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Abra Auto Glass Blog

​3 Top Ways to Repair Your Windshield

5/12/2022

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Auto Glass Repair
  1. Windshield Patch – typically a DIY repair kit. This type of repair should be a red flag if done by an auto glass professional and you should ask that work be stopped immediately.
  2. Windshield Resin – resin will be injected into your windshield by an auto glass professional. Sometimes a heat source will be used causing the resin to harden. As the resin expands and will work itself into affected chipped and cracked areas on the windshield.
  3. Windshield Replacement – not every chip can be fixed with the resin method. Under these circumstances replacement of your auto glass is necessary. Be prepared to discuss your chip or crack with a professional to determine the best option for your auto glass.
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What terminology should I use to describe my broken windshield?

4/12/2022

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Windshield Chip Minnesota
  • Bullseye – round in shape, caused by larger debris and is generally not used to describe a chip.
  • Halfmoon Crack – similar to a bullseye but a chip or chunk of glass is broken out from the auto glass.
  • Small Crack – is smaller than a silver dollar coin. Generally, a small crack can be repaired unless it is in direct sight or on the edge of the windshield. Important! If you get a small crack in your windshield this should be handled immediately because it runs the risk of needing replacement due to expansion of the crack.
  • Combo Break – this is a few to several impressions that could be cracks or chips. Replacement may be needed based on depth and width or if greater than 3 impressions exist.
  • Edge Crack – when a crack or chip falls on the edge of the glass and moves toward the middle. This can vary in length, but 11 inches is an average for expansion of this type of crack.
  • Floater Crack – starts 2 inches from the windshield edge and looks similar to an edge crack.
  • Stress Fracture – this may happen as your windshield weakens overtime. Sometimes weather conditions will contribute to this growth of fractures in the auto glass.
  • Pitting – multiple tiny areas of chips.
  • Star Break – a small impact point that will generally spreads quickly, you may not see this immediately but you can feel it with your fingertip or finger nail.
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6 Reasons Why an Auto Glass Professional is Essential

3/8/2022

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Glass Installation Minnesota

  1. Your car will be prepped to ensure the interior and exterior are protected against debris that could cause damage during the replacement process.
  2. Proper molding removal and replacement is essential for a safe leak proof seal when the new windshield is placed.  Specialty tools are used to remove the old windshield.
  3. Attention to detail is needed when removing the old glass.
  4. Proper priming is needed before place the new windshield.
  5. Manufacturer’s instructions need to be followed to set the new windshield.
  6. Some windshields today require a ADAS recalibration due to technology.
 
It is not recommended auto glass replacement be done by anyone that is not a certified professional with experience in auto glass replacement.
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​How do I know if my cracked windshield should be repaired or replaced?

2/8/2022

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Windshield Chip

Your windshield sees a lot of worlds, from debris to weather its no small job getting from point A to point B. A cracked windshield should be dealt with as soon as the issue is noticed. A broken windshield is an immediate safety concern as there is no predictability in expansion of the broken glass. Depending on the auto insurance policy selected by you, don’t fret your windshield may be covered.
 
3 signs you need a new windshield:
  1. The crack is larger than a fifty cent piece.
  2. The windshield chip or crack went halfway through the windshield in depth.
  3. The windshield chip/crack extends touching the outside edge of the windshield.
 
An auto glass professional can assist in deciding on replacement or repair of your windshield.
 
**Buyer beware of scams associated with auto glass professionals that claim they do “free” or “discounted” windshield replacement.
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​Minnesota & Wisconsin Winter Glass Repair & Replacement

1/25/2022

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Winter Windshield Replacement

Replacing auto glass in the frigid Minnesota and Wisconsin winters can warrant extended replacement or repair turn around in labor times. Mobile auto glass service should not be done on-site below 20 degrees Fahrenheit unless in a heated area (pole building, auto glass shop or garage). Handling your repairs and replacement prior to weather changing is so important, convenience is key. 
 
A windshield must be preheated before adding repair resin in cold weather conditions. It is critical to the installation and repair process. Temperature levels are handled easily in a controlled environment. All moisture must be regulated and removed prior to glass installation. Any trapped moisture may cause damage in the future. 
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Remedies for removing ice and preventing icy windshields

12/22/2021

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Icy Windshield

  • Invest in a windshield cover. Other ideas we have came across; floor mats, carpet (soft side down), or shower curtains. 
  • Park facing East. The sun rises in the East suggesting reduced need to defrost. 
  • Wiper blade covers or leaving wipers lifted from the windshield will prevent wiper blades from getting stuck to the windshield potentially causing damage to the windshield and blade. 
  • Don’t turn on defrost immediately upon starting your vehicle, allow it to run for 10-15 minutes and allow your air ducts to warm.
  • Never use boiling water to defrost auto glass. Immediate temperature change like this could damage your glass. 
  • Scrape windows after a defrost. Doing this will prevent scratches or cracks in your vehicle glass. Never use metal to scrape your auto glass. 
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Minnesota & Wisconsin Winter Windshield Care

11/16/2021

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Winter Windshield Care Minnesota
Cold weather conditions can impact your auto glass negatively in Minnesota and Wisconsin if there is an existing crack or chip that may not have been noticed. Be sure to check your windshield for any areas of concern prior to the first cold front. 

