductible: Depending on your policy, you might have a deductible to pay upfront at the shop. You could also cover the entire cost and seek reimbursement from your insurance later.   Exceptions and Exclusions for Windshield Replacement  While comprehensive auto insurance typically covers windshield damage, there can be exceptions and exclusions, depending on your specific policy and state laws. Here are some common scenarios that might not be covered: Normal wear and tear: Gradual deterioration, such as minor scratches or pits from daily use, is generally excluded from coverage. Pre-existing damage: If your windshield had an existing crack or chip before a new incident caused further damage, the insurance company might not cover the repairs. Driver negligence: Your claim could be denied if the damage resulted from your intentional or reckless actions. Cosmetic damage: Strictly cosmetic blemishes that do not affect the structural integrity of the windshield might not be covered. Aftermarket windshield issues: If you have an aftermarket windshield installed and it malfunctions or causes problems, your insurance company might not cover the repairs. State-Specific Exclusions: While most states follow general guidelines, some might have specific exclusions related to windshield replacement. While Florida and South Carolina generally waive deductibles for comprehensive glass claims, there might be specific limitations or exclusions outlined in the state laws. Therefore, always double-check your policy details.   Essential Tips for Prevention Your windshield is a critical safety barrier, protecting you from dust and debris and helping maintain the car’s structural integrity. Here are some practical tips to help prevent windshield damage: Practice Defensive Driving: Driving slower gives you more reaction time and reduces the impact of any flying objects that might hit your windshield. Be extra cautious during adverse weather conditions like rain, hail, or strong winds, which can carry debris. Minimize Time on Busy Roads: Be extra vigilant on busy roads with heavy traffic, which increases the likelihood of objects flying off another car and hitting your windshield. Consider alternative routes with less congestion whenever possible. Increase Distance on Highways: Leave ample space between your car and the vehicle in front of you, especially on highways and around larger trucks. A buffer zone reduces the risk of getting hit by debris dislodged from their wheels or unsecured cargo. Avoid Gravel Roads: Gravel can be kicked up by passing vehicles or your tires, potentially causing chips in your windshield. Opt for paved roads whenever possible. Address Minor Damage Promptly: Small chips or cracks can quickly spread into larger cracks, requiring a full windshield replacement. Park Smart: Extreme temperature fluctuations can stress your windshield, potentially leading to cracks. Park your car indoors or in shaded areas whenever possible to shield your windshield from random falling objects.   The Bottom Line That chip you see today can transform into a spiderweb of cracks tomorrow. A weakened windshield can cave in during a rollover accident or fail to adequately distribute the force of an impact, increasing the risk of injury to you and your passengers. Early intervention can also prevent further damage and ensure optimal visibility while driving. Remember, the right auto insurance can be your financial windshield, deflecting the blow of unexpected repairs. So, if yours has been compromised, do not despair. Auto Glass America is your one-stop shop for expert windshield replacement and repair. We specialize in restoring safety to all vehicle makes, models, and ages. Do not delay your safety! Fix your windshield today with insurance coverage as well as stress-free cash payment with Auto Glass America.

