Protect Your Windshield from Pebble Damage on Highways

So your vehicle has a crack or a chip on the rear window? Learn the art of fixing rear window cracks and chips with professional finesse in this step-by-step guide to automotive repair by Auto Glass America.   Gather Your Tools and Materials You’ll need some basic tools and materials for this job. Here’s what you’ll need:   Windshield Repair Kit: You can find these kits at an auto parts store or online. They usually come with everything you need, including resin and applicators.   Cotton Swabs or Toothpicks: These will help you apply the resin.   Razor Blade or Scraper: You’ll use this to remove any loose glass or debris around the crack.   Clean Cloth and Glass Cleaner: You want that area to be squeaky clean.   Masking Tape: To create a barrier around the crack, keeping the resin where it should be.   Assess the Damage Take a good look at the damage. If the crack is longer than a dollar bill or if the chip is deeper than 1/8 inch, you might want to consider consulting a professional. This DIY method is best for small cracks and chips.   Clean the Area Now that you’ve ​decided to ​proceed, the first ​thing you ​need to do ​is clean ​the area around ​the crack ​or chip. Use ​your glass ​cleaner and cloth ​to make ​it as clean ​as possible. ​Get rid of ​any dirt, ​dust, or debris. ​The cleaner ​it is, the ​better your ​repair will turn out.   Create a Barrier Use your masking tape to create a barrier around the crack. This will help contain the resin and prevent it from spreading where it shouldn’t.   Remove Loose Glass and Debris If there are any loose bits of glass or debris in or around the damaged area, carefully remove them with a razor blade or scraper. You want a clean surface to work with.   Time to Apply the Resin Now it’s the fun part! Most windshield repair kits will have detailed instructions, but let me give you the gist of it.   Take one of ​the applicators ​from your kit ​and load ​it with the ​resin. Be ​sure to follow ​the manufacturer’s ​instructions.   Place the ​applicator over ​the crack or ​chip and ​make sure it’s ​centered.   Apply ​gentle pressure to ​the applicator ​to force the ​resin into ​the crack. You ​might see ​some air bubbles ​coming out ​– that’s a ​good sign. ​It means the ​resin is ​filling the space.   Let it sit in the sun for about 15-20 minutes. The UV rays will help cure the resin.   After it’s cured, remove the applicator.   Repeat the Process You might need ​to repeat ​the process a ​couple of ​times to make ​sure the ​crack or chip ​is filled ​properly. If it’s ​a chip, ​you can add ​more resin ​until it’s flush ​with the ​surface.   Scrape Off Excess Resin Once you’re satisfied with the repair, remove the masking tape and use your razor blade or scraper to carefully scrape off any excess resin. Be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.   Polish the Area To make it look as good as new, apply a bit of glass polish to the area and give it a good buff. This will help smooth out the surface and make the repair less noticeable.   After all this is done, step back and admire your handiwork! Your rear window should look a whole lot better now.   A Few Tips and Tricks It’s best to ​do this ​repair on a ​warm, sunny ​day. The UV ​rays help ​the resin cure ​properly.   Don’t ​rush through the ​process. Take ​your time to ​get it ​right.   If the ​crack or ​chip is in ​a spot ​that’s in your ​line of ​sight while driving, ​it’s better ​to consult a ​professional. Safety ​should always come first.   Some kits come with a syringe-style applicator that can create a vacuum and pressure to force the resin into the crack. This can be very effective for deep chips.   Don’t be discouraged if the repair isn’t 100% invisible. It might still be noticeable, but it should prevent the damage from spreading.   Takeaway Repairing a rear ​window crack ​or chip is ​totally doable ​with the right ​tools and ​a bit of ​patience. Not ​only will you ​save some ​money, but you’ll ​also have ​the satisfaction of ​knowing you ​fixed it yourself. ​However, it ​is best to ​get it ​checked with an ​expert technician ​as they have ​a better ​understanding of dealing with autoglass.

