Auto Glass Replacement For Safety, Security, Comfort, and More

It seemed like an insignificant crack at the time. However, the seemingly insignificant crack morphed into major damage that forced you to take your car in for auto glass replacement. At Dan’s Glass, we recommend that our customers take their vehicles in for auto glass replacement long before a small crack turns into an auto repair nightmare.

For the reasons of comfort, safety, and security, you should not allow a small crack in auto glass to go unattended.

Let’s dive into the specific reasons why auto glass replacement is a good idea for even the smallest chips and cracks.

Improves Strength

A small chip or crack on a piece of auto glass can quickly turn into a major issue that compromises the structural integrity of your motor vehicle. The best auto glass is designed to withstand strong impacts, but that does not happen if you have chipped or cracked auto glass. A small crack in auto glass can lead to an incident in which the entire glass shatters, which places you and your passengers in harm’s way.

Auto glass windshield replacement enhances safety.

Stay Secure During Bad Weather

Just a small crack on your windshield can make you and your passengers highly vulnerable to the dangers of bad weather. Even if a chipped or cracked glass does not shatter, it can make you vulnerable to wind and water. Auto glass replacement protects against the dangers of torrential rain and howling high winds. 

Keeps Everyone Comfortable

A small crack in the windshield can lead to air and water entering your vehicle. If you experience a heatwave or a frigid cold snap, the air entering your vehicle can make everyone uncomfortable by creating a too-hot or too-cold environment inside your car. Water racing into your motor vehicle also causes immense discomfort for you and your passengers.

Creates Visual Clarity

Safety comes up again on our list for auto glass replacement. Whether a crack appears on the windshield or one of the windows on the side of your car, you can expect not to have the proper clarity to operate the motor vehicle. Getting a damaged pane of glass replaced removes any clarity issues that can put you and your passengers in danger. Auto glass cracks become a greater visual clarity issue when it rains.

What Should I Do After Auto Glass Breaks?

Whether a crack turns into broken auto glass or auto glass shatters because of a super-strong impact, you should learn about the steps that you should take to receive an immediate replacement of the damaged auto glass.

First, move the vehicle to a safe spot away from traffic. Second, remove as much of the shattered glass as possible from inside your vehicle to prevent cuts. Third, call Dan’s Glass to transfer your motor vehicle to our shop for instant auto glass replacement. While we replace your car’s glass, contact your insurance company to receive an auto insurance claim form. Make sure to take photographs of the damaged glass to submit with your detailed claim.

Dan’s Glass offers our customers peace of mind knowing they receive prompt service that gets their motor vehicles back on the road.

Auto Glass Replacement May Be Faster and Cheaper Than You Thought

Did you know that your car’s windshield is considered a safety feature? Yes, the windshield allows you to look across your driving plane to detect oncoming traffic and pedestrians. However, its especially important purpose is to protect you from flying debris. With all the impacts windshields take, as well as other glass panes on your car, one day your car is inevitably going to need auto glass replacement.

Auto glass replacement can cost a considerable amount of money, if you take your car to the wrong business. It also can take several days to get your car back. Nonetheless, auto glass replacement may be faster and cheaper than you think if you take your car in for work at a highly-rated business such as Dan’s Glass.

What Should I Do If I Discover Broken Car Glass?

The first impulse after noticing your vehicle has sustained damage as the result of broken glass should be to call 911 to report a possible crime. Maybe an object fell and shattered the glass, but you cannot be sure until a law enforcement agency conducts an investigation. Calling 911 is important because if a thief committed a crime, the thief might be still in the area, even nearby.

You also must file a detailed insurance claim with your car insurance company. Submit photographs of the damage, as well as a copy of the report filed by the law enforcement agency in charge of the investigation. The more detailed information that you provide your insurance company, the more likely you get your car insurance claim approved.

The last step to take after discovering broken car glass involves bringing your motor vehicle in for auto glass replacement at Dan’s Glass. One of our specialists conducts a thorough inspection of your vehicle before providing a cost estimate and an expected date for returning your car.

What Types of Auto Glass Replacement Services Does Dan’s Glass Offer?

Peace of mind is what you need after discovering broken car glass, and peace of mind is what you receive from Dan’s Glass because of our comprehensive list of auto glass replacement services.

