Windshield Replacement Tulsa
Two main categories of auto glass breakage are damage caused by impact and stress cracks.
Damage Caused by Impact
Without windshield replacement Tulsa, this is the most common type of breakage, usually caused by a rock or other object hitting the windshield. The kind of damage will depend on the size and angle of the object, as well as the vehicle’s speed.
- Star Break: This type of break looks like a star radiating outward from a central point of impact. Star breaks can be caused by small rocks or pebbles hitting the windshield at an angle.
- Bull’s Eye: A bull’s eye break is a circular crack with a central point of impact. It is caused by small rocks or pebbles hitting the windshield head-on.
Bull’s Eye Auto Glass
- Half-Moon Crack: This type of crack is similar to a bull’s eye but only forms a crescent moon shape instead of a complete circle. Half-moon cracks are typically caused by larger objects hitting the windshield at an angle.
HalfMoon Crack Auto Glass
- Combination Break: A combination break is a windshield crack with characteristics of two or more of the other types of breaks. For example, a crack may start as a star break and then develop into a long crack with windshield replacement Tulsa.
Combination Break Auto Glass
Stress Cracks
Stress cracks are small cracks in the windshield that are not caused by impact. Temperature changes, such as sudden heating or cooling, cause them. Stress cracks can also be caused by manufacturing defects or improper windshield installation.
Stress Crack Auto Glass
It is important to have any windshield damage repaired as soon as possible. Even small cracks can grow larger over time, obstructing your vision while driving. In some cases, windshield damage may even cause your car to fail a safety inspection.
Auto glass, particularly windshields, are made with a two-step process:
- Making the Base Glass:
- The raw materials like sand, limestone, and recycled glass are mixed and heated to form molten glass.
- This molten glass is then floated on a bed of molten tin to create a flat sheet using the float glass process.
- The sheet is cut to size and tempered for additional strength. Tempering involves heating and rapidly cooling the glass, creating compressive stress on the surface, which makes it much stronger and more shatter-resistant.
- Lamination:
- Two pieces of tempered glass are placed on either side of a thin plastic layer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB).
- Heat and pressure are applied in an autoclave to bond the glass and plastic together.
- This creates laminated glass, which is the standard for windshields. The PVB layer holds the glass together even when it cracks, preventing shattering and improving occupant safety.
After lamination, the auto glass may undergo additional processes, such as shaping for curved windshields and adding features like antennas or rain sensors. Finally, the finished auto glass is assembled with plastic molding for installation in the vehicle.
You should repair or replace your auto glass depending on the damage’s size, location, and severity. Here’s a general guide:
Repair:
- Cracks smaller than a quarter-inch (6mm) in diameter.
- Cracks not located directly in the driver’s line of sight.
- Chips or bulls-eyes that are small and haven’t spread.
Replace:
- Cracks larger than a quarter-inch (6mm) in diameter.
- Cracks located directly in the driver’s line of sight.
- Cracks with chips or bulls-eyes at the ends, especially if they spread.
- Multiple cracks in the windshield.
- Visibility is impaired due to haze or debris within the laminated layer.
- The damage compromises the structural integrity of the glass, such as a deep crack or one near the edge.
Additionally, some states have laws requiring windshield replacement if the damage impairs the driver’s vision. It’s always best to consult a professional to assess the damage and recommend the best action.
Auto glass or windshield replacement Tulsa can be damaged by a variety of factors, both external and internal. Here are some of the most common causes:
Impact Damage:
- Road Debris: This is the leading culprit. Rocks, pebbles, and other objects kicked up by passing vehicles can chip or crack the windshield. The speed of impact plays a big role here; the faster you or the debris is traveling, the more likely it is to cause damage.
- Collisions: Accidents, even minor ones, can cause cracks or complete shattering of auto glass. This includes hitting objects like poles or running over curbs.
Environmental factors:
- Extreme Weather: Hailstones during storms can easily crack or even shatter windshields.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Sudden changes in temperature, from extreme heat to intense cold, can cause the glass to expand and contract rapidly. This stress can worsen existing cracks or chips or even cause new ones to appear, especially if there are already weak points.
Other factors:
- Poor Road Conditions: Driving on rough roads with potholes or encountering sudden bumps can put stress on the auto glass, potentially leading to cracks.
- Improper Installation: If the auto glass is not installed correctly during a replacement, it may be more susceptible to damage from vibrations or stress.
- Vandalism: Unfortunately, auto glass can be targeted by vandals, resulting in cracks or even complete shattering.
Less Common Causes:
- Theft Attempt: In some cases, breaking a car window is a way to gain entry during a theft attempt.
- Parking Brake Malfunction: A car rolling away due to a parking brake malfunction could put stress on the auto glass, causing damage.
