Month: October 2024

Our Oregon customers understand the long-term payout of treating your vehicle with consistent care and maintenance. From full synthetic oils to additives that clean up your fuel injectors, there are so many ways to extend the life and performance of your vehicle.

However, when it comes to windshield repair, too many people opt for cheap repairs at questionable shops that they ultimately pay the price for down the road. Whether it’s poor alignment that trips their ADAS or water that leaks into their vehicle, we’ve seen it all when it comes to bad windshield replacement.

If you recently had your windshield replaced and are experiencing any of the following signs, you may have had a bad replacement and need to get it fixed ASAP.

1. ADAS Miscalibration

It’s an all-too-common scenario at our shop. Someone gets their windshield replaced by a nearby shop, and once they leave the shop, their dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree, and their car doesn’t drive the same.

Most modern cars rely on a computerized Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) to ensure their safety on the road. Your ADAS includes many common features, such as lane assist and emergency braking, that rely on the precise positioning of a forward-facing camera attached to your windshield.

Unfortunately, a bad windshield replacement and installation can alter the camera’s alignment, tricking the ADAS and causing it to go haywire. Be wary of any shops that don’t offer or mention ADAS recalibration, as it is an essential part of replacing and repairing a damaged windshield.

What to Do: Contact an auto glass shop to have your ADAS recalibrated. Our mobile windshield repair services can often perform this calibration, so you won’t have to drive with a faulty computer system.

2. Uneven Glass Alignment

If you look closely enough, you can visibility spot a bad windshield replacement by the gaps present between the glass and the body frame. Poor alignment can lead to water leaks, wind noise, and even compromise the strength of the windshield in a crash. This requires an immediate fix by a qualified windshield repair shop.

What to Do: If you notice uneven alignment, contact another shop immediately. This issue typically indicates that the windshield wasn’t set correctly, and you should not trust the original installer to get the issue resolved.

3. Water Leaks Inside the Vehicle

A properly installed windshield should create a watertight seal, blocking out moisture and wind from your interior. If you experience water leaks during rain or after washing your car, it’s a sign that the seal between the windshield and the car is faulty. Not only is this inconvenient, but water leaks can lead to rust, electrical issues, and wear and tear inside your vehicle.

What to Do: Schedule a visit with an installer to inspect the seal. In some cases, a reseal may be sufficient, but if the problem persists, you may need a complete windshield replacement.

4. Excessive Wind Noise

If you notice louder wind noises while driving with the windows up, it could indicate a bad seal. A bad seal could result from misalignment or not allowing the adhesive enough time to cure.

What to Do: Inspect the seal and alignment for gaps or cracks. In some cases, reapplying adhesive can resolve the issue, but if it continues, a new replacement might be required.

5. Visual Distortions in the Glass

Another sign of bad windshield replacement could be seeing visual distortions while driving, including waves and bubbles on the glass. While annoying, these distortions can be a major driving hazard and should be looked at as soon as possible. The issue often comes from using low-quality aftermarket glass meant to save money.

What to Do: In many cases, the best option is to replace the glass you just installed to eliminate any visual distortion.

6. Improper Adhesive Application

The urethane adhesive used to bond the windshield to the vehicle’s frame is vital for creating a secure seal. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many incidents where the adhesive is not properly installed and clumps around the edges. In some extreme cases, we’ve even seen the old adhesive still on the windshield’s frame that has not been replaced.

What to Do: Have a professional inspect the adhesive application and apply a new adhesive if necessary. If it was not applied correctly or if curing times were rushed, a full windshield removal and replacement might be necessary to ensure proper safety.

7. Noisy Windshield Wipers

A misaligned windshield can cause your windshield wipers to rub against the glass, causing noise or friction. If you notice your wipers are no longer gliding smoothly directly after a windshield replacement, send your windshield in for an inspection.

What to Do: Inspect the windshield wipers and their contact with the glass. If the issue persists, have an installer recheck the windshield’s positioning, as it might need realignment.

8. Visible Gaps or Gasket Damage

The gasket, which is a rubber-like seal around the edge of the windshield, should fit snugly and securely into your vehicle’s frame. However, if you notice any gaps, cracks, or damage to the gasket, it could lead to leaks and many of the issues we described above. A damaged gasket also invites dust and debris into the vehicle’s interior.

What to Do: Get gaskets inspected and replaced immediately. In most cases, an auto glass shop should be able to repair the issue without requiring a full replacement.

Why a Proper Windshield Replacement Is Important to Your Safety

Unfortunately, a bad windshield replacement costs money in the long run and imperils your safety.

A windshield does more than protect you from wind and debris while driving—it is an integral part of your vehicle’s safety system. In the event of a rollover, the windshield provides structural support to prevent the roof from caving in.

If you are experiencing any of the signs of a bad windshield replacement we listed above, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts located in Island City, Oregon. Our mobile repair van services the surrounding four counties so that you can call us from anywhere in Northeast Oregon.

FAQs

Can a windshield replacement be repaired if it’s not installed correctly?

In some cases, minor issues like uneven adhesive application or small gaps can be fixed with resealing. However, significant problems such as misalignment or a faulty seal may require a complete windshield replacement.

Is windshield replacement covered by insurance?

In many cases, windshield replacement is covered by insurance, especially if you have comprehensive coverage. Check with your insurance provider to see if it’s covered under your policy.

How long does a windshield replacement take?

On average, a windshield replacement takes about 1-2 hours. However, you may need to wait longer for the adhesive to cure properly.