First, we secure your vehicle and then remove it from the scene. We follow up an initial onsite inspection with a much more detailed inspection at our facility. One of our auto glass replacement specialists takes accurate measurements of the area or areas where we must install new glass. Before taking the measurements, the specialist working on your car clears out every piece of glass. Then the specialist checks our inventory list to determine whether we have the type of auto glass required for your car in stock or whether we have to place an order for customized auto glass.

A team of our auto glass replacement experts completes the installation process. We check, double-check, and triple-check our work to ensure it meets our high standards.

We understand the stress and anxiety caused by broken auto glass such as the different types of windshield glass. Discover why Dan’s Glass is the go-to business for auto glass replacement by contacting one of our customer service representatives.

4 Reasons Auto Glass Replacement is a Better Idea Than Windshield Repair

When it comes to fixing a damaged windshield, many drivers are often faced with the decision to either replace the glass or repair it. While windshield repair may seem like a cheaper and quicker option, in many cases, auto glass replacement is actually the better idea. Here are four reasons why:

1. Structural Integrity

Your windshield is an important safety feature of your vehicle. It's designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident. When a windshield is damaged, its structural integrity is compromised. Repairing the damage may not always fully restore the glass's structural strength, leaving it susceptible to future damage. Auto glass replacement, on the other hand, restores the glass's structural integrity and ensures it can provide the necessary protection in the event of an accident.

2. Visibility

Windshield repairs can often leave behind minor distortions or marks on the glass. These can impact your visibility while driving, especially in bright sunlight or during nighttime driving. Auto glass replacement ensures that your windshield is crystal clear and free of any distortions, providing optimal visibility for safe driving.

3. Time and Cost

While windshield repair may seem like a quicker and cheaper option at first, it's not always the case. In some cases, the damage may be too extensive to be repaired and replacement is the only option. Additionally, if the damage is in the driver's line of vision, windshield repair may not be an option due to safety regulations. In the end, you may end up spending more time and money on repeated repairs than you would on a one-time auto glass replacement.

4. Resale Value

If you plan on selling your vehicle in the future, a repaired windshield may not have the same value as a replaced one. Potential buyers may view a repaired windshield as a sign of neglect or improper maintenance. On the other hand, a new windshield can improve the overall appearance and value of your vehicle, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

Auto glass replacement is often the better idea when it comes to fixing a damaged windshield. It ensures the structural integrity and visibility of the glass, can ultimately save time and money, and can even improve the resale value of your vehicle. If you have a damaged windshield, contact a professional auto glass replacement service to discuss your options and ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers on the road.

Does My Auto Glass Replacement Fall Under Items That Have a Deductible?

If something such as debris thrown up from the roadway causes you to need auto glass replacement, it is important to know whether your auto insurance deductible will be a factor. It is a valid question, and the answer may be more complex than you think.

Facts About Auto Glass

Depending on the type of incident, your auto glass provides between 45 and 60 percent of the structural integrity of your vehicle. But your windshield doesn't have to be cracked or broken to become an insurance red flag. That is why it is important to clean your windshield often and resist the urge to plaster cute bumper stickers on your window glass. It is very important that you can clearly see where you are going and what is behind you.

Auto Insurance for Windshields

Some insurance companies offer special windshield replacement insurance that has a lower deductible or none at all. Other companies include windshield replacement coverage as part of your comprehensive auto insurance policy. The point is, auto glass replacement is available from your insurance company, although how beneficial the coverage will turn out to be is based on individual insurers and state laws.

Insurance Companies Differ

It is rare for PIP or gap auto insurance policies to provide free windshield replacement. Instead, you would need to have comprehensive auto coverage-- commonly referred to as "full coverage." And even companies that provide windshield replacement may require you to pay a deductible or even carry specialized windshield replacement coverage. Finally, some companies allow you to pay a special deductible for a windshield replacement that is not affected by your regular policy deductible. This allows you to replace faulty auto glass at a lower cost than if you had to pay for it out of pocket, but not exactly free of charge.

Auto Glass and State Laws

State laws affect how auto glass replacement is handled by insurance companies. In Kentucky, Florida, and South Carolina windshield replacement is included for free in a comprehensive policy. In half a dozen other states you can purchase a separate, non-deductible windshield policy. Everywhere else you will have to meet your policy deductible before insurance kicks in-- and it may be a better idea to simply replace the glass out of pocket.

Talk to your insurance provider before scheduling windshield repair or replacement. If it is covered on your policy, your auto glass company will take care of billing the insurance portion of the cost, and all you will have to pay is the deductible.

