Pro Glass Blog

Why Is Timely Windshield Repair So Important?

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:10:00 GMT

The windshield of your car might not seem like a component that requires much attention, but it plays a crucial role in your vehicle's overall safety and integrity. Many drivers tend to overlook small chips or cracks in their windshields, considering them merely an aesthetic blemish. However, these small issues can lead to far more significant problems if left unattended. Timely windshield repair is not just about maintaining the appearance of your vehicle; it's essential for the safety and functionality of your car.

Windshields Contribute to Crash Safety

Windshields provide crucial structural support in vehicles, especially during accidents. According to the Auto Glass Safety Council, in a front-end collision, the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the vehicle’s cabin, and in a rollover, it provides up to 60%. This shows just how crucial a structurally sound windshield is for your safety. A damaged windshield can't provide this level of protection, and in emergencies, it could make a significant difference in the outcome.

Windshield Repairs Prevent Visibility Issues on the Road

Additionally, a cracked windshield can impair your visibility while driving. Even minor chips can scatter light in unpredictable ways, especially when hit by sun glare or headlights from another vehicle at night. This can lead to potentially dangerous driving conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, addressing any signs of damage promptly not only helps maintain the vehicle's safety features but also ensures you have the best possible visibility while driving.

Windshield Repairs Stop Small Chips from Growing

Over time, small chips and cracks tend to expand due to fluctuations in temperature and exposure to external elements. What begins as a minor imperfection can quickly become a large crack that undermines the whole structural integrity of the windshield. Timely windshield repair prevents these small imperfections from becoming extensive damage, saving you from more costly repairs or even full windshield replacement in the future.

Windshield repair is vital for maintaining both the safety and visual clarity of your vehicle. A small investment of time and money in addressing windshield damage promptly can prevent more significant safety risks and expenses down the road. Don’t overlook the importance of a well-maintained windshield; it could be one of the most crucial elements safeguarding your driving experience. Looking for windshield repair? Get in touch with Pro Glass today.

Types of Strong Auto Glass

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:49:00 GMT

When people think of auto parts for repairs, many don’t often think of glass. However, auto glass is actually an important type of auto part. The windshield and windows of your car must be kept in good shape, or you can face injuries or unsafe driving conditions. According to Forbes, a damaged windshield and other auto glass are the two most filed insurance claims; they make up nearly 30% of all auto insurance claims. Let’s look at the main types of auto glass that are available.

Laminated Glass

One type of auto glass is laminated glass. Our experts indicate that this type of glass dates back to the 1920s. It made its debut when the auto industry workers took two sheets of glass and combined them together using PVB. This created a sandwich that was then fused together using high heat. This created what today is known as laminated safety glass.

Our experts note that laminated glass is considered safer than traditional glass because it doesn’t shatter into glass shards in the same way other glass will. This type of glass can take on heavy impacts. This cuts down on the risks of passengers getting injured by flying glass during a wreck. Laminated glass can also act as a cushion in the event that a passenger is thrown into a window during a wreck.

Laminated glass is used primarily in the auto industry, but it can also be used for other applications when there is a risk of impact. For example, our professionals indicate that it’s popular for use in shop windows as well. It's important to understand how glass auto parts can protect you in the event of an accident.

Tempered Glass

Another type of glass used in the auto industry is tempered glass. Our experts want you to know that tempered glass is often used for door windows in a vehicle. There isn’t as much risk of impact to door windows, so laminated glass isn’t often used for these. Tempered glass is single-ply and is treated using a heating and cooling method. This type of glass is also less likely to shatter into injurious shards. Instead, tempered glass will break into pebble shapes. These do have not sharp edges and therefore decrease the risk of serious injury.

Tempered glass isn’t only used in the auto industry. Our professionals state that it’s also used for bakeware and dishes. Some sunglasses are also made of tempered glass. The screens of cell phones and tablets sometimes have tempered glass to cut down on injuries.

