When Are Teen Drivers Most At Risk?

Teen drivers are more accident prone than other age demographics. They are at the most risk for accidents April through July with prom, graduation and summer celebrations. While the most obvious reason is their lack of driving experience, underage drinking is a major player.

AAA did a survey of young drivers and the results were disturbing…

84 percent of young drivers admitted, they would rather drive drunk, or get in the car with a friend who’s been drinking, rather than call mom or dad. It’s a sobering stat, which has AAA “promising” to step in. [source]

This study is sobering when you think about the numbers. No one wants to bury their child, their friend, their student because of a DUI. Thankfully, organizations like AAA are teaming up with local schools to encourage young drivers to sign the “AAA PROMise.”

I promise not to drink alcohol, or to do drugs.

I promise not to drive intoxicated.

I promise not to let my friends drive intoxicated.

I promise my parents I will get home safely on Prom Night.

What can you do to help? Talk about it. If a teen goes into a situation with a game plan as to how to deal with a scenario – like needing to get home but being intoxicated – they are more likely to have a better outcome.

When to Repair Your Windshields

Don’t allow that annoying chip remain and disrupt your clear visual of the road ahead. Auto glass repair can be an inexpensive option compared to replacement that could stop chips and cracks from spreading and compromising the security of your vehicle as well as occupants.

How is a windshield repaired?

Your windshield is made up of an inner layer of plastic sandwiched between two layers of glass. When repairing a windshield in order to avoid chips and cracks from worsening, H-A specialists remove debris in the impact area, sometimes by using a drill to make a clean passageway for the repair resin. A special resin is injected in the damaged area utilizing a tool that attaches on the surface of the glass. After the resin is injected, the resin is cured to bring back the strength of the windshield and polished to a clear finish.

Why repair rather than replace?

  • It’s convenient

H-A Mobile Auto Glass specialists typically repair your windshield in the hour, getting you back to traveling.

  • It’s inexpensive

Repairing the windshield is more economical than replacing the entire windshield.

  • For insurance advantages

Because from the economic benefits of repair vs. replacement, many insurance agencies will waive your deductible and pay for the windshield repair.

  • It’s safe

Repairing your windshield keeps the initial factory equipment intact.

  • It’s environmentally responsible

Repairing your windshield keeps your old glass away from a landfill, where it is going to stay forever.

How do I determine if my vehicle is a candidate for windshield repair?

  • Size and severity

These top two factors often determine your candidacy for windshield repair. Quarter-size rock chips and cracks approximately six inches long are likely candidates.

  • Location

Cracks at the edges of the windshield can rapidly spread and typically require replacement. In addition, chips directly within your line of vision may compromise how well you see in emergency situations.

  • Timespan

The faster you address chips and small cracks, the more likely you should be able to avoid replacing your windshield. When you wait a long time, dirt can get in the damaged area and compromise both effectiveness and clarity with the repair. Cracks could also expand as time passes and weather, creating the need for replacement.

Most common kinds of chips

  • Stars

These cracks involve some short cracks radiating through the impact point, resembling a star.

  • Chips

As the name suggests, these chips could be caused by vandals with BB guns and slingshots, but may also be due to gravel as well as other objects that can cause small chips inside the glass.

  • Bull’s-eyes

Usually due to rocks as well as other small circular objects, bull’s-eyes are bigger than chips and damage is circular, typically having a cone taken out from the outer layer.

  • Combination cracks

These cracks radiate through the point of impact like spokes of a wheel. Unlike the other common chips described above which are considered simple to repair, combination cracks are more difficult to repair in most instances. However, because these are more difficult, they will most likely require a complete windshield replacement depending on the size.

When to Replace Your Windshield

There are all kinds of occasions that may damage car windshield. Some, being a poorly aimed basketball coming from a neighbor’s child or gravel which hits the glass while on a busy highway, usually are fairly harmless, although unlucky. Others, like break-ins or maybe a fender bender, are usually significant and dangerous. Whatever the severity, the damaged windshield mustn’t be ignored. With respects to broken, chipped, and cracked automotive glass, you will need to get a professional repair to guarantee the job  is completed right.

Damage to your windshield is quite unfortunate, but the great news is a complete windshield replacement is probably not necessary. Auto glass professionals may perform windshield repairs, especially if the damage is small or localized. This kind of repair is ideally suited for small quarter size cracks. To finish the repair, a car glass professional will clean the location in order to prepare the surface then apply an epoxy resin that will fill in the chip or crack. This type of resin makes a bond between the pieces that had been broken as well as filling any spaces. When it bonds and dries, it makes an almost invisible area inside entire glass surface. It is crucial that you contact a car glass repair expert and have this kind of repair completed as quickly as possible. You need to fix the tiniest nicks as soon as possible so they won’t have an opportunity to expand and turn into a worse problem, possibly requiring the entire windshield to be replaced.

