What To Do When Your Windows Are Damaged

You’ve discovered that your car has been vandalized. Or there’s been an accident in which your windows were broken or cracked. What should you do now?

Step 1. Create Documentation

Take pictures. Make a personal statement. Locate witnesses. Write down the time and place. Find as much information as possible, and keep it handy. You may need this later. If anything was removed from your vehicle, find receipts for the items taken, if you still have them. You should have as much proof as possible that these items were in your possession.

Step 2. File a Police Report

Contact the police within 24 hours, or as close to that time frame as possible. This creates an official record of the incident, and may be needed to resolve your claim. You should do this no matter how minor you think the damage is, even if nothing was stolen, as it creates a paper trail. Have your license, registration and insurance information ready at the time you make the report.

Step 3. File an Insurance Claim

Check your policy to know what’s covered. Note that you will probably have to report your claim as soon as you can to meet the rules set by your insurance company. Get your documentation ready, to help resolve your claim more quickly. Your insurance representative should be able to guide you through the next part of the process.

Step 4. Protect Your Vehicle Once the Claims Adjuster Has Assessed Damage

Cover your windows to make sure no more damage occurs. Keep your car inside or under shelter if that’s possible. Your insurance may help pay for some of this maintenance, but it will not cover damage to your interior if you fail to protect your car after your windows were broken. Do what you can to diminish the appearance of the damage.

Step 5. Have Your Vehicle Fixed as Soon as Possible

You do not need to go to the car repair shop that the insurance company recommends. Instead, do your research and visit a business that you trust. Ask questions, look for certifications, and make sure you are comfortable with the service. Have an auto glass repair company do the work, and be done with it. Having your car repaired quickly is safer and lets you return to your regular routine in a timely manner.

It’s always stressful to find that your vehicle has broken windows, but if you take the steps outlined, you can increase your chances of of making the process smoother and easier as you undergo the repair of your vehicle.

Ways to Avoid Getting a Cracked Windshield

Few car issues are more annoying than a cracked windshield, which you can see in front of you as soon as it happens. The crack doesn’t just look bad, it’s potentially dangerous - especially if it gets bigger, or distracts you from paying attention to the road. How can you avoid this type of damage to your windshield? Well, you won’t always be successful, but you can minimize your risk of getting a cracked windshield.

Heed Warning Signs

If there’s a sign saying that construction is ahead, take note and slow down to the posted work zone speed limit. Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Stay focused and alert. Watch for debris on the road, and for vehicles with loads that aren’t properly tied down.

Don’t Tailgate Construction Vehicles

The safest distance for being behind a construction vehicle is about 200 feet. If a truck is moving loose gravel, wood chips, dirt, or other materials, drivers should have them tied down under tarps - but that doesn’t always protect you, and sometimes tarps can be worn or torn. You can be hit by debris flying straight off the truck, or by rocks that are shot at your windshield after someone drives over it.

Slow Down on Gravel Roads 

Often found in rural areas, gravel roads can be hard on tires and are infamous for cracked windshields. Slow down and make sure you’re not too close to cars in front of you if you are driving along one of these to get to your destination.

Avoid Severe Temperature and Pressure Changes

If at all possible, keep your car in a garage where it’s safe from hail and bad weather. If that’s not possible, do what you can to avoid sudden and severe temperature changes. For example, warm it up properly in cold weather.

Drastic, frequent changes of this type can cause expansion and contraction in the glass, weakening its structure. Direct sunlight can cause cracks because the frit that holds the glass in place, plus the seal, are both black and absorb heat. This can make the glass less stable. And pressure changes can cause stress cracks.

Make Sure Your Car Is Well-Maintained

Sometimes, your car is the problem, because it wasn’t properly constructed, or the windshield wasn’t properly installed. Next time you visit a mechanic you trust, have your windshield checked out to make sure it is safe and sound. Inspect your windshield frequently so you can see if problems are developing.