  • Handle any cracks or chips immediately. 
  • Avoid sudden temperature changes if you notice cracks or chips as areas of concern can expand or grow quickly.
  • Replace wiper blades if metal is exposed. Metal exposure on wiper blades leaves potential for your vehicle glass to be scratched. 
  • Keep washer fluid full with fluid formulated for Minnesota and Wisconsin winter weather conditions. If summer fluids are left in the reservoir, it can cause damage to the pump and reservoir. A deicing solution can be used if summer fluid is left in the reservoir. If washer fluids left over from summer do not freeze in the reservoir it has potential to freeze to the windshield when it is sprayed impairing the drivers vision. 
  • Keep your auto glass clean. It will make it easier to recognize damage during any weather condition easier. 
  • Salt should be avoided because it can cause excessive debris buildup inside a chip, diminishing its ability to be filled properly. 
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What terminology should I use to describe my broken windshield?

10/26/2021

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Broken Windshield Wisconsin

  • Bullseye – round in shape, caused by larger debris and occasionally do not have a noticeable point of impact on the glass. 
  • Halfmoon Crack – similar to a bullseye but a chip or chunk of glass is broken out from the auto glass. 
  • Small Crack – is smaller than a quarter size coin. Generally, a small crack can be repaired unless it is in direct sight or on the edge of the windshield. Important! If you get a small crack in your windshield this should be handled immediately because it runs the risk of needing replacement due to expansion of the crack. 
  • Combo Break – this is a few to several impressions that could be cracks or chips. Replacement may be needed based on depth and width or if greater than 3 impressions exist. 
  • Edge Crack – when a crack or chip falls on the edge of the glass and moves toward the middle. This can vary in length, but can grow to any length for expansion of this type of crack. 
  • Stress Fracture –These are generally found very soon after glass is replaced as they are caused by a manufacturing defect in the glass not generally visible prior to install. Sometimes weather conditions will contribute to this growth of fractures in the auto glass. 
  • Pitting – multiple tiny areas of chips. 
  • Star Break – a small impact point that will generally spread quickly, you may not see this immediately but you can feel it with your fingertip or finger nail. 
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ADAS Calibration is Critical

9/27/2021

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Picture
If your vehicle contains Advanced Driver Assistance Safety (ADAS) Systems it is critical to know when calibration of the technology is needed for proper safety operations of your vehicle. These are the 9 most common instances a calibration should be performed.

FOLLOWING: 
1. Replacement of the vehicles:
  • Engine Control Module (ECM)
  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
  • Engine Control Unit (ECU). 
2. Collision
3. Airbag deployment
4. Windshield replacement
5. Repair of the suspension
6. Frontend alignments
7. Alterations to tires
8. Camera replacement
9. Any displayed an alterations to displayed code

Manufacturers may specify other critical instances calibrations should be performed. Please check with the manufacturer of your vehicle. 
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Has your car been broken into?

8/3/2021

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Broken Passenger Side Window
  1. Document the scene, take photos and/or videos of the damage in the case that you need it later for an insurance claim.
  2. Notify police by calling 911, a police report may be necessary later on to protect your identity.
  3. If your wallet or purse has been stolen, notify your bank to protect your debit & credit cards. It is important to act quickly on this.
  4. Consider whether or not to file an insurance claim. Homeowners insurance may cover stolen belongings while your auto insurance may cover any damage to your vehicle.
  5. Call ABRA to have the broken window replaced. Same day and next day service except weekends. Phone (866) 884-2272 or email midwestglass@abraauto.com we can also Assist you with the Insurance processes
  6. Stop thieves from using your credit with a call to one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert.
  7. Check your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity. Use the three bureaus above for free credit checks. This should not be done more than once a year as more activity may affect your credit score.
  8. If you had your Social Security Card stolen, you will need to replace it. A police report may be helpful in this case.
  9. Replace your drivers license. You may need a utility bill and/or birth certificate for identification.
  10. Have a locksmith change your locks if your keys were taken. Change garage codes if the opener is lost.
  11. Consider buying identity theft protection to help monitor any activity. Prices are around $100.00 a year.
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  • Home
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    • Auto Glass >
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      • Backglass / Rear Windshield
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    • Request Service
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