How Long Does it Take For Auto Glass Replacement?

Whether your car is fresh off the dealer lot or you've owned it for a number of years, the day may come when you need to have auto glass replacement. Most insurance policies will cover windshield replacement free of charge and without increasing your premiums because windshields contribute to the structural integrity and overall safety of your vehicle.

Windshield Replacement

A typical windshield replacement will only take a short time when the job is performed by an experienced auto glass replacement specialist. Whether you bring our car into the glass shop or have it replaced at your location, the job can usually be completed in less than an hour-- and it may take as little as 20 minutes or so.

Side Glass Replacement

Replacing a side window may seem like a more complicated process, but experienced installers can still get the job done quickly. Using specialized tools and materials, side windows can be replaced in about an hour, from removing the interior side panels to presenting you with the necessary papers. If your car has hard-to-find window glass, let the glass company know the make and model when you set up your appointment.

Glass Repair Services

Glass repair is an option for types of cracks. Glass repair involves carefully cleaning the area around the chip or crack, then filling the damaged area with a specially formulated bonding agent that dries to form a complete seal. Keep in mind that glass repair may be slightly visible after it has been repaired, and replacement is the generally recommended solution. 

Glass Tinting Services

In addition to replacing broken auto glass, your glass technicians can also apply window tint if you wish. Since the amount of tinting allowed by law varies from one state to another, using a local glass service guarantees conforming to regulations. Because reducing glare can make driving safer, window tinting won't increase your premiums.

Before You Drive Wait Times

Once your auto glass has been replaced, it is a good idea to allow the adhesives to dry before driving the vehicle. In most cases, auto glass adhesives will be fully dried in less than an hour, and some types may be ready to use in as little as 20 minutes. In the end, most windshield replacements are ready for the open road in about an hour, including the wait time while adhesives are curing.

Since auto glass replacement can be done at your home or even while you are at work, you won't have to worry about missing important visitors, appointments, or deadlines. You don't even have to set aside time during the replacement process-- simply sign the work release when the job is done.

10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Drive with Damaged Windows

There are a lot of reasons to get an auto glass replacement if you have damaged windows in your vehicle. Auto glass is very important, contributing to the safety of your passengers, avoiding legal costs, and more. Here are 10 reasons you should have damaged windows repaired as soon as possible.

1. Auto Glass Provides Comfort

Replacing auto glass will make every ride more comfortable. Your auto windows and their seals keep out road noise and maintain a barrier between the outside elements and your vehicle's interior.

2. Structural Integrity

Depending on your make and model, your auto glass is responsible for as much as 45 percent of the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. Cracked and broken windows reduce that protection considerably. 

3. Cracks Expand with Driving

The force of wind created by driving will cause cracks to get longer and splinter into new cracks. As the glass weakens, it will eventually fail completely and may cause serious injuries to passengers.

4. Dirt and Dust Affect Cracks

As you drive along with cracked auto glass, particles in the wind become lodged in the cracks. These particles build up and begin to wedge the crack wider until it eventually shatters.

5. Climate Enlarges Cracks

Unbroken windows aren't affected by extreme temperature due to their design and manufacture, but once the integrity is lost the elements become a major problem.

6. Reduced Visibility

Cracked auto glass makes it harder to see what is going on outside the vehicle. This begins as an effect of the crack itself but often leads to milky glass expanding around the crack. 

7. Legal Troubles

Intact auto glass is a matter of law in most states. If you are seen driving with cracked, broken, or missing auto glass you can be stopped and will face fines or other charges.

8. May Affect Safety Devices

Cracked or broken windows have been shown to cause safety devices such as airbags not to work properly. Replacing your auto glass keeps your vehicle operating the way it was designed to do.

9. Risk of Ejection at Impact

Since the glass is already weakened, your passengers are no longer protected properly against being thrown out of the vehicle in a collision. 

10. Increase Resale Value

Replacing cracked or broken glass before you put your vehicle on the market will make it more valuable to prospective buyers. Because auto glass is so important, it will have a huge impact on your resale value.

Most auto insurance policies cover windshield replacement, so your auto glass repairs may cost you little or nothing. The important thing is to get the glass replaced as soon as possible because the situation will only grow more serious.

