For Houston drivers, the sudden switch between clear, blue skies and a severe storm is not too surprising. However, what you can’t always count on or
prepare for is your car’s windshield getting cracked, or even shattered, by unexpected hail. This scenario is all too familiar for Houstonians who may not have access to covered parking at their home or work, exposing their vehicles to the unpredictable elements. If you find yourself in this scenario, Affordable Auto Glass is your one-stop shop for windshield repairs and replacements.
While most modern windshields are made of laminated glass, which is an impressively tough layer of plastic polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between two full sheets of glass, even the smallest crack can easily spread and grow to a wide assortment of safety issues such as decreased visibility, compromised structural integrity and increased risk of injury in the case of a car accident.
Here at Affordable Auto Glass, we want all Houston drivers to be informed about the danger of hail damage and what resources are available so you can navigate the process with confidence in your safety and the longevity of your car.
While hail is most common during the spring and summer months, in a place like Houston, it can happen year-round. Because of this, understanding the steps and being able to identify the severity of your vehicle’s damage is vital for finding the right replacement or repair.
Types of Hail Damage on Windshields
Auto glass damage can range from microscopic etching to complete windshield destruction. The most common are circular chips that will eventually stretch into a spiderweb of cracks over time, especially if exposed to prolonged heat or jostled on bumpy roads. The main factors that will influence the significance of the damages are:
- Size: The most common and obvious factor. Hail that is up to golf ball-sized can create chips or small divots, but larger, baseball-sized hail can often lead to more serious pits, lengthy spider-webbing, and full-on shattering.
- Speed: Velocity will impact the force with which the hail hits your windshield. This can be impacted by hail falling from a taller height and resulting in higher fall speeds that land on your windshield with more force. Damage from high-velocity hail can be some of the most severe, regardless of the size or duration.
- Angle: The angles created by wind speeds during a storm can also impact the damage sustained on a large scale. If the hail falls head-on, it will result in a larger, more pronounced pit. If the hail lands at an angle, the force will create long, extensive spider-webbing across the entire windshield.
Having a solid understanding of the different types of hail damage and the factors that can determine its severity is crucial when determining your next steps for servicing your vehicle.
Don’t Let a Small Windshield Chip Turn into a Big Risk
Making time to repair small, barely noticeable cracks in the windshield can be difficult to prioritize, but a compromised windshield can significantly affect the function of your vehicle’s airbags, which can lead to a major safety hazard. In many cases, cracks or chips that affect a driver’s vision can lead to a legal violation. Affordable Auto Glass team members have years of experience in windshield repairs, giving you complete confidence in your safety and investment, whether you opt for a repair or a replacement.
At Affordable Auto Care, our team of technicians will start by carefully cleaning the damaged area and completing a thorough inspection, taking into account all of the areas that may need to be serviced. Once a diagnosis has been issued, our technicians will get to work repairing or replacing your windshield.
Because every team member is dedicated to providing the most effective and dependable repairs, we require all technicians to maintain a National Glass Association certification. This certification ensures that technicians stay up-to-date and knowledgeable on all the newest and safest practices and procedures within the industry.
Auto Glass Repair Versus Windshield Replacement
Deciding between a replacement and a repair usually comes down to the size and location of the windshield damage. If the glass has a crack longer than six inches or is blocking the driver’s line of sight, a repair is not recommended, and you will likely need a full replacement. To measure the size and level of damage, insurance agencies sometimes use a “dollar bill test”, noting that if the crack is larger than a dollar bill, it needs to be replaced in most circumstances.
Minor windshield cracks and chips are repaired using Affordable Auto Glass’s tried and true method. A clear, liquid resin is injected into the damaged area, ensuring there are no bubbles or lumps that could impact the repair’s integrity, before it is cured by a UV light. Similar to repairing a chipped tooth, the resin bonds to the existing glass and seamlessly fills the space left by the hail. The UV light hardens the resin into a durable fix for most minor windshield repairs.
For a complete replacement, technicians will start by removing the damaged windshield and thoroughly cleaning all surrounding areas to achieve the most long-lasting results. Once the new windshield is installed and the adhesive is fully cured, some models will need to have their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems recalibrated.
The new ADAS systems are usually operated by a small camera, radar, or lidar sensor, resulting in a process that can be incredibly complex and sensitive. Because of these systems’ important safety measures, such as auto-stop, lane detection, and collision protection, it is highly recommended to have a trained technician perform the recalibration before you hit the road again.
Getting the Most Out of Your Auto Insurance
Optimizing your auto insurance claim can oftentimes be a race against time, but hail damage is usually included in most comprehensive auto plans. While it can be tempting to jump out and immediately take note of how much damage your vehicle has sustained, waiting until the storm has cleared is important to ensure your vehicle is the only thing sustaining hail damage, not you.
Once the storm has passed, the next and most important step is documenting any damage your vehicle may have sustained before removing any debris. Be sure to add the date to the photo and consider placing a coin beside the damage to create a solid point of reference for scale. Including photos from a variety of different angles, distances, and lightings can also help ensure that your insurance provider is able to understand the full scale of damages.
Prepare thoroughly to speak to your agent, including as many details and time stamps as possible. Being organized is essential. Ensure that your agent fully understands the severity of the damage and can offer you the most assistance included in your plan.
Why Choose Affordable Auto Glass?
Choosing an auto glass repair shop can be overwhelming, but with years of consistently positive reviews and a dependable team of certified technicians, Affordable Auto Glass will make sure your experience is seamless and stress-free.
All of our technicians have National Glass Association certifications and extensive experience with modern Advanced Driver Assistance System models. Our team has years of experience with nearly every make and model under the sun, so you are sure to receive a first-class, comprehensive, and knowledgeable auto glass repair plan no matter what you drive.
Located near central Houston, our shop is easy to access from nearly any neighborhood. We also offer a convenient Mobile Repair Service that brings your auto glass repair right to your front door.
At Affordable Auto Glass, we prioritize giving our valued customers accurate diagnoses, precise repairs, and safe results. This is why our technicians are trained to answer any questions you may have about your car’s repair or maintenance, so you can keep your car in great shape for years to come.
With Houston’s stormy season rapidly approaching, remember that while hail damage can be frustrating, your windshield repair doesn’t have to be. Having a solid action plan and a provider ready in the case of an emergency can give you the most valuable thing for any driver – peace of mind.
The first step in protecting yourself and your vehicle is seeking high-quality auto glass repairs and replacements so you can get back on the road in no time, without compromising your safety. Let Affordable Auto Glass help you get through whatever Houston’s unpredictable weather throws at you this summer and get your free quote today.
