Windshield & Auto Glass Repair
It has happened to all of us. You are driving down the highway minding your own business when suddenly you hear a loud 'pop' noise in front of you. You glance around to find the cause and find, to your dismay, a brand-new crack in your windshield.
Driving with a damaged windshield is unsafe and can even result in a ticket or fine. Because of these increased risks any damage to the glass in your vehicle should be fixed as soon as possible. AutoNation Chevrolet Austin can repair or replace the glass on any make or model vehicle.
If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment for auto glass repair in AUSTIN, you can call us at (512) 540-4261 or use our online scheduler below.
The risks of driving with a cracked windshield
- You could get a ticket/fine. Windshield cracks can be dangerous if they impair the driver's vision. You could get pulled over if the officer deems your windshield to be unsafe. Laws vary state-to-state, but don't be surprised if you end up talking to a cop when you drive around with a large crack in your windshield.
- Cracks can spread over time. The unique climate of AUSTIN can make cracks in a windshield spread. Waiting to repair a minor crack too long can result in you having to replace the whole windshield - a more costly and time-consuming effort.
- Cracked windshields can make an accident more dangerous. The glass in your Chevrolet vehicle contributes to the overall structural integrity of your car. Having cracked or damaged glass can interfere with the ability of the glass to transfer the impact force into the chassis. The more this force is transferred into the other areas of your car, the less will be transferred into you and your passengers. Having a damaged windshield can result in a greater incidence of shattered windshields and roof collapses in a front-end collision.
What to do if your auto glass is damaged
The recommended course of action after any damage to the auto glass on your Chevrolet vehicle is to seek the expertise of an auto glass repair shop near you to determine the best course of action. Even minor cracks can spread over time, so it is important to deal with the issue quickly.
If you’re unable to visit a repair shop right away, then there are a few things that you can do to help prevent further damage before your appointment.
If you’re unable to visit a repair shop right away, then there are a few things that you can do to help prevent further damage before your appointment.
- Protect the glass from extreme heat or cold. When it is hot and sunny parking in the shade can help prevent the spread of windshield cracks. In cold weather it’s a good idea to park inside or, if that isn't possible, cover your vehicle.
- Windshield Repair kits can be a useful fallback if you are handy, and the crack is small. You can purchase resin-containing repair kits at your local auto parts store. However, it’s important to note that at-home repairs often do not last as long as those done by professionals, and the crack may still spread.
Auto Glass Repair vs Replacement: How to tell which is appropriate?
If the crack is small enough and doesn't impair your vision, then you are likely OK to repair it. A good rule of thumb is if the damage is smaller than a credit card then you are likely a prime candidate for repair. On the other hand, if the crack goes all the way through the glass or is in the driver's line of sight then we recommend replacing the windshield. For the rear and side windows replacement is typically recommended.
What is the process to replace auto glass?
If the damage to your windshield and/or other windows is bad enough to rule out a repair, then we can replace the broken/damaged glass at our AUSTIN service center. Here is a breakdown of the replacement process.
- First, we will completely remove the damaged glass.
- Then we will insert a new OEM or OEM-equivalent glass panel into the empty frame.
- The glass will be secured to the frame using a strong and fast-drying adhesive. The adhesive will need to sit for around an hour to make sure it fully sets. This time can vary depending on the weather and the adhesive used. The service technician will be able to give you more details.
- Any broken glass or fragments will be vacuumed out of the car and the glass will be cleaned.
- Wait for the new glass to completely dry before hitting the road.
What is the process to repair auto glass?
If the damage to your windshield is minor, then it could be a good candidate for repair. As mentioned above, damage to the side or rear windows typically calls for replacement. Auto glass crack repair is a relatively simple process where the technician first cleans the crack of any debris or moisture then injects a clear resin into the affected area. When done correctly, this can be a permanent solution.
We use Quality Materials & Factory Certified Technicians
AutoNation Chevrolet Austin uses only the best Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) glass for our repairs. We source high-quality glass to ensure a perfect glass-to-frame fit. Using the same quality of glass that your Chevrolet vehicle was originally built with is the safest option and helps ensure that the new glass will play nice with any onboard sensors.
If you need auto glass repair or replacement, call us at (512) 540-4261 or make an online appointment. Our staff is factory certified and we're looking forward to getting you back on the roads of AUSTIN safely and quickly. Visit our auto glass repair center in AUSTIN today!
If you need auto glass repair or replacement, call us at (512) 540-4261 or make an online appointment. Our staff is factory certified and we're looking forward to getting you back on the roads of AUSTIN safely and quickly. Visit our auto glass repair center in AUSTIN today!