Window Maintenance Tips for the End of Winter

Winter weather can be hard on exterior residential glass. As the weather begins to warm, homeowners can take advantage of the change by inspecting and performing routine maintenance on their windows. From cleaning and sealing them to repairing leaks and broken glass, it is time to get things ready for the coming summer months.

Check Sills, Frames, and Shutters

During the cleaning process, you may notice minor damages like peeling paint, decaying window frames, or shutters that need to be repaired. Minor repairs are a lot less expensive than major ones, so call a residential glass contractor as soon as possible to correct any problems you aren’t comfortable with repairing yourself.

Inspect Seals and Joints

Check the caulk around window panes and frames. Age and harsh weather are common reasons for silicon caulk to harden, crack, or become dislodged. Minor drafts can add up to a lot of money in excess energy costs compared to the cost of simply having your residential glass contractor reseal the windows.

Check for Cracks and Leaks

High winds, falling branches, and freezing temperatures can cause residential windows to crack. Make sure that all of your windows are free of cracks. Even a small crack will become large quickly and may even lead to the glass falling out of its frame. Professional glass contractors are licensed and insured, with the experience to replace most panes-- even in multi-paned windows.

Clean the Windows and Screens

Cleaning your screens and windows not only gives your home an aesthetically pleasing look, but the process also helps you better identify areas that may require the services of a glass company. During the winter, ice and snow deposit dirt and grime that can facilitate damage to the frames, window glass, and operating mechanisms. In some cases, a good cleaning will be all it takes to get everything into good working order. Use vinegar or isopropyl alcohol to get the best results.

Verify Your Windows Open and Close

Just as freezing weather can damage window glass, fluctuations in temperature and humidity may cause window frames to warp or expand. Open and close all of your windows a few times to make sure they work effortlessly. Any windows that do not work as they should need the attention of glass technicians to locate and correct the problem as soon as possible.

Taking care of any problems you can find with your windows will prepare them for the heat of summer, and could potentially save you hundreds of dollars in wasted energy. Most repairs can be completed in a day, including repairing or replacing double-paned windows.

Window Tricks to Make Your Office Appear Larger

There is a lot to be said for commercial glass replacement during an office remodel. From creating a more productive atmosphere to creating the illusion of more space to work in, glass and mirrors are an affordable way to spruce up and make the office feel more appealing.

Benefits of Ambient LIght

Commercial glass replacement is an opportunity to go bigger and better than what you are replacing. Large windows that allow sunlight into the room make your office appear larger, warmer, and more comfortable to work in. If wall space is at a premium, you can also install skylights or windows in places like above your doors. Depending on the placement, clear glass is not always the best option, but there are many tints and coatings available to provide the best possible light in the most beneficial manner.

Interior Windows and Walls

Windows are great for use inside the office place as well. Windows between offices allow nonverbal communication at a glance and give the impression of connecting two or more rooms into a single unit. Window walls tend to be less expensive than regular walls and make perfect barriers between rooms. Used in conjunction with vertical blinds, window walls can provide you with affordable office space that both conserves space and gives the illusion of having more.

Visual Depth

Optimum commercial glass replacement provides depth to the workspace by providing a direct view of the outside world. By contrast, a windowless office can feel confining and small, even if it is the largest office in the building. The best results come from an unobstructed view of the sky or some natural setting, but any view outside, even glass doors, will help a lot.

Creating Windows With Mirrors

Placing mirrors so that they reflect a window view isn’t as good as the real thing, but it does enhance depth perception as it redirects natural light into the office. This trick is handy for interior spaces that don’t have direct outside access. Mirrors can be used to create the illusion of space in other ways as well and can be custom-designed to exactly match your space and needs.

Glass and Display Space

Another way to use glass to make a room seem larger is to replace existing display cases and shelves with glass alternatives. Custom display cases and shelving will give your customers a better view of the merchandise without blocking off space or obstructing security systems. During an office remodel, this type of commercial glass replacement can provide you with more office space by reducing the footprint of the case, and adding the illusion of even more to make your employees more productive and your customers feel more welcomed.

Commercial glass replacement is fast, convenient, and affordable. Even more appealing to the bottom line, windows have been shown to increase morale, productivity, and even the health of office workers. Before finalizing your office renovations, consider using glass as an alternative to traditional drywall or wood framing.

Should You Use Rain Repellent on Your Windshield?

Using rain repellents offer certain benefits, but cannot substitute for necessary window care and auto glass replacement.