Winter driving safety tips are essential for anyone braving the elements behind the wheel. A winter drive is markedly different from a summer jaunt to the beach. The presence of snow, ice, and sleet means that roads are treacherous, visibility can be poor, and your vehicle must work harder to keep you safe and comfortable. Prepare Your Vehicle: Winter Car Safety Checklist Before you even consider driving in winter weather, ensure your vehicle is prepped and ready:   Battery: Cold weather can reduce a battery’s effectiveness. Have it checked to ensure it’s fully charged and in good condition. Lights: With shorter days and poorer visibility, functioning lights are crucial. Check all bulbs and clean the lenses. Brakes: Brakes should be responsive and in excellent working order. Windshield: Fill up on antifreeze washer fluid and ensure your wipers are in good condition to combat snow and slush. Tires: Inspect the tread and consider winter tires for better traction. Defroster and Climate Control: Ensure this work well to aid in visibility and comfort. Know the Conditions: Tips for Driving on Snow and Ice Slow Down and Keep Your Distance   Speed: Reduce your speed; how fast you can go should be dictated by the conditions, not the speed limit signs. Spacing: Extend your following distance to five to six seconds to allow for a longer stopping distance.   Maneuvering Through the Snow Gentle Handling: Abrupt turns or stops can cause skids. Smooth, careful movements are key. Lower Gears: Utilize lower gears to increase traction, especially on hills. Handling Skids: Tips Driving on Ice Stay Calm: Panicking only leads to rash decisions. Steer Into the Skid: If the back end of your vehicle starts to slide, gently steer in that direction. Snowplow Etiquette: Driving in Snowy Conditions Keep Distance: Snowplows throw up snow and ice, reducing visibility. Plus, the road ahead of them is worse. Don’t Overtake: It’s better to stay behind a plow than attempt to pass it.   Plan Your Trip: Road Safety in Winter Route Planning: Choose routes that are likely to be cleared and treated. Avoid back roads and shortcuts. Time Allowance: Everything takes longer in the snow. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination without rushing.   Stay Visible: Driving in Winter Weather Safety Tips Lights On: Keep your headlights on to be seen, even during daylight hours. Clear Snow: Remove all snow from your vehicle, including the roof and lights.   If You Get Stuck: Bad Weather Driving Safety Tips Stay with Your Car: Your car is a shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. Exhaust Pipe: Keep it clear to avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle. Conserve Fuel: If the engine is running to keep warm, do so sparingly.   Keep a Winter Emergency Kit Always carry a winter emergency kit that includes:   Blankets or Sleeping Bags A Flashlight with Extra Batteries A First-Aid Kit A Knife and High-Calorie, Non-Perishable Food Extra Clothing to Keep Dry A Large Empty Can to Use as an Emergency Toilet, Tissues and Paper Towels A Smaller Can and Waterproof Matches to Melt Snow for Drinking Water A Sack of Sand (or Cat Litter) for Traction A Shovel Windshield Scraper and Brush Tool Kit Tow Rope Battery Booster Cables Water Container Candle and a Small Tin Can to Hold It Compass and Road Maps Practice Cold Weather Driving Safety Winter Weather Drills: Practice driving in a snowy parking lot to get a feel for your vehicle’s winter behavior. Knowledge: Understand how your vehicle’s safety features like ABS and traction control work. Take Care of Yourself: The Ultimate Safety Tip Dress Warmly: Always dress for the weather, in layers, even if you think you won’t be outside. If you get stuck, you’ll need warmth. Stay Alert: Driving in winter requires your full attention. Avoid distractions and stay focused on the road. Rest: Fatigue and driving do not mix, especially in winter. Rest well before long trips. Takeaway Adhering to these winter driving tips can make the difference between a safe journey and a perilous one. It’s all about respecting the winter conditions and adjusting your driving habits accordingly. Remember, when it comes to driving on snow and ice, cautious and prepared driving is your best defense against the unpredictable.

