Repairing Windshield Cracks

January 8, 2015 by H&A Mobile

Windshield cracks be a pain. Damaged windshields can also be a severe safety issue. Some drivers make an effort to drive as long as they can before they purchase windshield repair.

The experts at H-A Mobile Auto Glass are here to assist. Our goal is always to keep drivers safe, so continue reading for windshield crack safety tips.

How long can I drive having a crack on my windshield?

The best choice is always to fix it immediately. Even a small rock chip with your auto glass will start to grow while you continue driving. Worse, if debris, heavy rain or something similar hits the crack on your windshield, it could possibly break into a larger crack or shatter completely.

This is an extremely scary situation for almost every driver. Consider the following:

How severe is the crack on your windshield?

A minor chip is not a serious risk. You could probably drive for a long time without having problems. However, a big crack similar to a spider web needs to be fixed immediately.

Where is the crack on your windshield?

If the crack blocks the view from the driver’s seat, you shouldn’t drive until it’s fixed. Mobile windshield crack repair professionals exist especially for this reason. Just contact them up to make your windshield as good as new in just a few hours!

What is the cost of windshield crack repair?

This is the reason a lot of drivers will ignore cracks to start with. However, auto glass services are similar to any other automotive service. The longer you put it off, the greater it will set you back over time. Getting a small crack fixed will most definitely cost you less than a full windshield replacement.

The windshield crack repair professionals at H-A Mobile Auto Glass specialize in proving prompt, professional service. Let us know if you have specific windshield repair or replacement questions!

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

April 29, 2014 by H&A Mobile

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)

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.

Taking Care of Your Car in Winter Weather

January 27, 2014 by H&A Mobile

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

December 31, 2013 by H&A Mobile

“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.

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

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.