Beginning with the release of Rain-X in 1972, windshield water repellents have become an increasingly popular glass treatment. Under normal circumstances, it does a great job of keeping your windshield free of rain, increasing visibility, and providing a new layer of safety while driving in inclement weather. It does not repair or hide chips and cracks and is not effective at eliminating auto glass replacement.

What is Windshield Water Repellent?

Auto and commercial glass replacement companies typically offer rain repellent applications for the benefit of their customers. Rain repellents work by forming a protective layer over the surface of the glass. It fills tiny holes and imperfections to reduce the friction of water droplets. This allows droplets to bead together and quickly flow off of the surface. The coating wears away over time and needs to be applied again periodically.

How Long Does Rain Repellent Last?

The type of rain repellent used will determine how often it needs to be reapplied. Rain repellents are available in liquid and gel forms, and each type will perform differently. Some repellents include a bonding formula that will even resist chipping, but that protection is limited and should not be the primary reason for using a water repellent. In general, you can expect an application to last for as long as 30 days, but that time can be much shorter or longer depending on weather conditions that require the use of your wipers.

Does Rain Repellent Work on Cracks?

Rain repellents work at the micro-level and are not effective on large imperfections, cracks, or chipped areas. Depending on the rain repellent and size of the cracks, water repellents may even cause visual effects such as blurring or brightening the cracked area. It will not seal leaks. If your windshield is cracked or damaged, your best course of action is to have the windshield replaced by an authorized auto glass replacement company.

Auto glass replacement specialists can advise you on the best type of rain repellent to use and how often it should be applied. You can also request your first application at the time of your auto glass replacement to take a proactive approach to a clearer, cleaner driving experience. 

Are Glass Garage Doors a Good Look For Your Home?

Glass garage doors open the way for a whole new dimension in home renovation and presentation. From a simple upgrade of your existing garage doors to an innovative way to provide outdoor access and exposure, glass garage doors have a lot to offer your home. And the best news is that they can be installed by the same company you already trust for expert auto glass replacement.

The Best Windshields to Fit Your Budget

Most cars last an entire life of ownership without auto glass replacement. Even if their windshields get damaged, the glass can often be repaired quickly and with minor costs. However, some cars are inflicted with major damage that requires replacement, such as shattered/cracked glass from accidents and flying highway debris. 

What to look for in a Glass Professional

Let's face it - DIY auto glass repairs can do in a pinch, but the quality just doesn't come out looking right, and even worse, bad glass repair could become a major safety hazard. When you get a chip or a crack in your car windows or windshields, you really need a professional. And while it's easy to decide you need help, finding the right person can be a lot more complicated. Here are some tips to help you find safe, affordable, and reliable auto glass repair.

What is the Differences Between Ordinary Glass and Auto Glass?

The glass in your windshield is not the same type of glass that is used for your other windows. Safety glass is required by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the windows in a vehicle. The windshield glass is required to go through an additional process known as lamination in order to protect the occupants of vehicles. If you ever need auto glass replacement, you need to use an auto repair service who follows these standards.

What To Look For In An Auto Glass Replacement Company

Your windshield is perhaps the most critical safety feature of your car. When this glass is damaged and needs to replaced or repaired, it has to be done by an auto glass replacement company that is reliable and dependable, or you could suffer serious consequences.

How Does An Auto Glass Replacement or Repair Warranty Work?

A number of companies offer auto glass replacement or repair warranties. If your windshield has been damaged and needs to be replaced or repaired by a professional auto glass repair company, you should have gotten a warranty to guarantee their work. Many customers wonder what an auto glass warranty covers? Does it protect you from future damage to your windshield? The reason you have had to replace or repair your windshield is most likely due to flying debris from the roadside, or a rock flying out from a passing truck. There is no guarantee these incidents cannot happen again, and the auto glass replacement company cannot guarantee against these future occurrences. So, how does an auto glass replacement or repair warranty work?

Auto Glass Replacement: Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Windshield?

It doesn't matter what part of the country you live in; your windshield can take a beating. Construction happens on all roads, and you may get behind a truck hauling gravel, which puts you at risk of pea gravel hitting your windshield. There are sanitation trucks in all parts of the country, and when they place their loads of sand or salt down, your windshield becomes a target for flying pieces, as well as the occasional bits of debris left on road which can be thrown up by passing vehicles. It doesn't matter what hits your windshield when it gets a crack; when it happens should you consider repair or auto glass replacement?