If cracks are forming in your windshield, you should make repairs quickly because they can quickly spread and become dangerous. If that should happen, you may have to repair the entire windshield. Don’t put off the work! Visit D&I for expert auto glass repair at DandIBodyShopAndGlass.com

Do gravel truck companies have to pay for your chipped windshield?


If you’re driving down the road and your windshield gets damaged by a rock flying off a gravel truck, you may very well wonder who is going to pay to repair of your car.

The short answer is that gravel truck companies are normally not obligated to pay for unintentional damage.



Who Is Responsible?


This type of incident is usually considered an unintentional road hazard, or collateral damage, especially if it occurs inside a construction zone. It isn’t normally classified as an accident, as with a hit-and-run.

Therefore, the other party is not responsible for damage to your car or other property unless you can prove some type of negligence or malicious purpose on the part of the company or the driver. For example, if you can show that the gravel was not tied down properly, that would imply that someone was responsible.



Insurance Issues


You should check first with your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, your windshield repair may very well be covered already. This sort of damage would not be paid for under liability coverage because no one is considered to be at fault. If you have a deductible, however, you may have to pay that first.Your agent may actually advise you against taking any action against the gravel truck company, and just go ahead and file a claim with your insurance company.

Whether or not this raises your rate often depends on the conditions of your insurance contract, but some companies do not penalize you for this type of damage. If it does, you may want to pay for it yourself out-of-pocket to avoid additional fees.



To Pursue A Claim


If you do have proof that the gravel truck company or its driver was negligent, like a phone image of a load that wasn’t well secured, you should contact the company first. Its representatives may know of existing issues and be prepared to pay. You’ll need to know the identity, such as a license plate number, of the vehicle in question.

Also, having a police report in hand helps. If the company does not express a willingness to settle, you may be forced to take your issue to small claims court if you want relief. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that this route will give you the result you desire.



So, in general, gravel truck companies are not liable for your windshield repair. It probably is not worth the trouble, money, and time to pursue a claim unless you have the means to prove there was recklessness or malice intended.

More about D&I Body Shop, Inc.

1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

Auto Glass: The Manufacturing Process

Have you ever wondered how the glass in your car is different from the glass that’s fitted to the windows of your home? How do they make it so sturdy? While getting chips and knicks every once in awhile may lead you to believe that auto glass isn’t very strong at all, it’s actually designed to withstand all sorts of weights and pressures as you drive. From that pothole you didn’t see all the way to that mega-bug that flies into your screen at 60 miles per hour, auto glass is a wonder to behold. But how do they do it?

The Two Types of Glass

There are generally two types of glass that are used when car manufacturers are creating the safe surroundings of your car. Both of these types of glass are referred to as “safety glass,” as they break into smaller pieces rather than the large, dangerous shards that the windows in your house might break into. The first type of glass is called laminated glass, which is predominantly used for windshields. The second type of glass is called tempered glass, which is used for the other areas of the car.

How’s It Done?

Windshield glass, or laminated glass, is created by squeezing a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two pieces of glass, which is then sealed through heat and pressure. This causes a strong chemical bond in the glass, allowing the glass resistance to breakage during impact. Incidentally, it also blocks up to 95% of ultraviolet rays from the sun. Tempered glass also receives a heating treatment, but is then rapidly cooled, which stresses the glass into having approximately 10 times the strength of normal glass for your automobile's windshield.

The Safety Factor

You might not think about your automobile glass very much, but it’s actually part of the safety equipment in your vehicle. Without reinforced glass, every time you shut your car door or even hit a speed bump, you’d be faced with yet another crack or break. By not allowing the windows to shatter into large shards, it also protects the vehicle occupants from additional cuts. However, failing to get a knick or chip in your auto glass repaired, particularly in the windshield area, can cause a destabilization factor, which can lead to a less safe ride. If you notice something, it’s better to get it fixed right away than to wait for a major crack to form.