Auto Glass Question: What are the different types of auto glass?

Could you explain the different types of auto glass? Yesterday, I found that a tree branch had smashed the back window of my car and cracked the side window. When I called an Auto Glass Replacement Company to see what it would cost to fix it, they asked if the window that was broken on the side of my car was the back window, vent or quarter glass. – Jessica, Atlanta, GA

It’s important to know the different types of auto glass so you can give more detailed information to the auto glass technicians prior to their arrival.

6 types of auto glass on a typical vehicle: the front Windshield, front and rear door auto glass, vent glass, quarter glass, and back glass. 

Illustration uses: Toyota 4Runner (more)
Illustration uses: Toyota 4Runner (more)

Windshield Auto Glass

The most important type of auto glass is, of course, the windshield. It not only shields you from the wind as you are traveling. It provides up to 30% of the roof support. The passenger side airbags often bounce off the windshield before expanding to protect the passenger. It is often tinted to improve the driver’s visibility.

Front Door Auto Glass & Rear Door Auto Glass

The front door auto glass and rear door glass can be different because of how they are tinted. In the state of Georgia, the windows to the right and left of the driver can not have tinting that reduces the light transmitted to less that 32% or light reflectance increased more than 20%.

Back Glass / Back Window Auto Glass

Back Glass has the same restrictions concerning window tinting as the windshield, front and rear door auto glass.

Vent Glass & Quarter Glass

Vent and Quarter glass can be tricky just because they can be different sizes depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

If you need auto glass replacement or repair services in Atlanta or the surrounding area, give us a call at 404-610-1366 or visit this page for more information.

We partnered with Automotive Questions Answered to make this video. If you have any questions that you’d like us to answer, please ask them in the comments below.

 

Auto Glass Replacement Company Expands Services into Atlanta

Man replacing auto glass in an antique carAtlanta, GA, April 16, 2014 – One of the highest rated auto glass companies in the Atlanta Metro Area, Jesse Torres and his team  at H&A Mobile Auto Glass are bringing their high-quality service into the heart of Atlanta, the “New York of the South”, by expanded their service range from Snellville, GA into Atlanta GA..

H&A Mobile Auto Glass has made it their goal to be your first choice for auto glass replacement in Atlanta. Understanding the importance of your time and the value of your car, they promise the quickest turnaround possible. They use state of the art installation techniques and the highest quality auto glass products; and their certified technicians are courteous and professional.

A cracked windshield or busted window is stressful enough without having to call around to find a company that can meet your schedule and do quality work. Stop worrying and contact H&A Mobile Auto Glass at 404-610-1366.

Taking Care of Your Car in Winter Weather

Damaged Radiators, Cracked Windshields, Car Not Starting – Don’t Let Your Car Become “Dead in the Water Ice”.

Winter is here and is in full swing. Are you ready for the Georgia winter weather? Get your car ready to handle the cold temperatures with these tips for taking care of your car during the winter.

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Get your car regularly serviced.

The last thing you want to happen is your car not starting or to have brake issues. Getting your car checked out can alert you to potential issues. If your windshield or any auto glass is chipped or cracked, get it taken care of immediately. A little crack can grow bigger in cold weather.

Check your cooling system.

Anti-freeze will keep the water in your cooling system from freezing. If your cooling system gets frozen, it can lead to your engine overheating and can cause leaks. Check how much anti-freeze is in your system; the general rule of thumb is to have a 50-50 mixture of anti-freeze and water. If you know that you have leaks in the cooling system, get them taken care of now.

Check your windshield and rear-window defrost.

Reduced visibility on the road is a serious issue. Test the defrost setting in your car to ensure that it’s functioning correctly. And run the A/C – it pulls moister from the air which will really help when the windows fog up.

Check the condition of your windshield wipers and the level of the windshield washer reservoir.

When snow or ice builds up on your windshield, it’s best to use an ice scraper to remove it rather than use your windshield wipers. If you are using your windshield wipers to clear ice or snow, check them for damage and to see if they are still effective. Also check the level of the windshield washer reservoir; sometimes water can help remove ice and snow from your windshield (sometimes it really doesn’t help at all).

Clean ice and snow off your car entirely.