Table of Contents How to Remove Wiper Scratches from Windshield 1. Understanding Wiper Scratches 2. Initial Assessment and Preparation 1. Identifying the Windshield Scratch 2. Assessing Scratch Severity 3. DIY Methods to Remove Wiper Scratches • Fill in the Scratch • Polishing the Scratch • General Polishing Steps 4. When to Consider Professional Help 5. Preventing Future Scratches 6. The Bottom Line Windshield scratches are common, but it is essential to repair them as soon as you find them. Scratches and other types of windshield damage significantly affect the look, visibility, and safety of your car.   Cleaning and polishing can suffice for minor scratches. Deeper scratches may require professional attention or even windshield replacement.   Whether you have minor marks and scratches or deeper gouges, we provide valuable insights into how to remove wiper scratches from the windshield.   Understanding Wiper Scratches Windshields are made of two sheets of laminated glass bonded by a vinyl layer. Despite their sturdy build, minor scratches can damage the windshield’s exterior layer, impacting the vehicle’s safety.   Some significant causes of windshield wiper scratches can be:   Ruined Wipers: The rubber in the wiper blades stiffens with time, causing scratches with continued wear and tear. Improper Cleaning: Abrasive or harsh materials for cleaning the car damage the windshield. Road Debris: Debris kicked up by fast vehicles from the street causes damage. Frequent Temperature Change: Quick temperature changes cause contact and expansion, resulting in damage and scratches.   Initial Assessment and Preparation Thoroughly clean your windshield before determining how to remove scratches from windshield wipers. Use a high-quality glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to see if there is a scratch and its intensity to determine the next steps. Here are a few things to consider:   1. Identifying the Windshield Scratch Identifying the nature and severity of the windshield scratch is crucial. It helps determine an appropriate repair technique to prevent further damage. Here is a guide to identifying and assessing scratches so you know how to remove windshield wiper marks.   Inspect for Cracks or Chips: Examine the area for cracks or chips to see the severity of these damages and to determine how to remove wiper scratches from the windshield. Examine the Scratch: Inspect the suspected area with your fingernail. It is probably a scratch if you sense a snag or roughness. The deeper the scratch, the more noticeable the resistance your fingernail will encounter.   2. Assessing Scratch Severity To fully determine how to remove wiper scratches from windshield, inspect the severity of the damage.   Shallow Scratches: These are caused by minor debris or worn wiper blades. They may be visible but often don’t significantly impact visibility. Deep Scratches: More serious scratches might impair your vision and necessitate complex treatment techniques.   DIY Methods to Remove Wiper Scratches A DIY approach can effectively address some minor windshield wiper scratches. Here is how to fix scratches on windshields from wiper blades.   Fill in the Scratch   Paste Wax: Apply a small amount of paste wax to the scratch and surrounding area. Let it haze up, then buff it off with a cloth. Repeat as needed to fill in the scratch. Clear Nail Polish: Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the scratch. Repeat as needed, but avoid applying too many layers.   Note: These methods do not remove the scratch but can help to make it less noticeable. Polishing the Scratch   Cerium Oxide: For severe scratches, use cerium oxide, an abrasive powder. Apply its paste with water to a drill with a buffing pad. Baking Soda: Mix baking soda and water and buff the paste into the scratch in a circular motion. General Polishing Steps   Safety first: Wear a dust mask, goggles, and rubber gloves. Be careful working with cerium oxide powder and work in a well-ventilated area. Apply Compound: Apply a small amount of the chosen compound to the scratch. Buff in Circular Motions: Use a cloth or buffing pad to rub the compound in circular motions, applying gentle pressure. Rinse and Repeat: As the compound dries, mist the area with water and continue rubbing. Repeat as needed until the scratch is less noticeable or removed.   When to Consider Professional Help If the scratches obstruct your view or are particularly deep or extensive, it is best to consult with windshield repair professional. Small scratches may be easily fixed, but if they are significantly impairing your vision—particularly in your immediate field of vision—it should raise safety concerns.   An expert can evaluate the damage and advise on how to remove wiper scratches from windshield. Deep scratches require specialized techniques, and professionals have the expertise and equipment to address these more serious blemishes effectively.   Preventing Future Scratches Invest in preventive maintenance to keep your windshield looking its best rather than finding out how to get rid of windshield wiper scratches later. Here are a few tips:   Regular Maintenance: Despite being integral to your windshield’s health, wiper blades are frequently disregarded. Replace them when they exhibit wear indicators like streaks or uneven wiping. Regular Cleaning: To ensure smooth wiping and to remove any accumulation, wash wiper blades frequently. Avoid Dry Wiping: Never use your wipers on a dry windshield to avoid damaging the surface with micro-scratches. Check Wiper Fluid Levels: Keeping your wiper fluid reservoir full maintains clarity. The Bottom Line DIY tricks can be temporary solutions, but they do not permanently remove scratches. If the scratch is deep, it is best to seek advice from a professional. Understand how to remove wiper scratches from a windshield to trace the problem yourself before you seek professional help.   Auto Glass America is Florida’s best auto glass and calibration specialist to help you fix your windshield effectively. Our skilled technicians provide precise and efficient windshield replacement and repair services. Our mobile service will reach you, causing minimal interference to your schedule.

