What is an OEM Windshield?

A sturdy car ensures your safety on the road, but an emergency car kit can save you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere. No matter how careful of a driver you are, a car breakdown can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. Read this article to learn more about the vehicle emergency kit you must have in the car.   Overview: Car safety kit A vehicle safety kit is a collection of tools you might require when dealing with a sudden vehicle malfunction. If you experience a car breakdown on a busy street, you will be able to access prompt assistance. But things change when it happens on an isolated freeway, where there aren’t many vehicles or people around. In such cases, an emergency car kit is indispensable.   Let’s find out what basic emergency supplies, vehicle tools and repair items, and safety and survival stuff you must carry on the go.   What basic emergency supplies should you carry? Your basic roadside emergency kit comes in handy when stuck in a broken car with slim chances of receiving immediate assistance. Here’s what items you should carry as part of your basic emergency supplies:   #1. First aid kit Nothing comes more handy than a first aid kit during emergencies. Despite the increased safety features of modern vehicles, a first aid kit remains essential for addressing minor injuries. Here’s a checklist of what you should have in your first aid kit:   Fresh gauze, bandages, and cotton Antiseptic lotion Hand sanitizer Sterilized wipes Tweezers Splints Insect repellent sprays Bandanas Medication Whether it’s to treat a minor cut or a painful sprain, having a first aid kit would ease things while dealing with a broken car.   #2. Portable battery jump starter A dead battery can leave your car disabled, especially in remote areas. However, with a battery jump starter in your emergency car kit, you can quickly address the issue. The advantage of having a jump starter lies in its portability—it essentially serves as a portable replacement battery, eliminating the need for another vehicle to jump-start yours.   #3. Visibility accessories Nothing helps more than spare illumination devices if your car has broken down and it’s already past sunset in the middle of nowhere. Your car battery can provide enough light to attract attention, especially if you keep the hazard lights on.   However, flashlights, torches, reflective patches, and glow sticks can help you attract the attention of fellow travelers and also provide light in case you need to make any minor repairs to your vehicle.   What are the must-have vehicle tools and repair items? While basic emergency supplies help you to deal with a broken car episode, having vehicle tools and windshield repair items is invaluable if the problem is repairable.   Check out these must-have tools and their utilities:   #4. Flat tire repair kit A flat tire is among the most common reasons for car breakdowns. Here’s what a flat tire repair kit comprises: Spare tire Lug wrench Car jack Vehicle manual If you know how to fix a punctured tire, it’s an easy way out. If you cannot handle a flat tire, try an online video tutorial or seek help from your fellow travelers.   #5. Fire extinguishers A fire extinguisher is an indispensable part of the survival kit for vehicles. It’s handy as a safety measure to put out any unwanted fire breakout in the car. Most importantly, you can save your vehicle from severe damage if an accidental fire breaks out when carrying a fire extinguisher.   Fire extinguishers are among the must-have items in all vehicles, whether driving or parked.   #6. Towing straps Towing straps pack a formidable force to rescue your car when it’s immobile. An indispensable vehicle safety kit, towing straps act as a force multiplier that tugs out your car using another vehicle. It’s a must-have car safety kit since it can come in handy for all vehicles at any time.   What are the indispensable safety and survival items when driving? Your emergency car kit is incomplete without safety and survival items to keep you alive and functioning until help arrives. Whether it’s fresh food, a handy tool kit, or navigational equipment, here’s everything you need:   #7. Food and water It’s a blessing to have access to food and water when your car is stuck with little hope for immediate help. Ensure that you have plenty of replenishment and dried food items that won’t go bad. The presence of adequate supplies keeps you stable during such tense moments until help arrives.   #8. Multi-tool kit A multi-tool kit is like a wild card during an emergency like a car breakdown. If you do not have all the tools, a multi-tool kit provides you with the leverage to improvise. Here’s what a multi-tool kit usually comprises: Knife Scissors Screwdriver Filer Plier Bottle opener Can opener Reamer Whether fixing a loose screw or needing a handy knife to sever something, a multi-tool kit is an all-in-one miracle. A multi-tool kit adds to the versatility by providing an all-purpose tool case without carrying individual tools. Besides that, it’s good to always carry a high-intensity whistle, which can help you attract attention if you’re stuck in the wilderness with a broken car.   #9. Navigational equipment When a car breakdown happens, in-built electronic items may stop working. If you’re far from the city, you may have trouble accessing cell service as well. In such cases, carrying items like a compass, handheld radio, or a chronometer watch can help people access your location.   Moreover, if you’re familiar with the stars or have a sense of direction, you can navigate and seek assistance using the celestial bodies.   #10. Climate control accessories A disabled car may not have a functional air conditioner, blower, or heater. If you are traveling to places with erratic weather conditions, it’s best to carry portable fans, heat packs, gloves, and a space blanket in your emergency car kit.   Final words on the emergency car kit Car breakdowns are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone. Nothing comes in handy more than being prepared for such a situation. Whenever going out for long rides, ensure you make arrangements that can help people trace you in case of an emergency. While having an emergency car kit is essential for breakdowns, why not consider detailed car maintenance to understand the root cause of issues? Whether you’re dealing with a chipped windshield or facing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) problems, visit Auto Glass for top-notch car assistance today.