These are just a few facts on auto glass that you should know. If you’re looking for auto glass or auto parts , please contact Pro Glass today. We look forward to hearing from you!

What to Do When You Notice a Crack in Your Windshield

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:10:00 GMT

The windshield is arguably the most important piece of auto glass on your vehicle as it protects against wind, flying objects, and weather while enabling you to see while driving. Windshields also contribute to the structural integrity of the passenger cabin and make it safer to drive. According to Money Geek, U.S. drivers average 14,263 miles of travel every year. That much driving virtually ensures you will have windshield damage sooner or later. When it happens, here is what you should do when you notice a crack or chip in your windshield.

See if State Law Requires a Replacement

A damaged windshield could affect your vision and undermine vehicle safety while driving. Many states have laws that require windshield replacement when a crack reaches a certain length or a chip deeply penetrates the glass. Others might leave it up to a police officer to determine if the damage poses a danger, which could result in a ticket that requires you to fix it or pay a fine. If the damage interferes with your line of sight, state law might require you to replace the windshield. Texas law states that while it is not illegal to drive with a windshield crack, you should make sure it is not obstructing your view.

Have the Damage Inspected

You should take your vehicle to an auto glass repair shop to have a technician inspect it and determine if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. Some cracks are small and are located where they won't drastically affect the windshield's strength and integrity. Some chips can be filled and prevent the damage from getting worse. Others, however, may require a replacement to correct the problem and make your vehicle safer to drive.

Repair or Replace the Windshield

If the damage is too bad, the crack is growing, or the damage interferes with your vision, you should have auto glass repair or replacement done to fix it. A small chip might trigger more cracks that could spread across the windshield and create web-like damage to the windshield. If a technician can fix the chip or initial crack soon enough, the windshield might be safe to leave in place. When the damage spreads and affects other parts of the windshield, a repair won't help. You will need to replace the windshield, which your auto insurance might cover.

You can call us at Pro Glass or visit our auto glass repair and replacement shop to learn more. We can fix a windshield chip in 30 minutes or less!

How to Know if You Need Windshield Repair

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:14:00 GMT

If your windshield gets a chip or crack in it, you may find yourself wondering if you need to repair or replace your windshield. Damage can be repaired in many cases, as long as it's not along the edges of the windshield, doesn't restrict your line of vision while driving, and meets a few other criteria. Here are some of the signs to look for that indicate you may need windshield repair instead of windshield replacement.

See If a Chip Fits Under a Quarter

One of the best ways to determine if a windshield chip can be repaired is to place a quarter over the chip. If the entire chip is concealed by the quarter, it is small enough that it can be repaired. However, if the chip does not fit under the quarter, or if the chip has cracks spreading out from it, repair cannot be completed and windshield replacement is needed.

See If a Crack Fits Under a Dollar

When it comes to cracks, the general rule of thumb is that if the crack fits under a dollar, it's small enough that windshield repair can be completed. In addition to this, repair can only be done on cracks that don't have more cracks branching out from it. Lastly, the crack must be thin. If the crack has a gash or split in the glass, it cannot be repaired.

Feel for Pits and Grooves With Your Hands

The final way to know if you need windshield repair completed is to take your hands and run it over your windshield. Your windshield should feel smooth and level. If you notice small indents or grooves in the windshield, you have what is known as pitting. As long as the pits are relatively small and not widespread across your windshield, pitting can be repaired.

Is the damage to your windshield negligible? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, federal law states that chips and cracks smaller than three-fourths of an inch are permitted on windshields. However, while they may be permitted, it's important to get your chips and cracks repaired. If they are not repaired, they can grow in size, and that may mean that your windshield will need to be replaced. If you're dealing with windshield damage, let our team at Pro Glass examine your windshield to determine if it can be repaired. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

5 Interesting Car Glass Facts You Didn't Know

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 16:52:00 GMT

Did you know that car glass is one of the most important areas of the car? However, not many people understand how vital it is in keeping the car safe and performing correctly. Here are five car glass facts you should know.