In today’s economy across Oregon, everyone is looking for ways to save money. While a cracked windshield may seem like an aesthetic issue you can ignore, it could be extremely dangerous to your safety.

Windshields play an essential structural role in supporting the roof of your car and allowing you to see the road clearly. While a single crack may not seem like a big issue, cracks can easily spread, weakening your glass and eventually obstructing your vision. 

Far from saving money by getting a crack repaired as soon as possible, you may spend more having to replace the entire windshield. 

Plus, in many cases, your insurance may cover windshield crack repair, helping you avoid the hard financial decision of getting your windshield fixed.

As auto glass professionals, we feel it’s important to educate drivers on the dangers of driving with a cracked windshield and explain why they should fix a crack as soon as possible. 

Dangers of Driving with a Cracked Windshield

As you’ll see, windshield crack repair can impact the safety and legality of your vehicle. 

1. Impaired Visibility

One of the most immediate and obvious dangers of a cracked windshield is reduced visibility on the road. Even small chips and cracks can distract and eventually obstruct your vision if they spread into major cracks. Some risks of a cracked windshield to your vision may include:

• Failure to see pedestrians and cyclists as they cross the road
• Inability to judge distances accurately
• Inability to gauge sudden stops by other vehicles
• Becoming blinded by car lights that reflect off of your cracked windshield

2. Weakened Structural Integrity

As previously stated, windshields are important in supporting your vehicle’s roof during an accident. It’s why cracks that fall near the edge of the windshield require replacement; they can weaken the bond of the windshield, thus making your roof more unstable. 

In the event of a severe collision, your roof may even collapse entirely without the proper support of your windshield. 

3. Windshield Shattering

A cracked or weakened windshield will also make it more likely for your windshield to shatter in the event of a head-on collision. Broken glass injuries are so common that they’ve created an entire industry of personal defense lawyers specializing in them. 

4. Airbag Malfunction

Many people don’t realize that a properly functioning windshield is essential for airbags to work as intended. During a collision, the airbag system relies on the windshield to provide resistance so the airbags can deploy toward the occupants properly. If the windshield is cracked or damaged, it might not offer the necessary support, causing the airbags to fail or deploy incorrectly. This can lead to more severe injuries in what could have been a survivable accident.

5. Cracked Windshields Can be Illegal

Many states make it illegal to drive on public roads with a cracked windshield that may impact visibility. In Oregon, cracks or chips obstructing the driver’s vision are illegal. Likewise, officers are entitled to pull anyone over for a vehicle that is deemed unsafe to drive.

Factors that make Windshield Cracks Worse

One reason that we urge drivers to fix a cracked windshield immediately is that a crack can spread and get worse over time, eventually requiring you to replace the windshield glass. Some factors that contribute to this include:

• Temperature Fluctuations: Oregon’s cold winters can lead to rapid freeze-thaw cycles that allow moisture trapped inside windshield cracks to expand and lengthen the crack. 
• Road Conditions: Rough roads, speed bumps, and potholes can cause vibrations that length cracks and help them penetrate deeper into your glass.
• Dirt and Debris: Dirt and debris trapped in the crack can make it more difficult to repair and may cause the crack to spread. This not only reduces visibility but also affects the integrity of the glass.

How Long Can I Drive with a Cracked Windshield?

Generally speaking, you should not drive with a cracked windshield at all if it:

• Obstructs your visibility
• Weakens your vehicle’s structural integrity
• Fails inspection

For smaller cracks and chips that can be repaired, we still urge you to get them fixed immediately or monitor the crack as you drive. Cracks or chips that begin to spread should prompt a trip to our shop immediately or a call for one of our mobile windshield repair vans.

Options to Fix a Cracked Windshield

Replacing a cracked windshield doesn’t have to be expensive or cost you much out of pocket. Here are a few things to remember when repairing a windshield crack. 

Get a Professional Inspection

While many DIY kits are available, we recommend getting a professional inspection to determine whether your windshield can be repaired and how best to do so. Generally, a DIY repair kit can fill small chips smaller than a quarter or a couple of inches. However, cracks larger in size, those sitting at the edge of your windshield, or those in direct driver’s sight require professional repair or replacement. 

Repair vs. Replacement

Determining whether to repair or replace a windshield depends on the extent of the damage. 

• Repair: If the crack is smaller than a dollar bill and not in the driver’s line of sight, we can repair the damage by injecting a special resin. This prevents the crack from spreading further and restores some of the windshield’s structural integrity to its former self.
• Replacement: A full replacement is the safer option for larger cracks, especially those that compromise visibility or extend to the edges of the windshield.

Remember, the longer you wait to repair your windshield, the more likely it will need to be replaced. 

Does Insurance Cover Windshield Crack Repair?

Most vehicles with comprehensive insurance coverage will qualify for their insurance to cover the cost of repair using their deductible. However, this depends on your insurance company and level of coverage. We work with all companies (State Farm excluded) to help you offset the cost of your repair using your insurance provider. 

FAQs

Will my insurance cover windshield repair or replacement?

Many insurance policies cover windshield repair or replacement, though this depends on your specific policy and whether you have comprehensive coverage.

What happens if the crack spreads while I’m driving?

If a crack spreads while you’re driving, it can obstruct your view and even cause the windshield to shatter, leading to a dangerous situation.

Are cracked windshields illegal?

Laws vary by region, but in many areas, driving with a cracked windshield, especially if it obstructs visibility, is illegal.