How to Clean Inside of Windshield The interior glass surface often accumulates dirt, grime, and a filmy residue that can hinder visibility. In this guide, we will explore the best techniques and tools for achieving a spotless and streak-free inside windshield, ensuring that your driving experience remains as safe as possible.   The Best Tool for Cleaning Inside of Windshield To embark on the journey of achieving a crystal-clear view through your windshield, the first step is choosing the right tools. The best tool for cleaning the inside of your windshield is a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is highly effective in capturing and lifting dirt and residue without leaving streaks behind. Additionally, it is gentle on glass surfaces, preventing scratches or damage.   When selecting a microfiber cloth, opt for one with a fine weave and consider using a dedicated glass cleaning cloth. These are designed to provide optimal performance for cleaning glass surfaces, making them the ideal choice for achieving a streak-free finish on your windshield.   How to Clean Inside Car Windows Without Streaks Achieving a streak-free finish is the holy grail of windshield cleaning. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean the inside of car windows without streaks:   Gather Your Supplies: Microfiber cloth Glass cleaner (ammonia-free for tinted windows) Isopropyl alcohol Cotton swabs Distilled water   Remove Loose Debris: Before applying any cleaner, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to remove loose dust and debris from the windshield.   Mix Your Cleaning Solution: For a homemade solution, mix equal parts distilled water and isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. Alternatively, choose a commercial glass cleaner that is suitable for automotive use.   Spray and Wipe: Lightly spray the cleaning solution onto the microfiber cloth, rather than directly onto the glass, to avoid oversaturation. Wipe the windshield using vertical or horizontal motions, ensuring complete coverage.   Detail Corners and Edges: Use cotton swabs dipped in the cleaning solution to reach into tight corners and along the edges of the windshield where dirt tends to accumulate or you can opt for our windshield repair services if you find it difficult to do it by your self.   Dry with a Dry Cloth: After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the glass and remove any remaining moisture, leaving a streak-free and polished finish.   Check for Streaks: Examine the windshield from different angles and under various lighting conditions to ensure there are no streaks or smudges left behind.   Repeat if Necessary: If streaks persist, repeat the process using a fresh microfiber cloth and cleaning solution. Patience is key to achieving a flawless result.   Best Way to Clean Inside Windshield While the steps outlined above provide a comprehensive guide, it’s essential to highlight the best way to clean the inside of your windshield:   Regular Maintenance: Make windshield cleaning a part of your regular car maintenance routine. A proactive approach will prevent the buildup of stubborn grime and make the cleaning process more manageable.   Avoid Direct Sunlight: Choose a shaded area or perform the cleaning early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent the cleaning solution from evaporating too quickly, which can lead to streaks.   Quality Cleaning Products: Invest in high-quality glass cleaning products, whether commercial or homemade. Ensure that the products are suitable for automotive use and safe for any tinted windows your car may have.   Ventilate the Interior: Ensure proper ventilation when cleaning the inside of your windshield. This will help the cleaning solution evaporate more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of streaks.   Mind Your Surroundings: Be cautious about overspray. Avoid spraying cleaning solutions near electronic components or sensitive areas of your car’s interior.   Cleaning Interior Auto Glass: A Holistic Approach While the focus here is on the windshield, it’s crucial to extend your cleaning efforts to other interior glass surfaces for a comprehensive result. This includes side windows, rearview mirrors, and any other glass panels inside the car. The same cleaning techniques can be applied to these areas, ensuring a consistently clear view from every angle.   Takeaway For those who ​prefer a ​more specialized approach, ​there are ​inside windshield cleaning ​tools available ​in the market. ​While these ​tools can be ​effective, they ​may not be ​necessary for ​routine cleaning and ​may not ​provide a superior ​result compared ​to a well-executed ​manual cleaning ​with a microfiber cloth. Achieving a spotless and streak-free inside windshield involves the right tools, a quality cleaning solution, and a methodical approach.