More about D&I Body Shop, Inc.
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

Watch That Crack! The Importance Of Quick Auto Glass Repair

There’s nothing worse than hearing that tell-tale crack while you’re on the road. The next thing you know, your windshield has a small chip or a crack. No big deal, right? Wrong. Failing to fix your chipped or cracked auto glass can only result in a future expensive repair. Sure, you may get away with it for a little while. However, there are many factors that could easily leave you dealing with a much bigger mess, or even a dangerous driving situation, should you continue to ignore it.

Cracks & Chips Hate The Cold

Getting a chipped windshield in the winter isn't hard. There’s grit and salt all over the roads which can easily get kicked up by bigger vehicles and thrown onto your windshield. However, as the weather drops to freezing temperatures, the glass in your windshield can expand and contract, causing even the smallest crack to become a huge problem in a matter of minutes. While it’s easy to dismiss a small scratch as “no big deal,” ignoring it can easily lead to a shattered windshield at the slightest touch.

Potholes: Your New Enemy

It’s only a small crack, right? Big deal. However, small chips and cracks in your windshield are a destabilizing factor in the structure of your auto glass. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, potholes on the road are a common fact of life. If you hit one of these at speed, it can easily cause your windshield to “give way” while you’re driving, leaving you with a massive repair or a lap-full of glass. Fixing a small chip or crack is easy and can take less than 30 minutes, ensuring you don’t wind up in a tragic situation down the road.

Yet Another Driver Distraction

Believe it or not, your eyes are drawn to objects on your windshield, particularly when driving long distances or sitting in traffic. This can mean stickers and even cracks can become a dangerous distraction, which can lead to a possible accident or minor fender bender. What’s worse is that minor bump can also crack the rest of your windshield, making putting off getting it repaired a truly terrible idea. Keep yourself safe by dealing with the problem before it becomes a bigger one.

If you’re like most drivers, you might occasionally put off those seemingly “non-essential” repairs due to possible cost or hassle. Getting your auto glass repaired before it becomes a huge problem is actually covered by many auto insurance policies, and can take less than 30 minutes in some circumstances. Check with both your insurance company and auto glass professional for further details. Remember: the longer you put it off, the worse it can become.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

3 Things that Break Windshields and Auto Glass

Needing to replace or repair the windshield on your car can be a major hassle. Not only does a crack or a break in your windshield provide a major eye sore for your vehicle, it could also lead to you getting a police ticket if you do not replace it.


Cracks and breaks in your windshield could cause your view to be obstructed while driving which could endanger your life as well as others. So what are some things you need to avoid in order to maintain a chip and crack free windshield? Below are 3 enemies to your auto glass.

Rocks or Gravel – It is well known that rocks or gravel can chip or break your windshield, so when you are on the freeway and driving behind a semi-truck or on a gravel road, slow down or move around the gravel truck. The faster you drive in those elements, the likely it is that your car will be struck with rocks or gravel, thus causing a chip or break in your windshield.

Bird Poop – Yes, frozen bird poop has recently been one of the reasons for cracked windshields. If a bird releases its nasty package high enough in the air in a cold temperature, then it is a good chance that it may crack your windshield. Be sure to park your car in areas where birds usually steer clear of. This will help you avoid the situation. Wired.com did a study on bird poop breaking windshields. Be sure to check it out.

Hot Water – Hot water is also known to break windshields during the cold winter months. Main offenders of the hot water breakages are people who are running late for work or in a hurry to get the ice off of their vehicle during the cold season and choose to pour hot water on the windshield for a quick fix. The problem with that, though, is the quick change in temperature from the hot water on the auto glass can cause a crack in your windshield. So if you are warming your car up in the winter season, be sure to plan ahead and warm up your car ahead of time.

More about D&I Body Shop
1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com

3 Things to Look for In an Auto Glass Repair Shop

In the city of Atlanta, there are countless auto glass repair shops for you to choose from, but which one is right for you?

Determining which auto glass repair shop suits your budget and your need is the first step you need to take. Because auto glass repairers are not regulated the same as mechanics are, that makes the importance of finding an auto glass repair shop with a solid reputation for quality and customer service all the more important.