Imagine this: You’re cruising down the highway, lost in thought and enjoying the ride. Suddenly, a flying rock from a truck smashes your windshield! It’s even more frustrating because it wasn’t your fault. But don’t panic! Even though it’s an inconvenience, knowing what to do next can make a big difference.   Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to assess the damage and file a claim with your insurance if the truck company absolves itself from the responsibility. We will also look at both professional and do-it-yourself auto glass replacement and repair solutions for a cracked windshield. Let’s get started!   Assessing the Damage Trucks pose a potential hazard to your windshield. They can kick up rocks while passing you in the other lane, or debris can fall off their load and hit your car when you’re following behind.    While you cannot hold the truck driver accountable in the former scenario, you can do so in the latter. However, don’t jump straight to filing a claim! Take a close look at the crack in your windshield first. There are two reasons for this:   Safety check: You need to make sure your car is safe to drive until the windshield gets fixed. Damage documentation: Taking pictures of the crack immediately will help you show the exact damage caused by the rock. Now comes the hard part: proving the truck’s fault and getting reimbursed. It can be tough to show that the rock came from the truck. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the steps to filing a claim, whether it’s with the trucking company or your insurance.   Filing a Claim Once you have documented the damage, you can do two things – stake a claim with the truck company or with your insurance.    As the first step, negotiate with the truck company backing your claim with complete documentary evidence of the location and time along with photos of the truck’s number plate and the damage caused. If the company refuses to reimburse you, your next option is to contact your insurance provider. However, do so only if your deductible covers the cost of the Xcracked windshield repair or auto glass replacement or if you have comprehensive coverage. Once you know if your claim might be covered, you can decide between a professional repair or a DIY fix. Here’s the key: prioritize safety. Small cracks might be repairable, but for larger damages or if you’re unsure, professional windshield repair or replacement is always the best option.   DIY Repair Options If you’re handy and the damage is minor, you can consider a DIY windshield repair kit. These kits come with everything you need to fix a small crack quickly.   Keep in mind that a DIY kit can fix any chip or crack less than a quarter inch or 3 inches, respectively. Here are the steps for a DIY windshield repair using a repair kit:   Clean the glass near the chip/crack properly with a soft microfiber cloth. Place an adhesive patch and plastic pedestal on the crack/chip. Fill the crack with epoxy resin using a syringe. Let the resin cure for the recommended time so that it hardens. You can find the recommended time for curing in the kit’s manual. Once the resin has cured completely, remove the pedestal and carefully clear away any excess resin with a blade. Professional Repair and Replacement If a rock from a truck cracks your windshield and the damage is more extensive than what a DIY kit can handle, you need to seek professional services. Here is when to choose a professional auto glass repair or replacement service:   The crack is too large or deep (bigger than a quarter). The windshield has multiple cracks, chips, or a chip on the driver’s side that impedes vision. Choosing a Service   Choosing a reputable, professional service assures you of a reliable and safe solution from technicians with the right expertise. Some professional services also liaise with insurance companies, making it easier for you to reimburse the costs. Let us understand the process.    After determining the extent of the damage, the qualified technician will determine if it needs to be fixed or replaced.    The windshield is repaired if the damage is minimal:    After cleaning the area, epoxy resin is injected into the crack or chip. The area is then cured with UV light, which is followed by smoothening and polishing. If the damage is more extensive, the windshield will need to be replaced:   The technician removes the damaged windshield. The frame is then cleaned, and a new windshield is installed. Preventive Measures Windshield cracks are an unfortunate part of driving. We can save ourselves from unnecessary hassles through these precautionary measures to prevent cracks from occurring.    1. Sufficient Space and Deliberate Driving Drive with ample space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to prevent damage from a rogue rock being kicked up. Driving slowly on gravel roads will also help reduce windshield damage due to rocks.    2. Avoiding Truck Trailing  Try to avoid driving behind trucks that carry debris or stones. Although the truck might be covered with a sheet, there is still a possibility of stray rocks landing on your windshield.   3. Investing in Windshield Protectors You can use high-quality windshield protection films that can withstand the impact of small rocks falling on the windshield and prevent damage.   Don’t Let a Cracked Windshield Ruin Your Ride! Dealing with a rock damaging your windshield can be stressful. However, it makes a big difference when you are equipped with the knowledge of the immediate steps to be followed. Staying calm and documenting all the evidence can help you get a reimbursement.     When a truck rock cracks your windshield, you will have to choose between windshield repair or replacement, depending on the damage.    If you want fast and reliable windshield replacement or cracked windshield repair services in Florida, look no further than Auto Glass America.    Contact us today for premium windshield services in Florida delivered by skilled staff and backed by over a decade of relevant experience.