Again, reduced visibility when driving is dangerous. Take the time to clean the snow and/or ice off all of your car windows – windshield, rear window, and side windows – all of them. We strongly recommend investing in a good ice scraper for each of your vehicles.

Don’t run close to empty.

During the summer, the heat causes gas to expand which helps your car run longer  on ’empty’. In cold weather on the other hand, you don’t have that luxury. Try to keep at least a quarter tank at all times.

Know your car.

Every vehicle has its own features and quirks. If you have four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, or other features, become familiar with how they work and when to use them. And always drive carefully. Speed limits are the suggested safe speed to travel in GOOD weather; when there could be ice on the road or reduced visibility, speeding can be very dangerous.

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Do you have any tips for driving in winter weather? Let us know in the comments below.

Why you should not follow too closely to construction vehicles

“Stay Back 500ft” – a sign on the back of many large trucks and commercial vehicles that we often ignore, particularly during rush hour in Atlanta. Why stay 500ft back? Residents of Texas are finding out why:

[…] the surge in truck traffic has torn up rural roads and created safety challenges, including the increasingly common occurrence of large trucks sending rocks or debris flying at the vehicles behind them. For some frustrated local residents and transit providers, windshield replacement has emerged as a hidden cost of the drilling boom. [Read More]

Anywhere road work is taking place or near construction, you need to be aware that large vehicles can send rocks and debris flying back toward you, resulting in damage to your windshield.

How to avoid needing windshield replacement because of road debris in Atlanta:

Pay attention to road conditions. If you are on rural roads or in an area with road construction or any construction, there is a higher likelihood of road debris.

Stay 500ft back from commercial vehicles – particularly dump trucks. And pay attention to any vehicles that are transporting items, whether it’s a commercial vehicle or a pickup truck. Keeping a safe distance will help prevent or reduce the damage caused by items falling onto the road.

If your windshield is chipped or cracked, get it repaired or replaced AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. A little crack in your windshield could result in a much bigger issue if more road debris impacts your windshield or if you get into an accident.

following trucks carrying rocks and debris can necessitate windshield replacement in Atlanta

 

H-A Mobile Auto Glass is an auto glass replacement company operating in the Atlanta Metro Area.

Top 5 Questions about Auto Glass Replacement in Atlanta

Top 5 Questions about Auto Glass Replacement in Atlanta

Last week, we were asked to do an interview about the top questions we are asked about auto glass repair and replacement. While we didn’t have time to record an interview in person, we were able to submit the top 5 questions we most often hear and our answers. Below is the video and video transcript.
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[headline style=”4″ color=”black” tag=”h2″]Video Transcript[/headline]

Today, we’re gonna go over the top five questions about auto glass replacement in Atlanta. These questions were provided by and answered by Jesse Torres from H and A Mobile Auto Glass one of the top auto glass replacement companies here in Atlanta

How does mobile auto glass service differ from in shop glass service?

Well, for your convenience […], the difference between mobile auto glass replacement in shop auto glass replacement is [that] we have a mobile auto glass service where we come directly you wherever you are our service vans are fully equipped with the tools and equipment necessary to complete any other glass replacement service in because we maintain a low overhead cost were able to pass that savings onto you with our affordable competitive pricing we provide the service of convenience but coming directly to you as well as maintaining at low overhead and passing the savings.

How long does mobile auto glass replacement take?

Well, once we arrive are techs quickly enough patiently replace or repair any automotive glass within a 30 to 16 minute window windshields take about an hour to replace in some windshields take a little bit longer depending on the features the windshield.

Will I have to wait with my vehicle?

No you do not have to wait there while you’re working on your vehicle, but many people do like to watch as we work and as replace your damaged autoglass. It’s interesting to some but it’s not required.

How long will it be before I can drive safely again?

You’ll need to wait a good 30 minutes once we replace your windshield or back glass before you can drive safely.

What is the difference between OEM and OEE auto glass?

OEM stands for original equipment manufacture which meets manufacturer guidelines for thickness color in shape. OEE glass stands for equipment equivalent. Auto glass manufacturer companies are not legally allowed to create auto glass of identical thickness, color or shape as OEM.

How to pick an auto glass replacement service in Atlanta?

Well the number one way to pick an auto glass replacement company is based on the reviews. When searching for an auto glass replacement company in Atlanta, pay attention to the links to Google reviews, Yelp reviews, kudzu and a few others. And you’ll quickly be able to decide which company you should hire for your needs and make sure you get a company with a great reputation.

Once again, this Q&A has been provided by H&A Auto Glass here in Atlanta. If you have any questions or need help please feel free to call them at 404-610-1366.

H&A Mobile Auto Glass
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