Logic and common sense dictates that experience and longevity in the industry are immediate factors. Word of mouth recommendations are also good indicators. But when you look for an auto glass repair shop, be sure they meet these industry standards:

1. They should have a selection of OE glass (original equipment) and OEE glass (original equipment equivalent). Most auto glass repair shops do not take the time to explain to you what type of glass they will be using and in most cases, they use generic auto glasses. Generic ones are not as durable or shatter resistant compared to OE and OEE glasses.
2. They must also use top-notch urethane products that are approved by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Urethane is what holds your windshield in place so it needs to be high in quality. You might want to ask them if their business is certified by the urethane manufacturer.
3. Insurance and warranty should come together. A good auto glass repair shop should accept insurance as this will certainly help you with the bill. Warranty should also be provided by the auto glass repairers. Any ideal shop offer at least one year warranty on parts and labor. In most cases, warranty applies to defects in glass and leaks.

Repairing or replacing your windshield may be costly. But you have to be also aware that your windshield does more than protect you from the elements, which is why your car needs to fitted with the best auto glass out there. You just have to be extra careful when picking an auto glass repair shop to make sure you get your money’s worth and the protection you and your loved ones deserve.

 

How Windshields Are Made

The windshield has a lone and very rich history, which stems from 1905 when it was discovered that glass can be heat tempered. Heat tempering is a treatment widely used back then to make glass resistant to shattering. Heat tempered glass became the windshield material of choice up until the middle of the 20th century, when lamination proved to be a better alternative to heat tempering.

Laminated glass consists of one plastic layer bounded by two sheets of glass. Laminated glass can bend upon impact, instead of shattering and breaking. This feature made laminated glass the dominant trend in most countries. In fact, many states in the United States requires auto manufacturers to install windshields made of laminated glass because they pose less risks to passengers compared to heat tempered windshields.

Windshields have very complex material structure. Raw materials needed to make windshield glass include silica, sodium oxide, and calcium oxide. These chemicals are often derived from sand, soda ash and lime. Other materials needed for auto glass and windshield manufacturing are magnesium oxide, feldspar, and potassium oxide. In some instances, cullet (broken waste glass) is included in the mix.

 

How are Windshields Made?: The Manufacturing Process

1. The raw materials mentioned above are weighed carefully and are prepared in appropriate amounts. Once this is done, the materials are mixed together with a small amount of water to prevent segregation.
2. After the batch is made, it is then placed in a large tank where it is melted. This is called the float process. In this phase, the glass material is melted at 1,835 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 degrees Celsius). After which, it is placed onto a bath of melted tin. Once the glass floats, it then rolls out from the flat chamber to the oven. Otherwise known as the annealing lehr.
3. In the lehr or furnace, the glass is significantly cooled to about 395 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Once the glass comes out of the furnace, it is significantly stronger and clean of impurities. At this point, the glass is ready to be polished into an auto windshield.
4. Once the design and dimensions are finalized using a diamond scribe, the glass is then cut. Modern glass cutting technologies have made this process faster and easier. Once the glass is cut, it is then bent and fitted into a mold. The mold is heated, which makes the glass to sag according to the shape of the mold.
5. After the shaping phase, the glass material will be tempered in a furnace to about 1,565 degrees Fahrenheit (850 degrees Celsius). After which, the glass is cooled with blasts of cool air. This cooling process, also known as quenching, toughens the glass and makes it durable even during collisions and impacts.
6. Once the glass is tempered and cleaned, it is then laminated. The lamination process involves bonding two sheet of glass with a layer of plastic and takes place in a furnace where the materials are heated and pressed to form a single unit that is highly resistant to shattering.
7. Plastic moldings are then attached to the glass, which makes it ready for car installation. Any other modifications, such as glazing, are usually done by the automobile manufacturer.

About D&I Body Shop

1779 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 885-9575
www.dandibodyshopandglass.com