Dealing with a damaged windshield can be extremely frustrating. Small cracks or pits caused by flying debris, stones, or high temperatures can seem minor but are potentially harmful to your safety. It is best to have these fractures and chips fixed before they deteriorate and compromise your vision and your vehicle’s structural integrity.   But how will you know whether a quick repair will suffice or whether you should go in for a broken windshield replacement?    We will help you understand the various factors to consider when deciding whether you need a repair or a complete windshield replacement. We will also discuss the importance of professional assessment in making the right decision for your vehicle and some preventative maintenance tips. Let’s begin!   Factors to Consider for Windshield Repair or Replacement It is difficult to choose between replacing or fixing a windshield crack. If you ignore a minor crack, it might become worse. However, jumping to replace your windshield at the slightest damage is also not economically feasible.   Let us understand the key factors for you to consider:   1. Size of the Damage This is a crucial factor in deciding between repair and windshield replacement. A crack smaller than a dollar bill may usually be fixed.    2. Location of the Damage  The position of the crack or chip needs to be carefully examined to choose the best course of action, even if the damage meets the size requirements for repair.    3. Depth of the Damage A windshield generally comprises three layers. Depending on how many layers the crack or pit has affected, you can decide between fixing a windshield crack and replacement.    4. Amount of Damage You can repair a smaller amount of damage easily.    Use these factors to decide when to repair or replace the windshield.   When to Repair Your Windshield? You can get your damaged windshield repaired if you notice one or more of the below issues:   Size: The chip is smaller than 1/4 inch or a crack is less than 6 inches Location: The damage is not on the driver’s side Amount: The windshield has a solitary crack or less than 3 chips Depth: The cracks/ chips are on the surface level and not too deep Types of Windshield Cracks: The cracks are bullseye cracks less than 1 inch, star breaks, or small cracks Safety: If the crack doesn’t compromise the windshield’s integrity. Windshield Age: If the windshield is new and has no issues other than minor damage.   When Should You Replace Your Windshield? Choosing windshield replacement is a good idea if the glass is tempered and not laminated. A broken windshield replacement is also preferred in the following situations:   Size: The cracks are large, or the windshield has extensive damage Location: The cracks are in the field of vision or near the windshield’s outer edges Amount: There are multiple cracks or more than 3 chips Depth: The cracks penetrate all three windshield layers, or a pit is more than 3/8th of an inch Types of Windshield Cracks: The cracks are spider web pattern cracks or long cracks Safety: The windshield’s structural integrity has been affected Age: The windshield is old with wear and tear and has multiple cracks   Professional Assessment It is preferable to get an expert opinion if you are still unclear about whether to replace or repair a windshield. Based on this expert evaluation, you can determine whether to proceed with a repair or replacement.    1. Initial Examination An expert auto glass technician will take a look at your windshield to understand the size, location, depth, and amount of damage. They will use advanced tools and techniques to determine the status and extent of the damage.    2. Solutions to the Damage After assessing, the technician will let you know whether you need a repair or replacement, depending on the damage.   3. Cost Estimate The technician quotes an approximate cost estimate for the repair or replacement and often liaises with the insurance to reimburse the costs.    Preventive Maintenance Tips Rather than spending money on fixing windshield cracks or windshield replacement, here are some preventive measures you can follow to minimize the chances of the damage occurring in the first place.    1. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles to prevent rocks or other debris from falling and causing windshield damage.     2. Avoid unpaved gravel roads and construction sites.    3. Use windshield protectors when parking your car in the open or, if possible, park only in enclosed spaces or garages.    4. Try to maintain a constant temperature inside the car, not alternate between extremes. Limit exposure to external temperature changes, too.    5. Keep your wiper clean to prevent damage to the windshield.    6. Use non-abrasive cleaning products and techniques to clean the windshield.    7. Don’t neglect small chips or cracks. Get it repaired immediately.   Conclusion Windshields play an important safety role in your vehicle, and the windshield replacement or repair should be done immediately.    It is always better to contact an auto glass professional for repair or windshield replacement if you are not confident in doing it yourself. Contact Auto Glass America today to schedule your appointment and get a free quote if you are looking for a professional auto glass replacement in Florida. Whenever you need skilled professional services for a windshield repair or replacement, choose Auto Glass America.

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