Windshield Repair Tulsa
Two main categories of windshield repair Tulsa breakage are damage caused by impact and stress cracks.
Damage Caused by Impact
- Star Break: Thus, this type of breakage looks like a star radiating outward from a central point of impact, typically caused by a small rock or pebble hitting the windshield repair Tulsa.
Star Break auto glass
- Bull’s Eye: Moreover, a bull’s-eye crack is a circular break with a central point of impact, much like a dartboard. It’s also caused by an object hitting the windshield repair Tulsa.
Bull’s Eye auto glass
- Half-Moon Crack: Similar to the bull’s eye, this type of crack is caused by something hitting the windshield and damaging the outer layer of the glass in a crescent moon shape.
HalfMoon Crack auto glass
- Combination Break: This type of breakage features more than one type of crack occurring at once. For instance, a star crack might have a line that extends into a long crack. With multiple types of damage, combination breaks typically require a complete windshield repair Tulsa.
Stress Cracks
- Long Crack: These are linear cracks that can spread over several inches and are often caused by sudden temperature changes or slamming car doors.
- Edge Crack: Edge cracks typically start at the edge of the windshield repair Tulsa and can be caused by improper installation, manufacturing defects, or road hazards
Edge Crack auto glass
- Stress Crack: Stress cracks develop gradually over time due to constant pressure or flexing of the windshield. They’re more common in older vehicles.Auto glass, particularly windshields, are built with a focus on safety and durability.
Here’s a breakdown of the manufacturing process:
- Float Glass Production:
- Raw materials like sand, limestone, and recycled glass are mixed and heated to form molten glass.
- This molten glass is poured onto a bed of molten tin, which creates a flat surface as the glass floats [1].
- The glass then cools and solidifies into large sheets.
- Tempering for Strength:
- The flat glass sheets are cut to size and then heated to around 630°C.
- Rapid cooling with air jets creates compressive stress on the surface, making the glass much stronger and shatter-resistant [2].
- This is tempered glass, used for car side and rear windows.
- Laminating the Windshield:
- For windshields, two pieces of tempered glass are used with a layer of poly-vinyl butyral (PVB) plastic sandwiched between them [1].
- Heat and pressure in an autoclave bond the PVB plastic to the glass pieces, creating a strong and resilient unit.
- The PVB holds the glass together even if it cracks, preventing shattering and ensuring driver and passenger safety.
- Shaping and Finishing:
- Windshields and some other windows may be molded into curved shapes using heat bending techniques.
- The edges are ground smooth, and the entire unit is inspected for quality before being assembled with a frame for installation.
Furthermore, you should repair or replace your auto glass depending on the size, location, and severity of the damage. 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 small bulls-eyes with no cracks extending from them.
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.
- Multiple cracks in the windshield.
- Visibility impaired due to haze or debris within the laminated layer.
- Tempered glass (not common in windshields) with any cracks.
Additional tips:
- It’s important to address any windshield damage promptly to prevent cracks from growing due to temperature changes or road vibrations.
- Even small chips can obstruct your vision if they are in your line of sight.
- Most states have laws against driving with a damaged windshield.
- Check with your insurance company as they may cover windshield repair or replacement.
Moreover, if you are unsure whether your auto glass needs repair or replacement, it’s always best to consult with a professional. Thus, they can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Causes of Damage
Auto glass can be susceptible to damage from various sources, both on the road and due to environmental factors. Here are some of the most common ways auto glass gets damaged:
- Road Debris: This is the leading culprit. Stones, pebbles, and other objects kicked up by passing vehicles can strike your windshield with enough force to cause chips, cracks, or even complete shattering. The speed you’re traveling at plays a big role here – the faster you’re going, the more impact a small piece of debris can have.
- Severe Weather: Hailstones are notorious for causing windshield damage due to their size and the force at which they fall. Extreme temperature swings, both hot and cold, can also stress the glass. Sudden heat can cause existing cracks to worsen, while cold temperatures can cause the glass to contract and create weak points.
- Poor Road Conditions: Hitting potholes or driving on rough roads can put stress on the auto glass, potentially leading to cracks or chips. Construction zones with uneven surfaces can pose a similar risk.
- Collisions: Accidents of all kinds, from minor fender benders to hitting an animal, can damage auto glass. This includes collisions with other vehicles or objects on the roadside.
- Improper Installation: If your windshield repair Tulsa isn’t installed correctly, it can be more vulnerable to damage from even minor stresses. This is why it’s important to have a professional handle windshield replacement.
- Vandalism: Unfortunately, auto glass can also be a target for vandalism, such as someone throwing an object at your car.
