If you need windshield replacement glass but aren’t sure where to start, this article is for you.
Regardless of how carefully you drive, the unexpected can happen in the blink of an eye. One of the most frustrating things that can happen on the road is a rock chip or crack in your windshield in the middle of your commute.
Sometimes, cracks or chips can be so significant that they reduce visibility, creating a hazard that makes continuing to drive unsafe. Even if you think you can handle it, you risk getting a ticket if you’re pulled over, or — even worse — into a crash due to low visibility.
When it comes to dealing with a chipped or cracked windshield, planning ahead is essential. Below are several tips that will help you handle your next windshield emergency. Continue reading to learn more.
7 Things to do when you get a cracked windshield
A cracked or chipped windshield can happen even when driving carefully or when you least expect it. While contacting a trusted auto glass replacement company is always a good idea, there are other things to consider.
Follow these seven steps if you need windshield replacement glass:
1. Immediately Pull Over
It’s illegal to drive with a damaged windshield that obstructs your view, and for good reason! Whether it’s a broken rear window, side window, or front windshield, driving with anything that limits your visibility could lead to mistakes that could result in an accident.
If you are driving and an object hits your window and cracks or chips your windshield, immediately and safely pull over onto the shoulder of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert others you’ve pulled over. If your windshield was broken by an accident, ensure everyone inside your car is safe and wearing seatbelts.
2. Take Note of the Damage
After checking on the passengers in your car, verify that the conditions are safe enough to exit your vehicle. Before getting out, look behind you for oncoming traffic and the weather. If you determine if it’s safe, carefully exit your vehicle to assess the damage. Check out your car’s paint job and other windows to ensure there’s no additional damage.
Take plenty of pictures and videos of the damage for insurance purposes. You can also record yourself and recount the event while it’s fresh on your mind.
3. Determine the Extent of Damage
Inspect the interior and exterior of your vehicle to decide how severe the damage is. Suppose the chip or crack is small enough that it doesn’t interfere with your viability or require immediate replacement. In that case, you are probably safe enough to drive to your destination. During the drive there, keep your hazards on, and drive slowly and safely.
If the damage is severe enough that you can’t see or drive, call a mobile windshield replacement service or roadside assistance.
4. Check Your Insurance Policy and Make a Claim
Once you have arrived safely at your destination, you should look over your insurance policy. If you have questions, make a phone call to your insurance company so you fully understand your insurance coverage.
Many Utahns have insurance policies covering windshield replacement for cars, meaning you won’t have to pay anything more than your insurance deductible. Your insurance provider may make recommendations, but most policies allow you to select who fixes or repairs your cracked windshield.
5. Don’t Touch Your Windshield
Some drivers believe they can handle a do-it-yourself windshield chip or crack repair job. It is tempting for some to apply superglue, packing tape, clear nail polish, or even DIY adhesives made for at-home repairs. Do not fall into this trap!
The idea behind these quick fixes may be well-intended. However, attempting a DIY repair job could worsen your situation, making repair impossible and replacement necessary. A botched DIY fix could even lead to injury.
6. Contact an Auto Glass Repair Company to Schedule an Appointment
The good news is that many chips and cracks do not require a complete windshield replacement for cars, just a simple repair. However, some cracks and chips are so bad that a new sheet of windshield replacement glass is required.
When you reach out, have your automobile information available so the company understands your needs. They’ll need to know your vehicle’s year, make, and model. They will also need to know any glass features you need, such as tint color or rain sensors. Lastly, you will want to share your insurance information.
There’s no denying that people are busy. Between work, family life, and extracurricular activities, it can be hard to find time for appointments like a windshield replacement for cars. Thankfully, there are options like mobile companies that come to you to get the job done. Stuck at work? No problem?! Need to stay home? Done!
7. Wait for the Glass to Cure
Before getting back out on the road, drivers must wait for the glass to cure. Thankfully, it doesn’t take too long; in most cases, you can get behind the wheel in about an hour.
Need Windshield Replacement Glass? Count on Utah Mobile Auto Glass!
If you need windshield replacement glass and want a convenient and reputable company, Utah Mobile Auto Glass is here to help.
The team of trusted glass technicians at Utah Mobile Auto Glass will ensure you get the highest quality work and service. Our exceptional service keeps our clients coming back time and time again.
If you have car insurance, we can work with them to see if you qualify for free or low-cost replacements and repairs. We are flexible, friendly, and easy to work with. Whether you need all the windows on your car replaced or a simple rock chip repair, our team is here.
We offer free and convenient mobile services for all our customers within a 25-mile radius of our Sandy location. So, if you are in Bountiful, Lehi, Salt Lake, or a surrounding city, our qualified team is here to help. We’re here to keep you safe on the road.
Contact Utah Mobile Auto Glass today to learn more!