1. It's Stronger Than It Looks

Car glass is designed to be strong enough to withstand impacts from road debris as well as extreme temperatures. Still, there are various forms of damage it can experience. According to Insurance Journal, around 90% of stone breaks (stars, bullseyes, etc.) in windshields are floater cracks, meaning they never crack. The windshield is also designed to help keep the car's occupants safe in case of a collision.

2. It's Made From Two Layers

Most car glass is made up of two layers – an inner layer that helps provide structural strength and an outer layer that holds the glass together. This helps the glass to be more resistant to shattering and breakage, which keeps occupants safe.

3. It Needs to Be Replaced Regularly

Not many car owners realize that car glass needs to be replaced every few years. Over time, it'll become more brittle, reducing the car's ability to withstand impacts. Replacing car glass regularly will help keep car owners and their passengers safe on the road.

4. It Can Be Recycled

After car glass has been replaced, it can be recycled. It can then be reused to create glass for other cars and other products. This helps reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, helping to protect the environment. If you need help recycling car glass, contact a specialist for assistance.

5. It Breaks From the Inside Easily

Car glass is designed to be strong enough to withstand impacts from the outside, but car windows can break easily from the inside. This makes it important for car owners to be aware of the risks and use caution when handling them. In addition, it's important to not throw items inside the car that can cause the glass to break, such as coins or rocks.

Knowing these facts can help car owners understand how vital car glass is in keeping their cars safe and performing correctly. It's important to replace car glass regularly, recycle it when possible, and use caution when handling it. Contact Pro Glass today for all your auto glass needs.

4 Things You Didn't Know About Windshield Repair

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 17:47:00 GMT

Driving is essential for many people's lives and safety is a major responsibility. One of the most important safety features of a vehicle is the windshield. Not only does it protect drivers and passengers from the elements, but it also helps to keep the car stable in case of an accident. However, windshields are susceptible to damage, and when they need to be repaired, it can be a daunting and expensive task. Here are four things you probably didn't know about windshield repair .

1. Modern Repairs are Quick and Easy

Windshield repairs have come a long way in recent years. What used to be a time-consuming and difficult process is now quick and easy. In most cases, repairs can be done in under an hour, and they are much less expensive than replacement. This is great news for drivers who need to get back on the road as soon as possible. However, it's important to note that not all damage can be repaired. If the damage is extensive, a replacement will be necessary. Still, it's always worth it to get a repair quote before making a decision.

2. Windshield Repair is Not a DIY Project

While many people are handy around the house, windshield repair is not a project that should be attempted on your own. This is because it requires special tools and skills to do it properly. If you attempt a repair on your own, you could end up doing more damage than good. Not to mention, repairs done by professionals come with a warranty. This means that if something does go wrong, you'll be covered. On the other hand, if you attempt a repair on your own and it doesn't work out, you'll be stuck with the bill. It's always best to leave windshield repair to the professionals.

3. There Are Several Types of Windshield Damage

There are multiple types of windshield damage, and each type requires a different repair method. The most common types of damage are chips and cracks. Chips are small pieces of glass that have been chipped off by a rock or other object. Cracks, on the other hand, are long fissures that run through the glass. If you're unsure what damage your windshield has, a professional will be able to assess it and recommend the best repair method.

4. Windshield Damage is Usually Covered by Insurance

In most cases, windshield repair is covered by insurance. In fact, according to Forbes, nearly 30% of all claims are for windshield damage. However, it's important to check with your insurance company to be sure this is the case. Some companies have a deductible for glass repair, while others will cover the entire cost.

Windshield repair is an important part of keeping your car safe, but it's also important to know when to replace your windshield. If the damage is extensive, a replacement will be necessary. However, in most cases, repairs can be done quickly and easily by a professional. If you're unsure what damage your windshield has, call us at Pro Glass today and we'll be happy to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.