Windshield Replacement West Chicago IL – Reliable Auto Body
Your vehicle’s windshield is naturally one of its most important components. However, it can be vulnerable to sustaining damage and even breaking during the lifespan of the vehicle. If there are cracks or chips on your windshield, bring it to Reliable Auto Body right away for prompt Windshield Replacement West Chicago IL.
Replacement or Repair
In many cases, it’s not possible to repair damages on a windshield and replacement will be the sole option. Our glass experts can assess your vehicle and recommend which is your best solution. Generally, the factors that indicate whether replacement is necessary include:
-Size of the damages. This is the obvious sign of whether you’ll need a new windshield or if it repairable. As a general guideline, if you can see 3 or more fine cracks on the glass, it’s a sure sign you need Windshield Replacement West Chicago IL. Replacement is also advisable if the crack is the length of a dollar bill and deep enough so it goes halfway through into the windshield.
Rock chips in some cases are repairable if the diameter less than about one inch. If the chip’s diameter is wider and over an inch or so in diameter, replacement is probably necessary.
Windshield Replacement West Chicago IL
-Location. The size of the chip or crack is not the only factor in determining repair or Windshield Replacement West Chicago IL. The location of the damage is also something to consider because even if there’s just one crack, we may recommend replacement if it’s located along the windshield’s outer edge. Cracks along the edges of the glass can rapidly expand in size due to the constant exposure to wind while the vehicle is in motion. Even a single, relatively small crack can compromise the structural integrity of the glass and pose a safety risk. Likewise, replacement is advisable if the cracks or chip blocks the driver’s view.
In general, the windshield replacement process takes approximately one hour. (For a windshield that has minor chips and cracks.) In some situations, it may be only take about 30 minutes. But in the event the glass is shattered, it will typically take longer due to cleaning out the debris.
After installation of your new windshield, it’s advisable to wait for an hour before driving the vehicle. This allows enough time for the glass to settle securely into position and for the adhesive to harden sufficiently.
Aftercare tips following your Windshield Replacement West Chicago IL:
-Clear out the interior and exterior of your vehicle. The sealant is still drying at this stage. (Even though it’s sufficiently dry for you to drive the vehicle.) The last thing you’d want is for any debris to stick to the seal or push against the new glass. Also, on the day after the Windshield Replacement West Chicago IL, do not place any kind of covering on the vehicle’s exterior, keep the dash free of any clutter and do not use a sunshade.
-Open a window. Don’t allow air pressure to put any excess stress upon your windshield while it’s drying. Open one of the windows about an inch for the day after the installation.
-Avoid the car wash or power washing for the meantime. Newer moldings need protection against shift or risk of damage while they dry and set completely. This requires avoiding automatic car washes where high-pressure power washing could risk moving the glass out of position
If you need to wash your vehicle in the first 24 hours after a Windshield Replacement West Chicago IL, simply wash it by hand instead. It might take a longer but it will ensure your new windshield remains protected.
